Orchestral Masterpieces [Import]

I've heard a few different recordings of both the Concerto for Orchestra and Dance Suite by Bartok (and I've also played both of them in an orchestra.) In my opinion, this particular recording, while not the greatest ever, stands out from others because of the intense vigor which is always present, whether simmering beneath the mysterious opening melodies of the Concerto for Orchestra, or the gargantuan glissandos in the Dance Suite. Solti, like Bartok, was Hungarian (and he actually studied piano under him at the Budapest conservatory [which I was fortunate to visit this past summer],) so I think he captures the rustic flavor of the pieces very well, instead of just glossing over the less pretty aspects of the pieces as some orchestras are wont to do. All in all, a record that definitely has you dancing in some places, and staring into space in awe of eternity in others. Part of that is Bartok, and part of it is Solti.

If you haven't heard the Concerto for Orchestra, it's one of the masterpieces of Contemporary Classical music. It's nigh near impossible to describe music in words, so just give it a listen. If you've heard it before, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by this presentation.

This two disc set, recorded in the 1980's, gathers together arguably the key Bartok non-piano works for orchestra in a very convenient package. Every one of thee performances has reason to be considered to be one of the very finest if not the finest recordings made over the last 20 years or so.

Georg Solti, as an Hungarian, was naturally in sympathy with the Bartok idiom and thus we have unusually sympathetic interpretations of these works. The Chicago orchestra since Reiner's day has always been considered one of the finest orchestra in the States with arguably the most European sound. Their recording of the Concerto for Orchestra with Reiner is still considered to be an outstanding example of performance and recording combined. In this case the orchestra under Solti are able to match Reiner's achievement with the further advantage of more modern sonics. The main difference, interpretively, between the performance and Solti's earlier one with the LSO concerns the Tempo chosen for the 'couples' movement which Solti feels is more in line with Bartok's wishes in this CSO recording.

The two sets of dances are both ideal and the Dance Suite is played with brilliance and understanding. My personal preference for this piece is the predecessor with the LSO which seems to have an element of humour missing in this rather more driven account.

The Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta is wonderfully played, the best I have heard and the Miraculous Mandarin leaves little to be desired other than the whole ballet which is musically more satisfying being less truncated at the start and finish. The Divertimento is yet another wonderful performance if not entirely erasing the entirely Hungarian performance by Rolla and his orchestra on another fine Bartok disc. That offers less hard-driven performances giving an alternative view of Bartok which I find equally noteworthy and sympathetic.

The recordings are superb, the performances are superb and the value is superb. As a two disc set this seems to be untouchable and should be considered a priority by all interested purchasers.

Two disc CD at a rock bottom price but outstanding audio quality. Nice selection of pieces. The DECCA label is also a plus in this purchase.