VIVALDI. Violin Cti - La Stravaganza. R.Podger (SACD) [Hybrid SACD]

This is a truly outstanding recording and performance. Audiophiles rejoice! Channel Classics tend to be very good SACDs, but this gem is above even their usual high standards.

This is by far the best sounding SACD I have. Very well played and incredible recording. Podger is in top form as is the ensemble.this is a 2 disc set, so it is also a bargain!

I have the regular two CD set and found the reverberent recording site, and the bunched and closely miked instruments, well, rather difficult at times for my stereo to handle. There was some pre-rumble also. Sometimes with the regular CD issue the general effect was that heavier strings during forte passages all but knocked my speakers over. (See the Allegro assai - sounding eerily like a percursor of the those extra-ordinary dynamic cross-hatchings in Beethoven's symphonies!)

So, in an attempt to better enjoy a great 2 CD set I purchased the SACD Hybrid. Those of you who wish can buy this version and later add a SACD player. When played through a SACD system some of these problematic tendencies noted above are less intrusive. Not all of them, for there remains too much detail of incidental sound. Yet the strings do sound more natural, and the instruments' all gain with the SACD. So before buying the regular consider a few extra dollars and try the SACD hybrid. When I played it (This Hybrid SACD) on a regular CD player there was some difference in the bass balance, but nothing like the changes evident when played on the SACD machine.

The performances are just sensational - with at times an almost symphonic power and punch you would not expect. Rachel Podger never dominates the proceedings, and the music's great range and originality as ensemble writing gains. I completely agree with all the positive reviews, which can be found on Amazon under the regular CD issue, and frankly am surprised anyone found something (other than the sound) to nitpick about.

Absolute top choice!