This Mercury Living Presence release was notable for combining both of these large-scale symphonies on one disc, making it a remarkable package–albeit with one major caveat. The Rachmaninov employs what used to be the standard cuts that in some passages make his great symphony sound closer to the work of a third-rate composer like Kalinnikov. Still, Paray offers a vibrant and moving rendition, with lively playing by the Detroit Symphony. The close-perspective recording reveals every detail of Rachmaninov’s score, especially his aggressive low-string writing.
The microphones are placed a little farther back for the Franck, which also receives an excellent performance (no cuts, of course). Paray’s strong and straightforward interpretation plays up the work’s classical underpinnings while giving the music’s surging passion its due. Again, the Detroit musicians play handsomely (notwithstanding the occasional less-than-impeccable string intonation). This disc was a real value when originally issued, and it’s just as much so now in Arkivmusic.com’s welcome “on-demand” re-release.
