In my original review of the stereo edition of these performances, I noted that good as the playing is, and despite Paavo Järvi’s often intriguingly cool approach (reminiscent of Paul Paray), the competition in this repertoire is simply too strong to earn the release more than a “7”. Re-listening on SACD, in multichannel format, causes me to reevaluate this judgment. Sonically this has to be one of the finest examples of the potential of the new medium. The climaxes of La Valse and Bolero, which sounded dynamically restrained and a touch flat in regular stereo (and very good regular stereo at that), open out in multichannel sound to the extent that their internal clarity gives the interpretations just that extra edge of excitement.
Similarly, the diaphanous textures of the Mother Goose Suite now inhabit the listening space with a positively luminous presence. Daphnis et Chloë’s “dawn” sequence happily suggests something of the necessary ecstasy, thanks to richer textures and clearer instrumental placement–and all of this without excessive rear-channel emphasis. That doesn’t make these performances fabulous: the Daphnis suite’s General Dance never really takes off, and Boléro still lacks cumulative power, but listening to what Järvi does achieve is a real pleasure where previously it was something of a chore. So 7/9 becomes 8/10, and if you have SACD capability then do give this a shot. The sonics alone will captivate you. [4/5/2004]