This splendid disc was taped in early 1999 utilizing a simple pair of microphones, a custom built reel-to-reel tape deck, and a tube console. While the recording technology may be atavistic, the engineering is state-of-the-art. No noise reduction was employed, yet my less-than-golden ears fail to detect residual tape hiss enveloping the opulent analog sonics. The music, though, is what really matters. Sawallisch leads his well-groomed Philadelphia musicians through a well paced, sensitively balanced Liszt Les Preludes. The Dvorak overtures, undervalued showpieces all, benefit from zippy tempos, sensitive section playing, and intelligent dynamic scaling that points up the music’s symphonic implications. Whether you’re a hard-core audiophile or a music lover with low-end components, this winning release does the Sawallisch/Philadelphia team proud all around. Enthusiastically recommended!
