Disc 1 contains the two symphonies recorded in pretty dismal sound, made worse by an LP transfer riddled with pops and clicks (there’s even an uncorrected skip at the beginning of Symphony No. 5’s finale). Although the Concerts Colonne Orchestra is certainly not a world-class ensemble and its tone is not particularly beautiful, it does manage to get through both works well enough. Jascha Horenstein’s interpretation is propulsive and straightforward, but otherwise it offers no unusual insights–and certainly nothing that you cannot hear in vastly superior sound from Karajan, Ormandy, and Szell.
The second disc is another matter entirely. Aside from the significantly improved sound (no pops and clicks here!), Horenstein leads an engaging performance of the Chout ballet suite, presenting a vivid dramaturgy through the finely characterized playing of the Paris Philharmonia Orchestra. (However, you’ll still need Järvi’s powerful Chandos recording to hear the full sonic splendor of this music.) Lieutenant Kijé is finer still under Horenstein’s brisk and energetic direction (particularly The Birth of Kijé, and Kijé’s Wedding). No, it doesn’t beat George Szell’s classic recording with the Cleveland Orchestra, but it lends credence to Horenstein’s storied reputation. Happily, Vox’s price allows you to feel less guilty about listening to only one of these two discs.
