Hearing this performance in SACD multichannel format changes nothing with respect to its considerable interpretive merits, but it’s a big improvement technically. Now, in addition to an interpretation full of good ideas and ear-catching detail, we have that definite three-dimensional quality that only surround sound offers with such ease. Along with a real feeling of hall ambience, we also get more natural instrumental perspectives: that obnoxiously prominent solo flute in the funeral march now sticks out much less obtrusively, while balances in general (but particularly between brass and strings) have great definition and naturalness.
I’m still not quite convinced by the excessive use of the rear channels: no real concert hall has reflections as prominent as these coming from behind, but the advantages certainly outweigh (in this instance) any quibbles on that score. Even on a cheap surround system, this recording sounds terrific, and on high-end equipment it’s truly resplendent. If you have the option, multichannel format’s definitely the way to go here, and this disc makes an excellent case for it. [3/12/2003]
