Tag: Boston Pops Orchestra

Title: Arthur Fiedler, Boston Pops Orchestra – Jacques Offenbach – Gaite Parisienne / Rossini, Respighi – La boutique fantasque (2004)
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Anyone who knows the history of this recording knows it ranks as one of the best, most beloved recordings in the Classical genre. It was so well recorded in 1954 that even the 1993 CD reissue could do it no harm. The 2002 JVC XRCD2 definitely & dramatically bested the ’93 reissue, & this SACD far surpasses the JVC undertaking. The effortlessness & naturalness of the sound contained on this SACD is astounding. The smoothness of the strings bounding in & out of the mix (not to mention the woodwinds & brass), the precisely placed percussion enhancing this lighthearted romp, the pacing & coherence of the entire score, & the refined & tight grip on the bass drums, bass viols & cellos, combine to make this far & away the best iteration of RCA Living Stereo’s Offenbach: Gaîté Parisienne in the digital domain. If you have either of the above reissue CDs, you will not be disappointed, or even pleasantly surprised, by this new SACD rendering of this monumental recording – you will be BLOWN AWAY!! This SACD reissue is a veritable time machine that transports you back to June 18, 1954, Symphony Hall in Boston, Orchestra Center, Row A, & leaves you wondering how your listening room grew so enormous (& how Arthur Fiedler still lives). This is a revolutionary reissue of THE revolutionary Classical recording that will leave you, your ears & your mind spinning in utter disbelief at its impeccable quality, dramatic dynamics, scintillating percussion & orchestra, & matchless realism. This is Living Stereo at its MOST ALIVE! You certainly cannot spend your musical entertainment dollars on anything better. and…. Not much to add to the other reviews. I am impressed how close this SACD comes to the original “Living Stereo” release. ~~ Amazon review by Richard Falgione

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