Debussy by Cambreling
- From: "Ed in Seattle" <pep38@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2005 19:12:05 -0700
Debussy: La Mer; Images for Orchestra, Sacred and Profane Dances. I bought
this Hannsler CD (93067) after reading favorable reviews in the May issues
of Fanfare and ARG, but before reading the very negative review in The
Gramaphone. I listened to this CD more than a half dozen times to sort out
my reactions:
Performances: Pleasant, well-proportioned, and, well, bland. Probably the
most damning comment I can make is that, while listening, my mind kept
wandering to hardware items needed from Home Depot, wondering whether my car
is due a service, and how to refinish our utility room floor-the
music-making rarely engaged me.
Sound: Both Fanfare and ARG reviewers praise the sound, citing the
orchestral detail and the deep bass that underlies parts of-especially-La
Mer. The Gramaphone describes it as "undistinguished." Yes, you can hear
some details and the balance is realistic; but the sound is rather opaque
with soft edges, and the lower the frequencies, the more muddy the sound. I
'd describe the sound as "muzzy." I don't know if this is results from the
recording venue, the conductor, the orchestra, or the sound engineering. I
compared this recording of Iberia to the Telarc recording conducted by
Lopez-Cobos. The Telarc CD also had a realistic balance with ample bass;
but the sound remained clear and open. Although Lopez-Cobos is not a
charismatic conductor, the reading was engaging throughout.
Conclusion : If The Gramaphone was especially harsh, then Fanfare and ARG
were especially forgiving. At mid-price, Munch provides fervid advocacy,
Reiner gives deeply satisfying readings, Stokowski provides vivid, lush
colors, Boulez provides an x-ray of these score, and Haitink provides
especially refined playing, although none of them duplicates this program
exactly. At full price, I cannot recommend it. YMMV.
.
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