Klarinet Archive - Posting 000404.txt from 1998/10

From: HatNYC62@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Dvorak Recording
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1998 10:41:08 -0400

I got to thinking about Marcellus after the last post, and I realized I should
mention a fairly recent cd release on the "Masterworks Heritage" seried Sony
classical has started. These are the cardboard cover rereleases with the
original lp covers reproduced.

One of the most recent is the Szell recordings of the last 3 Dvorak
Symphonies. If you are interested in these pieces and also in very great
clarinet playing, take a listen. Dvorak 7 is one of the most difficult pieces
out there, and they play it tremendously. Hearing Marcellus play the slow
movement solos, which are so hard to do with a good sound and good intonation
between registers is a free lesson in itself. The other performances are no
less great. The second clarinet player on all of the symphonies is James
Rettew and he is also outstanding.

Plus you get a recording of Szell's orchestration of the Smetena string
quartet, recorded in the late 40s. A chance to hear Bernard Portnoy play very
nicely.

The sound of the remasterings is pretty good. Some of the other remasterings
in the series (like the Schumann Symphonies) sounded even better. There is
tape hiss, but the dynamics are better than any previous release I have heard.
These recordings will never have Reiner/RCA sonics, but the quality of the
playing is worth it. Would enjoy hearing comments, especially from those who
hear these recordings for the first time!

David Hattner, NYC

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