Amazon.com essential recording: Since its release on LP in the mid-1950s, Fritz Reiner's rendition of the Concerto for Orchestra has stood as the standard against which all other recordings of the work are measured. Even after all these years, the recording remains just as convincing and authoritative. Reiner's superb control of his orchestra and of Bartók's rhythms and textures is still unsurpassed, even by dozens of subsequent conductors in the digital age. Likewise, the Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta shows just what an incredible ensemble the Chicago Symphony was under Reiner's direction. This umpteenth reissue, in RCA's Living Stereo series, promises to be the one to have, its sonics noticeably improved over the earlier CD release in 1989. --David Vernier
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Blown Away!
The old LP of this recording was my introduction to the Bartok Music for Strings Percussion and Celeste when I was a kid in the 1950s. What a treat to find it again after all these years! The clarity, ... Read More
Rating: - My introduction to Bartok
I'm not sure where to put my review. I actually purchased the SACD version of this album, but as I don't have an SACD player, what I'm listening to is the CD version (i.e., the product on this page). ... Read More
Rating: - An historic performance!
Thank goodness that this one is still available. Here, we have a brilliant rendering of some of Bartok's more popular works and Fritz Reiner at his very best. This is one of the great classical music performances ... Read More
Rating: - Essential Recordings
Fritz Reiner was the driving force behind Bela Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra. Reiner and Bartok had been friends for over 40 years having met as piano students at the Budapest Academy. The composer had been in ... Read More
Rating: - Only Boulez/Chicago gets 5 Stars
Sorry Reiner fans.
3 things I do not like about this recording that keeps it at a 4 star level.
First i do not like "iron rod" style conducting. The importance of Musicality is pushed aside to justify ... Read More
- Only Boulez/Chicago gets 5 Stars