Monday, May 30th, 2011
Two new Cincinnati Symphony reissues can be found on Klassic Haus Restorations; Bruckner’s 7th symphony and Tchaikovsky’s 6th symphony, both conducted by Max Rudolf. Rudolf’s Decca (US) recordings were often overshadowed by the big-name orchestras during the 60s, but the recordings and the interpretations transcribed were always at least quite good, and in some instances, as in the recordings featured here, outstanding. Max Rudolf’s reading of Bruckner’s most popular symphony is no nonsense, thoughtful, and solidly played by the Cincinnati Symphony (one of my favorite American orchestras). The Tchaikovsky taping is my favorite recording of his 6th symphony; again, no lingering or swooning, instead playing what is on the page. The third movement (Allegro molto vivace) is worthy of a demo on any modern audio rig; terrific wide-spread soundstage, with bass drum thwacks that will get you to sit up! The Cincinnati Music Hall acoustics, second to none, are captured in all its’ glory in both recordings.
The Wagner “Ring” selections played by the Pittsburgh Symphony with William Steinberg conducting come from a Command reel tape, and are companions to the CSO Tchaikovsky recording. Enoch Light’s production crew produced some spectacular recordings with the PSO during the early 60s, and this taping from 1962 is demo-class. All of these recordings deserve to be reissued, and I hope you will check them out on my site. Cheers – Curt Timmons