Fritz Reiner – Debussy: Iberia & Ravel: Alborado (200g LP)

The Absolute Sound Super Disc List 2016 TAS Harry Pearson Super LP List

“These are the best vinyl releases of RCA LPs I’ve yet heard.” – Jonathan Valin, executive editor, The Absolute Sound
Reviewer Anthony Kershaw calls Iberia “one of the few records that transcends engineering, and simply allows Debussy, Ravel, Reiner and his orchestra to make our souls a richer place.” This RCA is a “perfect” synthesis of interpretation, playing and sound.
The recording is rich in timbre and detail, and is beautifully transparent, identifying the accurate placement of instruments and the boundaries of Orchestra Hall’s stage. The soundfield is complete (depth and width) with the center boasting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s fabulous woodwind section.

As it seems to be on many great orchestral recordings, the percussion section steals the “audiophile” show. The percussionists’ playing in Iberia will amaze you with their crack ensemble and the way they accomplish quick changes in dynamics, these ranging from quiet delicacy to raw power. Conductor Fritz Reiner must have reveled in the sound of the castanets clicking merrily on his left and the different styles of tambourine technique employed by the section player on his right. From the softest stroke of a soft mallet on suspended cymbal to the superb timpani sound, Iberia is all that recorded percussion should be.

ID: RCA Victor Red Seal – LSC-2222, Analogue Productions – AAPC 2222