Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition - London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras - Vanguard Classics - VSD509 (2001)
SACD rip via PS3 to iso (3.11GB) | 24bit/88.2kHz flac | Mch (1.69GB) (+3.59dB gain) | 2ch (825MB) DR13 (+4.31dB gain) | Classical


------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mussorgsky works were recorded in All Hallows Church, Gospel Oak, London, in July 1973. This is an 8-track original analogue recording presented here in 5ch.  The orchestra was spread around the conductor, so we hear some instruments come from the rear which perhaps some listeners might find a bit disconcerting, although I enjoy it very much. Even the conductor wouldn't hear the music like this while on the podium in a regular concert environment; however, it is a pleasant if unusual listening experience. Audio buffs will relish the wide dynamic range of these recordings—no question that sonically this is 1 of the finest recordings of Pictures. While these 2 works made a rather short LP in their original issue, it is inexcusable to have such brief playing time on CD.

AudAud review:
This 1973 session in All Hallows Church, London, was also recorded on 8 tracks by Vanguard. There’s certainly no shortage of hi-res Pictures to compete. We just reviewed the classic Slatkin version in its Mobile Fidelity reissue back in March. Mackerras brings us a less dramatic reading than did Slatkin. The pickup is similarly close up but the Vanguard has a more precise soundstage. But there is less of a feeling of the surround field than with the Petrouchka above. So it is surprising when towards the end of Bydlo (track 7) the snare drum comes in loudly from the surround channels. Was this intended musically or due to itchy engineer fingers on the pot? The filler from Khovanshchina is a good choice though the high strings sound a bit strident.
~John Sunier      

Sunier on Hi-Res:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue2/sunierhirez2.htm


     Tracks:

01-Promenade
02-Gnomus
03-Promenade
04-Il Vecchio Castello
05-Promenade
06-Tuileries
07-Bydlo
08-Promenade
09-Ballet of Little Chicks in Their Shells
10-The Polish Jews
11-Limoges
12-Catacombae
13-Cum Mortuis in Lingua Mortua
14-The Hut on Hen's Legs
15-The Great Gate of Kiev
16-Khovanschina - Prelude

     Time: 37:22

     Musicians:

London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras


** perception1111 **


http://www.filefactory.com/folder/5d996887ada2872a
------------------------------------------------------------------
Checksum for iso:
dd2d99f4baa445b43cdd1dd4300c0465 *LPO_Mackerras - Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition.iso