2. music
  3. 1205853118

Your favorite Sheherazade LP ?

I heard a 1962 recording of Eugene Ormandy conducting the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra this weekend at my father-in-law's house which was brilliant! I forget the record label, but it had a scematic of the orchestra layout on the back and all the recording details. I've been looking for it, and would appreciate any guidance you could provide. Or is there a different recording which is more highly recommended?
rosedanny
jdaniel13
129 posts
 
I'm glad you liked it, but it was on the Columbia label, and Columbia recording engineers did a criminal disservice to Ormandy and the Philly strings. Neither I nor my parents would buy anything that was *not* Ormandy when I was young. That said, he has been surpassed in this material both interpretively and sound-wise. There's the evergreen Beecham on EMI with the most delectable winds ever. There's Svetlanov and the LSO on EMI, a spectacular recording, (Bishop/Parker), and an informed performance. I have a soft spot for Ansermet's with the Paris Concervatory Orchestra (on London Treasury or Blueback here in the States), because of the old-school winds and brass.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
My Beecham with the Royal Philharmonic is on the Angel (EMI) label.
Catalog number is AE-34417

Also check out these if you come across them:

Kondrashin, Concertgeboux; Philips 9500-681

Monteux, London Symphony; London/Decca STS-15158

Previn, Vienna Philharmonic; Philips 6514-231
.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Beecham/RPO, EMI ASD 251 (Testament reissue)

Reiner/CSO, RCA LSC 2446
.
rosedanny OP
80 posts
 
Thanks. It's easy to get in above one's head when it comes to classical music, but I know I can rely on fellow A-goners to guide a relative newcomer in the right directions. It was the FIRST time I had heard Sheherazade! I thought the imaging and soundstage were very good, but I may have been taken by the beautiful music. The timbre of the instruments--especially woodwinds--was mediocre. I will certainly check out the recordings you suggested, especially the Beecham, which is on all three of your responses.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Don't overlook Rushtons 2d nomination. Reiner and the CSO, is IMHO, more exciting and an outstanding recording. One of the great RCA Living Stereo's. It can't be beat! And audiophiles will nod their approval as well.

Beecham's is also excellent and a worthy 2d best to Reiner's. It smooth and flows beautifully, but it is not IMHO as exciting as Reiners.

There are a lot of excellent recordings of this piece, and I have my fair share, but all but the above 2 are superflous.

Enjoy..........
More to discover