“Analogue Productions’ reissue of the RCA Living Stereo titles continues apace with one of the great masterpieces of the twentieth century – Béla Bartók’s Concerto For Orchestra with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Fritz Reiner. … (it) is is an audiophile’s dream recording. It has string tone to die for, a soundstage that fills your living room, and exhibits startling dynamics. … if you pass on this issue, you will miss out on what is the best-sounding pressing of this LP. In combination with great remastering, pressing on whisper quiet vinyl, and packaging in a first-class record sleeve, this is a bargain.” Recording = 10/10; Music = 10/10 – Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi +, Issue 121
“These are the best vinyl releases of RCA LPs I’ve yet heard.” — Jonathan Valin, executive editor, The Absolute Sound
Since its original 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. 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. The original 2-track session tapes were used in mastering for LPs and SACDs. Reiner delivers definitive interpretations that set a standard that remains unsurpassed.
1. Allegro vivace
2. Allegretto scherzando
3. Andante, non troppo
4. Allegretto
5. Pesante