[SACD-R][OF] Dvorak & Walton Cello Concertos - Gregor Piatigorsky, Charles Munch – Boston S.O. – 1957/2005 (Classical)

Allmusic review by Blair Sanderson:
Even though many decades have passed since Gregor Piatigorsky performed Dvorák’s Cello Concerto in B minor and Walton’s Cello Concerto with Charles Münch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, his recordings still stand as profound achievements, rarely if ever matched for passionate expression, timbral clarity, and technical fluency. This reissue in RCA’s superb Living Stereo line is most welcome — indeed, its inclusion is de rigueur — for these recordings truly represent the high performance standards and technical advances for which the label has been esteemed. Piatigorsky’s 1960 performance of Dvorák’s concerto is deeply moving for its humane warmth and Romantic intensity; Münch, at the peak of his powers, draws brilliant colors and full textures from the glorious BSO. Walton’s concerto — dedicated to Piatigorsky and premiered by him — is more subdued and mysterious, and the work provides a striking contrast to Dvorák’s vigor and ebullience. Piatigorsky brings out Walton’s dark-toned lyricism with richness and delicacy, and this 1957 recording overflows with fine details and magical colors. The recording quality is superb, and the depth of sound is satisfying without studio enhancements.

Review by Ivymike July 29, 2005:
A wonderful SACD… I recently heard the Dvorak live and I found myself comparing that performance to that on this disc.
The sound is excellent, with a very wide soundstage that may surprise those not used to hi fi playback. The sense of depth is also fine. The RCA transfer issued in the 1990′s was apparently mastered from a protection or safety dupe and suffered from a horrendous tape splice about seven minutes into the first movement; I used to cringe in anticipation of that evil edit and the change in timbre and lurch it caused in the soundfield. I’m glad to say that edit is not in evidence on this transfer. The sense of Piatigorsky being present is enhanced by the three-channel playback and this is the preferred listening mode if you have the proper equipment.
Review by Coffee Kev October 18, 2005:
I had trepidation buying this disc based upon the above review. I almost didn’t, but I finally gave in. My benchmark is Jacqueline Du Pre’s unbelievably passionate performance amidst Sargent’s very supportive conducting.
This disc has an equally passionate performance and it has a better balance. I heard no fatigue, but perhaps what one reviewer hears as fatigue another hears as sensitive meditation from a soloist who actually listens to the orchestra while he’s playing! I’d have to say Piatigorksy’s performance is just a different but equally valid emotion, like comparing gospel singing to Gregorian chant, both equally spiritual, but stylistically very different.
As far as sound goes, it’s the best I’ve heard from Living Stereo and perhaps the best I’ve heard from my stereo period! The soloist to orchestra balance is just about perfectly even, which means the orchestra is considered an equal part by the engineers. I prefer that to the “I’m ready for my closeup now Mr De Mille” balance used by most producers in order to highlight the “STAR”.
I respect the above reviewer, but I strongly urge you to spend the ten bucks and discover this gem for yourself.
Review by stvnharr February 15, 2005:
This is my first of the second edition of the Living Stereo releases. I’ve had the Dvorak on XRCD for some time, and found it pretty well done. But the new sacd is a cut above. And it also includes the Walton Cello Concerto as well, while the XRCD only has the Dvorak. In fact I find this to be one of the finest of the Living Stereo sacds. You really get a feel for the passion in the playing of Gregor Piatigorsky.
Compared to the Maisky/Mehta sacd recording of Dvorak, this one is much preferred.

Gregor Piatigorsky- cello
Charles Munch - conductor
Djston Sympfony Orchestra