Bernstein earned raves for this performance on LP, and one can see why. The NYP plays with utter conviction and a good deal of virtuosity. And Bernstein leads with care and sensitivity. Still, the Columbia Records LP simply did not reproduce the sound that is captured by the mics in this recording, and the CD reissue didn't help matters.
With HDTT's DXD transfer, one can finally hear all of the orchestra, hear all of the sound that is on the tape. And it is an exhilarating experience.
While this performance may not match the utter intensity of Bernstein's later live recording with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (DGG 2006), that recording is only available in 24-96 or CD, with not nearly the sound quality of this DXD transfer.
In looking for yet other DXD/DSD alternatives, the field is limited. One might consider the Noseda/LSO performance available in DSD256/DXD from NativeDSD, but it is a very different interpretation; very good, but not the monumental overwhelming intensity of Bernstein. And Bernstein's interpretation is one I need in my library because it is foundational, sui generis. As a reviewer back in the day commented, "Bernstein’s performance is so imposing that it is difficult to evaluate objectively, as its monumental weight alone can bowl one over to such an extent as to prevent one from making balanced relative judgements about other recordings... --Raymond Clarke, Music-Web International, August 1997.
This is another excellent DXD transfer from HDTT. The sound quality is clear, clean, open and dynamic. Yes, it is a Columbia recording for better and worse. But this is the best reissue of this Columbia recording that I've heard and a pleasure to add to my library.
24/352.8 DXD PCM Flac Digital Download
