I must disagree with the reviewer who complained of the recording quality of this release. I found the sound to be of a good, high quality FM broadcast, the sort of thing for which the BSO engineers were renowned. The soundstage is gratifyingly wide and there is exemplary depth and impact in the lower strings in particular, all aided and abetted by magnificent brass and woodwind contributions, powerful timpani and some sensational percussion.
Steinberg's flowing and unforced interpretation, closer to Kubelik than Bernstein, allows this inherently portentous and dramatic score to speak (and sing) for itself--although the "opening of the graves" sequence in the finale is absolutely hair-raising!
What makes it even more special for me is the fact that when Steinberg and the BSO performed the work in Carnegie Hall after the Boston performances I was among the packed house that experienced a rare evening of superb music-making. Having this recording now, thanks to HDTT, makes for a thing to be treasured--and takes one back to a time in one's youth when attending performances as superb as this one in a great venue was absurdly inexpensive. Bravo tutti!
Budget Compact Disc (No Jewel Box only Disc)
