As usual, Karajan is unsurpassed in capturing the majesty of the score. Here the atmosphere is more subdued than in his subsequent recordings, with much of the Olympian control marking the 1975 remake but notably warmer phrasing and a more natural acoustic. The greatest liability here, I think, is the mid-range-heavy EMI sound, reproduced here, at least, with satisfying clarity. (I haven't heard the various official alternatives on CD.) There is room for more dynamic interpretations, and I would not want this as my sole recording, but I wouldn't want to be without it, either. Five stars for the unforced eloquence and grand sweep, culminating in a thoroughly moving final coda.
24/96 PCM Flac Digital Download
