Classic RCA "Living Stereo" recording in a hybrid CD/SACD remastering! These are audiophile quality "high fidelity" true stereo reissues from RCA and BMG Classics. They were recorded in March 1954, a full 4 years before the invention of the stereo LP record. RCA engineers of that period were some of the best in the business and these sound as if they were recorded today!
Splendid performance and, if possible, even better sonics
Wow.....utterly amazing! The depth of these performances is stunning. The sonics of these 1954 recordings are absolutely incredible. The soundstage is wide AND transparent AND deep (particularly on Zarathustra). It's as though the RCA engineers knew exactly how to mike and record these performances in the relatively new stereo medium -- which they really didn't, since this is one of their first efforts. Reiner (almost needless to say) is nearly impeccable in his interpretation of R. Strauss. This SACD definitely stands up to the original LP pressings -- which is saying a lot, as those are (rightfully) among the most lauded SD releases in the catalogue.