Paul Paray

A fine, but not enrapturing collection of French masterpieces: Lalo's Overture to LE ROI D'YS, and Suite No. 1 from NAMOUNA, the first stereo recording of Barraud's OFFRANDE A UNE OMBRE, and Chausson's wondrous Symphony. Mercury is still justly celebrated for its recording-qulaity decades after these efforts. The stereo separation is tasteful and effective, while the overall clarity of the recorded sound is tops. Actually, the only reason I didn't give this a full five stars is my lack of enthusiam for Paray's interpretation of the Chausson. In aggregate, this is an excellent introduction to three generations of French orchestral music, and thus highloyt recommended to those unfamiliar with this tradition.… (meer)