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| EMI (Full price) (CD) CDC7 47411-2 (63 minutes).
Digitally remastered from HMV ASD3117 (10/75). Text and translation included. |
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| LSO, Mata (5/84) RCD14550 |
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| Philh, Muti (4/85) CDC7 47100-2 |
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Among the digitally recorded versions of Orff's
cantata, Mata's RCA version is, all in all, the best recommendation, the sound both
brilliant and atmospheric, the work well placed, volatile and imaginative. The soloists
too are impressive with, to quote EG, "Barbara Hendricks's sensuous soprano tone
beautifully caught". Muti's is an analogue original and the CD transfer has not added
anything. In fact, as EG pointed out, there is "just a suspicion that the LP is more
open".
Now along comes Previn's mid-seventies analogue
version to sweep the board. This time the EMI engineers have a marked success on their
hands. The edge and the bite of the original are enhanced, and the remaining hiss is
cleverly controlled so that silent pauses remain silent and one only notices the
background slightly in some of the quieter vocal solos in the latter parts of the work.
The performance is a triumph, with a wonderful swagger, seductive rhythmic pointing and a
life-enhancing sense of joy conveyed in all life's earthly pleasures (indeed, the boys of
St Clement Danes obviously relish their participation in the joys of "Courtly
Love"). The soloists, too are splendid, Thomas Allen especially fine, but Sheila
Armstrong and Gerald English also characterizing strongly. The vigorous singing of the
main chorus is superbly projected and the range of mood is wide, conveying wit and quality
as well as an exuberant, bite. There are 25 access cues—absolutely vital in this
piece to find one's way about. Also a plus point: RG's notes are excellent. However, the
fat little booklet with its text and translation is not too easy to remove from its
plastic case because of its bulk.
IM