George Szell - Mahler, Walton, Stravinsky (1959) [2001 SACD]

These originals date from 1959, early in the stereo era. Firebird Number Two for this month turns out to be typically precise a la Szell, not as richly limned as Robert Shaw’s but also not as dry as old Igor himself. It’s probably not the prime attraction of this SACD, which would be the other two works. For the non-extended two-movement all-Mahler version of his No. 10, Szell’s is one of the best. Very moving and elegiac; the subtle soft passages here communicate so much more when they’re not lost in noise or shadowy sonics. The Walton Partita was a favorite of Szell’s. It’s a highly original three-movement work ending in a brilliant Burlesque Gigue. The entire piece has a very happy demeanor to it not found in many symphonic works today. One can only smile at its conclusion – especially in the rich and detailed sonics provided by this DSDing.
Review at Audiophile Audition

Tracks:

Mahler: Symphony No. 10
1. I. Andante – Adagio
2. III. Purgatorio
Walton: Partita for Orchestra (1957)
3. I. Toccata – Brioso
4. II. Andantino – Allegretto scherzando – Andantino
5. III. Giga Burlesca – Allegro gioviale
Stravinsky: Firebird Suite (1919)
6. I. Introduction
7. II. The Firebird And Its Dance
8. III. Variation Of The Firebird
9. IV. The Princesses’ Round
10. V. Infernal Dance Of King Kashchei
11. VI. Lullaby
12. VII. Finale

Personnel:

The Cleveland Orchestra
George Szell (conductor)