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Reviews: Debussy: Orchestral Works - Haitink

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Reviews: 1

Site review by akiralx December 20, 2005
Performance:   Sonics:
Outstanding interpretations from Haitink and his orchestra, with excellent stereo sound.

I've never heard the Philips Duo which contains these recordings or any previous incarnations (even the original LPs were highly regarded by audiophiles), but on this SACD from Japan the refinement is remarkable, with superb presence and detail. The soundstage does seem wider than with a normal CD recording, which I suppose is the acid test. I was delighted anyway, even though the disc is quite expensive.

Performance-wise, Haitink's handling of these works is excellent. I've long been an admirer of Karajan's 1964 La Mer, and this is at least its equal, and in superior sound of course. The Nocturnes are in the same class, while the disc begins with a very sensuous and languid Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un Faune - this is very beautifully played indeed and never outstays its welcome even at well over 11 minutes.

I can't fault these performances at all, though Monteux's Iberia with the LSO is very special (though it can't compare sonically of course).

A fabulous reissue, strongly recommended.