Lagom är sämst

Label: DECCA

I know many people hold old DECCA recordings in high esteem. I do not know if it is the CD mastering that is off, but the sound quality of this recording is nothing special. There timbre of the instruments are OK and resolution is good. However, soundstage is rather cramped, there is very little air between instruments and the dynamic range is very low. There is a clearly audible bass drum, but it lacks some punch. That is what I feel about this version in general. Technically playing is top notch, but some atmospheric parts are rushed, there is a lack of ‘bite’ in the brass and bass lacks punch. This is not a version that gets me in the mood for a riot.

Artistic: 3

Sound: 3

Bass drum: 3

Performers: Bancroft/Malmö Symphony Orchestra

Any lover of the rite of spring should see it live sometime. Even if good recordings and HiFi equipment can be very impressive, there is something physical about a live performance with almost 100 musicians that cannot be beaten.

Sound and bass drum is of course perfect since they are the ground truth 😊 I think Bancroft did a very good interpretation, the quit parts were done with sensitivity and the loud ones were full of tension and rhythmic precision. The Malmö Symphony Orchestra performed flawlessly in spite of the very complex music.