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Editorial Reviews

Among the label's earliest explorations of stereo reproduction, these vivid, historic recordings by Charles Münch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra have been staples of RCA's catalog and reissued many times over the years in all formats. This 2005 SACD in the refurbished Living Stereo series presents the two-track analog recordings of Ravel's "Boléro," "La valse," and "Rapsodie espagnole," which were recorded 1955-1956, and the 1957 three-track recording of Debussy's Images, all reprocessed through DSD and multichannel technology to impressive effect. After hearing Münch and the BSO at their peak in these spectacular performances, one can only feel grateful that RCA took such loving care in preserving the original masters. However, listeners should be advised of this SACD's limitations and of one important problem. On surround sound systems, the Ravel works will only be heard on the front left and right channels, and the Debussy will be heard on left, center, and right channels. Audiophiles will appreciate the exceptionally clean sound and evergreen orchestral sonorities, but also feel that the enhanced stereo is nothing extraordinary. But of more serious concern to owners of standard CD players, this SACD will not play on some older models, despite RCA's claims of compatibility. Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

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