About Leontyne Price

• Biography

About Fritz Reiner

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Since its early beginnings in 1953, RCA's Living Stereo sound has remained one of the most satisfying sound reproduction techniques, capturing the lush timbres and fiery characters of some of America's greatest orchestras and conductors. Now being re-released on SACD, these masterful recordings are finally able to be heard as they were recorded -- on multiple channels. This particular album features the music of Spanish composers de Falla, Albéniz, and Granados with the Chicago Symphony under Fritz Reiner. The orchestra brilliantly captures the sultry, sassy flair of "El amor brujo." Together with soprano Leontyne Price -- whose penetrating, throaty sound is ideally suited for this work -- Reiner and the CSO deliver a performance that draws listeners in from the beginning and leaves them wanting more by the end. Regrettably, the liner notes do not provide listeners with a text/translation, but such information is available on the Internet for those interested. The music of Albéniz and Granados, while performed with just as much fervor, is given a less comprehensive treatment than de Falla. Three brief movements from Albéniz's "Iberia" and one movement from "Goyescas" of Granados make it regrettable that this is not a two- or even three-disc set. Still, this album is sure to please and is deserving of a home in virtually any collection. Mike Brownell, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

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