Original Masters - George Szell CD

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 Szell at his best, outside Cleaveland
Most collectors who know Szell through Cleaveland must buy this. Szell was much more relaxed and not has tense with European orchestras. This set is fille with definitive performances. The Beethoven 5th symphony is much better than his version in Cleavelend. There is also an AWESOME version of the Tchaikovsky 4. Possibly one of the finest versions you'll hear. Recorded magnificantly by Decca, this is one to ravish your ears with. After hearing this version by Szell, you'll throw away your version by Ormandy. There is only two mono recordings, the Dvorak 8 and the Brahms 3. Both of which he remade with Cleaveland. This time it with the Concertgebow and interpretively, it is very close to his remakes in Cleaveland, but overall, I feel that his Cleaveland versions are better. This set also contains what has to be the best Water Music (Harty arrangement) you'll hear. If you've become acustomed to period performances, listen to this and see if you can still listen to the period recordings of it. This a great set with good notes and good photos. This is a must buy!
Submitted by brianphoto (Manteca, CA) 
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