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Title: Top of the pops
Review: To wipe the dust off of showpieces is a rewarding task if it succeeds. Espana Rhapsody by Chabrier had never sounded livelier than here, the sudden turning point after the first movement is more than surprising, the Spanish sentiment is all there. As far away is the taste of Scandinavia in Sibelius' Finlandia; here are no fjords or dark woods or cold rocks, if you like to here them through the music listen to the interpretation of Ashkenazy with the Pilharmonia Orchestra on Decca (1981-82). Also, Capriccio Italien by Tchaikovsky lacks the military element which is so apparent on Dorati's Mercury Living Presence record with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra (recorded in 1955!). The Moldau by Smetana is made exceptable by the lack of romanticism. And again the brilliance of this Reference Recording does more than credit to the performance of Mr. Oue's orchestra.
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