I was a child in the 1960's 70's I recall many RCA Living Stereo albums mostly from my grandmothers album collection of classical and adult contemporary favorites of the 1960's. What really struck me as a kid was the stunning, beautiful deep red "Dynagroove" label on the disc with the dark shaded His Masters Voice dog and Gramophone blended in. the most beautiful HMV label ever. The sound quality of the classical music on them was very good for its era.
So enjoying this series. Offenbach is so underrated, but fortunately has been getting first rate recordings in recent years. I saw a wonderful production of one of his operettas years ago in UK. This work is a delight - fascinating to hear all the background you gave us and the Boston connection. It's one of Karajan's best recordings (from the 60s) and I also have Solti's WB Decca which is sonically superior. But I just picked up this AP reissue and can't wait to take it for a spin. BTW, if you're ever in Paris, pay a visit to the Vagenende Brasserie on Blvd. St. Germain. It's like walking into the Belle Epoque with its curved, carved mahogany walls inset with mirrors - and the food is fabulous. The world of late Offenbach come to life.
I used to prefer Fiedlers version over Solti but currently I can’t choose between the 2. Mark I suspect you have already seen the Powell and Pressburger film The Tales of Hoffman but if not you have to see it. The sumptuous visuals combined with Beecham conducting Offenbach is one of cinemas finest musical moments.
@@analogueanorak1904 I haven't seen it in a while, but it's on my list for a rewatch. I have the Criterion blu-ray. It is fabulous!!! Seek out some of the videos online of Martin Scorsese talking about how influential and important a film it is for him Michael, if you haven't seen it, try and do so.
You mention Jonathan Valin. For many years I wondered what had happened to the author of some of the most ingenious and atmospheric crime novels of the 1980s and wondered what had happened to him. Now I know!
Thank you for reviewing these gems! I have both AP and original SD of the LSC 1817. The original is more extended highs, even larger soundstage, and just more transparent. This is the best sounding RCA I have heard and along with the Paray Chabrier Mercury SR90212 my favorite sounding record.
These can't be long enough! Love it. Luckily have both of those pressings you showed (as well as the 4xLP s/sided Classic version of the Brahms - which is nominally more sweet than the single disc 33rpm cut). You should compile all your notes and transcribe them for a modern addendum to the RCA LS bible ;) - Happy New Year, MJ!
Another compelling recording of Gaite Parisienne is the Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra under Felix Slatkin. The original pressing is on Capitol records “Full Dimensional Sound” with the good band on the top of the record cover. I have this and the Living Stereo original in stereo and mono and I can say the Capitol Records recording can give the RCA a run for its money. I don’t think the Capitol is well known.
I managed to find an original years ago; it sounds fantastic. The bass drum has great impact, the depth is great and the treble...sparkles. It's a quiet tape, too, although the dynamic range of the music the widest. The Brahms, I find, has some 'hole in the middle' and the odd RCA 'giant piano' sound but I enjoy the performance. Edit: it was recorded in April, 1954.
Thank you for another great review. In "The Audiophile Record Collector's Handbook" by Phil Rees, Rees notes that James Mitchell gave ithe 1817 a 10++ rating and considered those rated thus among the best of all the RCA LSC records. Curiously, he has no listing for LSC 1831. Glad you caught the pronunciation of "gay-tay" Parisienne, and I would add that the more academic pronunciation of Hades is "hay-dees" ... Please do keep these reviews coming - they are superb.
I usually try to double check pronunciations before I film. For some reason I recalled this word pronounced with a silent T, but double checking I can see that you’re correct and that the “te” is audible. Sorry for the mistake.
This is such a great video. I love the information you provide. Living Stereo titles are understadably my favorites. More please.
Thanks, I appreciate it, I'll keep the LPs coming!
LOVE this series of videos!
I was a child in the 1960's 70's I recall many RCA Living Stereo albums mostly from my grandmothers album collection of classical and adult contemporary favorites of the 1960's. What really struck me as a kid was the stunning, beautiful deep red "Dynagroove" label on the disc with the dark shaded His Masters Voice dog and Gramophone blended in. the most beautiful HMV label ever. The sound quality of the classical music on them was very good for its era.
Thank you, Michael, for sharing your knowledge and record collection. It's nice to know there are great musical performances in many diverse genres.
So enjoying this series. Offenbach is so underrated, but fortunately has been getting first rate recordings in recent years. I saw a wonderful production of one of his operettas years ago in UK. This work is a delight - fascinating to hear all the background you gave us and the Boston connection. It's one of Karajan's best recordings (from the 60s) and I also have Solti's WB Decca which is sonically superior. But I just picked up this AP reissue and can't wait to take it for a spin. BTW, if you're ever in Paris, pay a visit to the Vagenende Brasserie on Blvd. St. Germain. It's like walking into the Belle Epoque with its curved, carved mahogany walls inset with mirrors - and the food is fabulous. The world of late Offenbach come to life.
I had forgotten Solti recorded this that early on, surprisingly it seems like it doesn't sell for much online. I might grab a copy.
I used to prefer Fiedlers version over Solti but currently I can’t choose between the 2. Mark I suspect you have already seen the Powell and Pressburger film The Tales of Hoffman but if not you have to see it. The sumptuous visuals combined with Beecham conducting Offenbach is one of cinemas finest musical moments.
@@analogueanorak1904 I haven't seen it in a while, but it's on my list for a rewatch. I have the Criterion blu-ray. It is fabulous!!! Seek out some of the videos online of Martin Scorsese talking about how influential and important a film it is for him Michael, if you haven't seen it, try and do so.
Love that this Offenbach ballet was pieced together with scores from Boston Public Library and Harvard, such a cool backstory!
You mention Jonathan Valin. For many years I wondered what had happened to the author of some of the most ingenious and atmospheric crime novels of the 1980s and wondered what had happened to him. Now I know!
More people need to watch your videos, very informative and entertaining
Thank you!
Thank you for reviewing these gems! I have both AP and original SD of the LSC 1817. The original is more extended highs, even larger soundstage, and just more transparent. This is the best sounding RCA I have heard and along with the Paray Chabrier Mercury SR90212 my favorite sounding record.
Been too long since I listened to that Chabrier! I will break it out my Classic pressing tonight just for fun.
Excellent light in your room. :)
Well done, thanks Michael!
These can't be long enough! Love it. Luckily have both of those pressings you showed (as well as the 4xLP s/sided Classic version of the Brahms - which is nominally more sweet than the single disc 33rpm cut). You should compile all your notes and transcribe them for a modern addendum to the RCA LS bible ;) - Happy New Year, MJ!
Another compelling recording of Gaite Parisienne is the Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra under Felix Slatkin. The original pressing is on Capitol records “Full Dimensional Sound” with the good band on the top of the record cover. I have this and the Living Stereo original in stereo and mono and I can say the Capitol Records recording can give the RCA a run for its money. I don’t think the Capitol is well known.
I meant to say Gold Band on the top of the record cover.
I managed to find an original years ago; it sounds fantastic. The bass drum has great impact, the depth is great and the treble...sparkles. It's a quiet tape, too, although the dynamic range of the music the widest. The Brahms, I find, has some 'hole in the middle' and the odd RCA 'giant piano' sound but I enjoy the performance. Edit: it was recorded in April, 1954.
Yes “hole in the middle” is a great way to describe it!
I can’t find part 1. Can you post it again? Thank you.
Title translates as “Paris pleasures”
Called Opérette
compared to multi-track recordings I'm sure the depth would be better with a two track recording
Thank you for another great review. In "The Audiophile Record Collector's Handbook" by Phil Rees, Rees notes that James Mitchell gave ithe 1817 a 10++ rating and considered those rated thus among the best of all the RCA LSC records. Curiously, he has no listing for LSC 1831.
Glad you caught the pronunciation of "gay-tay" Parisienne, and I would add that the more academic pronunciation of Hades is "hay-dees" ... Please do keep these reviews coming - they are superb.
It's a shame stereo lp's weren't common until 1958
Correct Gillels pronunciation 😎
It's not Gay Parisienne, it's Gaité Parisienne, which means Merriment, Cheerfulness, pleasure...
I usually try to double check pronunciations before I film. For some reason I recalled this word pronounced with a silent T, but double checking I can see that you’re correct and that the “te” is audible. Sorry for the mistake.