Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture/ Marche Slave

In this era of period instruments and musicological correctness it is a pleasure to here rousing performances of the full blooded classical music which Tchaikovsky and other Russian composers did so well. I like all of the works presented on this CD, but I especially like the outstanding performance of the 1812 overture and the use of a chorus in its finale. Very highly recommended.

I am a new listener to classical music and as such do not claim to have yet developed a refined ear. However, this recording has exactly the attributes other reviewers have reported. The chorus and the cannons make it. I listened on a pair of Definitive Tecnology Mythos One tower speakers and a Definitive Technology Super Cube 2 subwoofer. I set the subwoofer to a "normal" level, not artificially boosted. I want the sub set so that the bass end of orchestral music sounds natural. With the volume set to about actual orchestral hall level, I was blown out of my chair! Those cannons shook the floor, my chair and my ribcage. The chorus was so emotionally powerful, and the orchestra played beautifully. I have another version of the 1812 that pales in comparison to this recording. As an aside, I would say that having a quality subwoofer will allow you to hear the low end, and nuances thereof, that are not audible with most towers or bookshelfs. It was with some reluctance that I believed this after many years of refusing to use a sub. I always thought that people used them to WAY overboost the bass to un-natural levels, and you can certainly do that, but you don't have to. If the recording engineers accurately capture the bass, it will be revealed with a good sub.
Michael Guerra,M.D.
Kerrville, Texas

Canons resound at the climax of the story which is started by a choral. It is easy to imagine being one of Napoleon's troops advancing toward Moscow with canon balls taking out comrades on our right and left. The courage of the Russian defenders can be felt.

This is certainly a wonderful and worthy of being in ones collection but it simply does not stand the test to those by Ormandy and Philly, Bernstein both with the New York Phil & Israel Phil, or Chicago Symphony with either Reiner or Solti or any other conductor conducting Chicago.

This was very much worth the price. I have listened to it many times, but never tire of it. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone.