Telarc - TEL0006 - 180  Gram Virgin Vinyl - Pressed in Germany

The Absolute Sound Super Disc List     TAS Harry Pearson Super LP List

This vinyl upgrade of Carmina Burana and Symphonic Metamorphosis is superior. The separation is precise and vibrant. Male and female chorus are at opposite channels. When they combine the mix is vigorous. The vocalists are centered, and the volumes are ample to keep the bigger orchestra from overwhelming them. All of the customary high-quality packaging (gatefold, liner notes, disc sleeves) make this a must for vinyl aficionados.- Sound 4.5/5 AudiophileAudition

Robert Shaw conducts the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus with Judith Blegen for this recording of Orff's Carmina Burana alongside Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis spread across 2LPs.

Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, one of the 20th century's most popular works for chorus and orchestra, is a secular cantata that combines archaic poetry, simple, folk-like melodies and primal rhythms to create images of the eternal springtime of the human soul. Rhythm is the driving force throughout this intensely dramatic and highly regarded performance, conducted by the award-winning choral master Robert Shaw. Also includes Paul Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis.

Given Robert Shaw's deep understanding not only of orchestral conducting but also of the use of a chorus, it's not surprising that Telarc would have him lead what has become one of the most widely performed works for chorus and orchestra in the 20th century, Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. All songs are sung in either medieval Latin or German, and these 25 poems can be bombastic, sorrowful, gut wrenching or dramatic-all qualities Shaw easily draws from the orchestra and chorus. A replica of the original libretto is included in the LP. 

This LP was cut, as are all the others, by Eric Boulanger on Stan Ricker's own equipment (with some slight modifications), which Boulanger bought from Ricker's estate. 

Features:
• Double LP
• 180g Vinyl
• Pressed at Optimal Media
• Gatefold jacket
• Libretto enclosed
• Made in Germany

Musicians:
Judith Blegen, soprano
Hakan Hagegard, baritone
William Brown, tenor
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Robert Shaw, conductor
The Atlanta Boy Choir

Selections:
Carl Orff (1895-1982)
Carmina Burana
Side 1:
Introduction: Fortune, Empress Of The World (Nos. 1, 2)
Part One: In Springtime (Nos. 3-5)
On The Lawn (Nos. 6, 7)
(continued on Side 2)
Side 2:
(continued from Side 1)
Part One: On The Lawn (Nos. 8-10)
Part TWo: In The Tavern (Nos. 11-14)
Side 3:
Part Three: The Court Of Love (Nos. 15-23)
Blanziflor And Helena (No. 24)
Fortune, Empress Of The World (No. 25)
Side 4:
Paul Hindemith (1895-1963)
Symphonic Metamorphosis Of Themes by Carl Maria Von Weber