I love this piece - one of my favorites of all time by anybody. I own three versions of the orchestrated version, and I really want more. Here are my impressions/recordings:
1) Neville Marriner/ Academy St. Martins - This was my first and still my favorite. Everything about it seems "right", with an exceptional Menuet (the pedal tone section with the crescendo is tremendous). The tempi seem perfect too.
2) Jean Martinon/Orchestre de Paris - This is from the famous boxed set coupled with Debussy on 8 CD's. Very "French" sounding, but not blurry or hazy, which is a good thing IMO. Nice articulations and Martinon really takes his time with phrasing. Very musical. Superb sonics considering this is from the mid 70's. I am starting to really love this version.
3) Boulez/Cleveland - Boulez is one of my favorite conductors, period. BUT I cannot get into this version. It seems to plod along with very little peaks and valleys. Usually Boulez is known for crystalline textures and bringing details to the forefront that otherwise go unnoticed by other conductors, and he does this to a certian extent here, but the sonics aren't up for it; a very muddy and hazy recording which is odd for DG. Sorry Msr. Boulez - not a fan - and I feel terrible for saying that since I have so much respect for the man.
So, what recordings do you have/enjoy?


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