Readl Surround Sound Archive

Comparison of two Beethoven Ninths, both on SACD

by Audiophile Audition | Sep 9, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9 – Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orch. -/Wojciech Rajski – Tacet multichannel SACD in “Real Surround Sound” – TACET S 219 5.1  61:00 (8/12/16)  [Distr. by Naxos] ****: BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9 – Beethoven Orch. of Bonn/ Stefan Blunier – DGG Gold multichannel SACD 5.1 MDQ 937 1899-6 67:44 [Distr. by Ent. One] *** 1/2: A tale of two Beethoven recordings – one very unique. The Beethoven Symphony No. 9 is one of the most often played symphonies. Many would say the 9th is the composers crowning achievement, and I would not disagree. As a result of its acclaim, I think most of our readers have a copy in their own libraries. So it’s my task to review two new recordings of the 9th, one quite competent and well recorded, the other a radical departure from the usual recording style, but one that is of interest and merit. Let’s start with the more unique approach. It has been recorded by Tacet in Germany, and as is their custom of late, it’s recorded in  what they call Real Surround Sound. This is not the usual method of instruments up front with ambiance to the rear. In this 9th, performed […]