We seem to have come to the end of the Barbirolli discography on Dutton as yet another 'Viennese Night' turns up. Having been a fan of historical recordings for the past six years, my enthusiasm is now running low for such issues.
For instance how can Dutton expect to sell yet another recording of Schubert's 'Great' when there is another identical recording dating from a few years back on another album? The waltzes and Viennese pieces are also a re-recording of a similar disc with 1957 tapings.
The interpretations have not changed so much by 1966, in fact the 'Great' is well nigh identical to its predecessor and I recall reading that it was not available for a long period, due to the competition from several other EMI recordings of the work.
The Suppe' overtures are welcome for their forthright energy and as the disc retains at two for one; you won't feel so short changed with duplication. Otherwise, it is fast approaching the end of the line for such rehashing and reworking.
Copyright © 2002, Gerald Fenech