While neither the most French La Mer nor the most Italian Pines of Rome and Fountains of Rome, these are still staggeringly effective readings by
Fritz Reiner and the
Chicago Symphony. Recorded by Richard Mohr in 1959 and 1960, these performances are incredibly well played -- listen to the cellos' glorious tone in the big theme of the opening movement of La Mer or the brass' unsurpassed power in the closing movement of the Pines of Rome -- and unbelievably well conducted -- listen to the balances between force and weight in the
Debussy and the gradations of muscle and nuance in the Respighi. While listeners looking for a more colorful, elegant, and refined La Mer or a more expressive, extravagant, and excessive Pines and Fountains might wish to look elsewhere, those who long to be blown away need look no further. And, of course, RCA's "Living Stereo" sound was stunning in its days and is still stupendous in this super audio reissue.