New Dudamel/ Vienna Phil. DGG vinyl-Mendelssohn 3

Posted by vinyl phanatic (A) on May 24, 2012 at 11:34:01

Just got my Dudamel/Vienna Philharmonic DGG vinyl issue (their first in over 20 years!). I wasn't sure what to expect, but it really is quite good. The 180g pressing is beautiful, dead quiet, flat, centered. The sound is very good, a bit on the dark side overall, and the woodwinds are set a bit further back that I would prefer. Lots of bottom end, even a bit too much here and there, which has always been typical of recordings in that hall. I'm nit-picking here, it really is very good sound, and quite an enjoyable listen.

It's a live performance, Dudamel's first with the orchestra. I like it, but it's not exactly what I expected from Dudamel. It's rather reserved, with the second movement especially not having the abandon that other performances have (e.g. Maag/LSO). It is a welcome addition, however, and how cool is it to have a brand new DGG recording?

This recording is being issued only on vinyl (to Norman Lebrecht's dismay, no doubt). It's a charity endeavor, with all the proceeds going to purchase new instruments for a new orchestra which is part of El Sistema in Venezuela. It apparently was intended to be released in conjunction with Record Store Day, but didn't quite make it in time. This was to be the first time that a major classical label had participated.

I assume that it's a digital recording, although I can find no specific info about that. I'm sure that if it was analog they would have made a big point of that. If anyone knows more about that, I would be happy to hear it. It appears that it was recorded for broadcast, and that maybe the vinyl idea came after, but there's no way to tell from anything I've seen.

At any rate, I recommend it highly. Fine sound, great orchestra, great conductor. What could be wrong with that? The price, at $25.95, isn't bad either, for something of this quality. Link to Amazon below.

new DGG vinyl on Amazon (Open in New Window)

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Topic - New Dudamel/ Vienna Phil. DGG vinyl-Mendelssohn 3 - vinyl phanatic 11:34:01 05/24/12 (6)

RE: New Dudamel/ Vienna Phil. DGG vinyl-Mendelssohn 3 - ecl876 05:21:00 05/25/12 (0)

another take... - kuma 18:51:33 05/24/12 (2)

Yes, but... - vinyl phanatic 20:12:09 05/24/12 (1)

DG has released an LP last year i think... - kuma 08:33:26 05/25/12 (0)

Wow! new DG vinyl ... never saw that coming! nt - bjh 12:50:48 05/24/12 (0)

took a pic on my cell phone of that... - docw 12:03:43 05/24/12 (0)

New Dudamel/ Vienna Phil. DGG vinyl-Mendelssohn 3

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