I've been listening to Solti's analogue recording of M3rd. Revisiting it in a long time, I find it surprisingly likable. First, it has Decca's gorgeous 'ffss – Full Frequency Stereophonic Sound' from their peak time. Second, as in Solti's M1st and M2nd from the same period it shows the LSO in its top form abound in power, with a unique Mahlerian style and technical prowess, all of which must have been rare at that time. No wonder their later renditions with Horenstein and MTT were so successful. Solti has a good sense for the structure and molds each movt. convincingly, if not entirely successfully; the controversial Finale clocks in just under 20 min. but it doesn't feel as fast it actually is. The balance and dynamics employed throughout are very similar to the M2nd; the loud and blazing brass, the low string occasionally springing and roaring in the background with a prominence, with strong contrasts between different groups of the instruments. Overall, if you liked Solti's way with Resurrection Symphony (LSO, NOT CSO), you'll react to this recording positively. But I know there are folks and critics out there who dismissed this M3rd when it first came out, so I won't try to make too strong an argument here. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed it with a pleasant surprise and will come back again soon.
John,
