This really is a beautifully played piece of music. Heartfelt via the players as another reviewer said. Been browsing for this Naxos version for ages. I listened and listened and listened to other versions, but they seemed self-conscious and often pretentious. My ears, mind and heart loved this version best.
I have a highly acclaimed EMI (LP) of this work which used to turn up on hi-fi demonstration records in the days of vinyl - it was that good. Well, let me tell you, this one leaves it in the shade! When listening to this recording you feel that every member of the orchestra was giving of his/her very best in order to create the definitive performance, and you know, I think they might just have. The recording also is of the highest quality. Wonderfully spacious sound with perfect microphone placement. If you are a lover of this work and want the best then this is it!
This is a good quality recording of a good performance. I'm certanly glad that I downloaded this interpretation of the work by Holst.
You probably know this composition, or parts of it, already, and have maybe even had enough time to become bored by it. It is definitely an "old chestnut," by now, and many performances have a "here we go, it's 'Mars' again ..." feel to them. This recording is great for a couple of reasons, at least. First and foremost, David Lloyd-Jones and the Royal Scots treat this piece as though it was fresh from the pen. "Mars," in particular, is absolutely shattering here -- certainly the first time I've heard it even come close to being frightening. A must-hear! Second, it's always great to see how good "budget" label Naxos really can be. The Naxos label may be my only "business hero."
I've been wanting this album in mp3 for some time now. So very glad to find it here.
Of the several recordings of the planets on emusic, this one had by far the strongest reviews elsewhere (and one of the others has lousy reviews here, so do read the reviews!), so I went for this one. I am no classical music expert, but it sounds great to me.
