Double double.

This time around Tom Lyle and I are comparing two recordings of Ralph Vaughan Williams's Symphony No.4, pitting a well regarded rendition from 1993 (can it really be more than a decade old, and we more than a decade older since it was released?) featuring the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin (RCA Victor Red Seal 09026-61194-2 421524) against a budget-priced newcomer featuring the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Paul Daniel (Naxos 8.557276). The RCA release also includes the RVW Symphony No. 3 and Fantasia on Greensleeves, while the Naxos release includes the Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1 and Flos Campi.

Following our time-honored ritual, Tom and I have resolutely refrained from discussing these two recordings with each other and have done our listening and writing completely independently. Because this is an even-numbered issue, Tom will lead off with his findings and then I will present things from my point of view.

TL: At least once Karl has apologized for being too brief in these pages, and I admit I wish he'd sometimes offer a bit more in the way of explanation when we pit one version against another. But I also remember agreeing that succinctness is preferable to wordiness. So I guess this time it's my turn to be more to the point, even though I feel a little guilty about it--I was the one who suggested that we use this symphony.

I don't know if it is reasonable just to declare the winner of this Double Double solely on the basis of its recording quality. If it were, there would be no contest, as the Paul Daniel version is far superior to the Leonard Slatkin. To us oldsters, the early 1990s seems like yesterday. But in reality, digital recording has come a long was since then, at least to these ears. Perhaps it is just the mastering of the CD, but the Slatkin seems primitive in comparison, having less treble energy, less bass, flatter dynamics, and much more digital midrange unpleasantness.

Still, there is a lot to like about the Slatkin disc. I've been listening to it for quite some time, and I think I might be exaggerating a bit about its poor sound quality just to make my point. He has a way with an orchestra that seems to be able to sort out a score no matter which piece he is performing. Some may complain his way with a score is "all business," but I tend to think he brings a clarity to many pieces that is lacking in other hands. It is especially nice to have this kind of clarity in the first movement of the symphony marked Allegro, where the horns, strings, and tympani do battle. With Slatkin at the helm it makes things sound much more uncluttered.

But again, there is no escaping the fact that the Daniel version is a vastly better recording. And at the same time it is an excellent rendition of the piece. He seems perfectly comfortable with the score, and at the same time he seems to inject more emotion into the piece than Slatkin. Now that I have the Daniel CD in my collection, I don't think I'm going to miss the CD of Slatkin's conducting this piece very much. Slatkin might have a slight edge over Daniel in the clarity of the score, but the Daniel is such a better recording that it was only about thirty seconds into the CD that I made up my mind about it. The difference between the CDs was that obvious.

KWN: Although Tom does not like it when I keep my remarks brief, I am afraid that I really do not have much to say this time around. I enjoyed auditioning both recordings, delighting in the music of one of my favorite composers, and I am delighted to see this music coming out on an inexpensive label so that those just getting into classical music can get the opportunity to hear something exciting and special at an affordable price. Yes, the Naxos recording is excellent, and I can recommend it with enthusiasm.

That said, however, I must say that it is the RCA recording from which I gathered more pleasure. Slatkin's account just comes cross as that last bit more savage and exciting than Daniel's, and in this music, that is important. Although I preferred the sonics of the Naxos recording (the Slatkin sounded worse that I had remembered it--too much glare, and not an especially natural sound, especially in comparison to the Naxos disc, which is quite good), that was not quite enough to tip the balance. Moreover, the couplings on the RCA release are simply wonderful.

To be honest, I am not sure the Slatkin recording is still available. If you can't find it, rest assured that the Naxos is a fine rendition of the music, well worth purchasing. But if you ever see the Slatkin, grab it. Although the sound is not the best (but it is not unlistenable by any means), it is still quite a performance. I would love to see Telarc record this piece in Cincinnati or Atlanta.