Mars is the most terrifying I have heard, despite the limitations of the 1945 sound (which you soon forget). This is a superb transfer, by far the best i have heard of this perfomance. Boult clearly understands this music, and enjoys it, and manages to get the best out of his orchestra - remember this was recorded in January 1945, when many orchestras were struggling to get enough musicians, let alone a venue for their concerts! Generally, his later 1978 recording for HMV shows the same characterstics, but tempi are a shade slower - the 1945 recording has generally more urgency to it. This is a super performance, and it is wonderful to have it back in the catalogue. The two fillers are also very well played, and again with magical sound for their age. The Tallis Variations are especially memorable, taut, well-argued and with an inner tension that perhaps reflects the time of the recording (1940), and that one does not often hear, but is very appropriate to the music. Boult at his best!
[5 of 5 Stars!]
