Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus - Carl Orff: Carmina Burana (2001) [Hi-Res+SACD]

Carl Orff's Stravinskian rabble-rouser retains its appeal. The pagan high-jinks, driving rhythms, and dips into semi-hysteria can be irresistible given the right performance. And, of course, with its dynamic range, from delicately colored quiet passages to heaven-storming climaxes, it's tailor-made for showing off hi-fi systems. Telarc is known for its outstanding sound, and this one's well up to the house standards. The performance is a very good one, coming in just under the top choices, of which the venerable Jochum version on DG remains unsinged as number one. But the combination of the recording quality and the superb Atlanta Symphony Chorus won't fail to please. The orchestra is similarly outstanding, with piercing trumpets and terrific playing throughout. Hong's lovely soprano contributions make her the best of the soloists. Olson and Patriarco let the team down slightly in the popular "In the Tavern" section, the former uneasy in his high-flying part as the roasting swan, the latter rough-sounding at times. Runnicles conducts a powerful performance. After a start that underplays the opening movements, he compensates the rest of the way, making more of the quiet sections (a good part of the work) than most. --Dan Davis