I know this board seems to be dominated by movies but, this 5.1 SACD is really a remarkable recording. Excellent performance, excellent Vivaldi, excellent sound. The surround gives this recording "air" and "bloom" that is unusual. Now, I also enjoy discrete 5.1 recordings like "Dr Chesky's Amazing...." but this one is really acoustic music played brilliantly in a real space. It is:

La Stravaganza: Rachel Podger on Channel Classics CCS SA 19503

Highest recommendation for you baroque lovers.

Jay

Thanks for the recommendation, Jay. I will purchase a copy and check it out!

Steves,

Let me know what you think. I own several other 5.1 SACDs of acoustic music in a real space that I could recommend. (Being able to hear the Cleveland Orchestra in Severance Hall is one of the reasons I moved to NE Ohio.)
BTW, as an artificially produced environment I wouldn't recommend the Cheskey disc. Surprisingly, for this fine compoany it's only fairly produced, IMHO. As a discrete 5.1 disc the latest Beck is excellent though the music is somewhat bland.

Jay

[This message has been edited by JMS (edited May 03, 2004).]

[This message has been edited by JMS (edited May 03, 2004).]

Just to note that this recording was Stereophile's classical recording of the year for (I believe) 2003. It was also up for a Grammy Nomination. Can't remember whether it won or not.