Espana! (LP, Speakers Corner)

In terms of sound, this record belongs to the creme de la creme and is one of the best-sounding DECCA recordings ever. The sound of this superb recording (1956/57) astounds any unprepared listener. Because what storms out of the loudspeakers on the listener lets you feel the rousing breath of the music directly. The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ataulfo Argenta, plays with a vitality that has rarely been equaled. The musicians play inspired, full of relish and lively, precise and transparent. The selection of works forms a mixture of Spanish music, which, interestingly enough, was mostly written by non-Spanish people; absolutely successful in their composition. All in all, this is a legendary, brilliant recording that caused a sensation even as a mono version and in the FFSS version still has to be counted among the very best that has ever been pressed on a disc.