It so happens that this month EMI have also reissued the LP version of these performances in the new mid-price Master series (ED290297-1—see page 276). This is about a third of the cost of the CD, is digitally and direct-metal mastered, so that background noises are minimal indeed. Is the Cd worth the extra? Well certainly in The Miraculous Mandarin suite both ends of the spectrum show a marginal gain. The treble is slightly smoother and the bass response is a little deeper and richer. The difference is subtle but with the ''savage aggressiveness of attack and sustained intensity of tone'' of the Philadelphia playing, to quote from Martin Cooper's original review, there is an extra degree of bloom here, and thus listening comfort. In the Music for strings, percussion and celesta the LP and CD sounds are often almost indistinguishable, although in the first movement the pianissimo strings are just a little more tangible in focus on CD. Compact Disc collectors will enjoy these performances.'