An unimpressive and uncompetitive new version of the popular Saint-Saens Organ Symphony. The recording is bright and clear, but the acoustic effect is curiously flat. The performance of the first movement is vigorous but uninvolving; with the Poco adagio very reticent. The scherzo is crisply rhythmic and a similar clipped rhythmic effect keeps the finale alive after the massive organ entry. The closing climax is certainly positive, but overall this is a singularly uninteresting account which refuses to blossom. The inclusion of the nine-and-a-half minute Allegro from Widor's Organ Symphony No. 6, played emphatically and flamboyantly does not add to the interest of this issue.
First choice for the Saint-Saens rests with Batiz (ASV on LP). On tape Barenboim's splendid account with the Orchestre de Paris makes a fine bargain—on DG Walkman coupled with the Franck Symphony and Danse macabre (413 423-4GW, 11/84).'