180 gm LP vinyl. La Mer is given one of its most satisfying recorded performances. Far from indulging himself, Giulini maintains an admirably disciplined approach, paying extraordinarily loving attention to the details with which this score teems. In addition, he has such a sure sense of pacing and timing, with the result that the climaxes of all three movements are achieved with overwhelming power. It is admittedly a work that tends to bring the very best out of its performers - it will brook nothing less - but, even with that consideration, this is an account to relish and cherish. The Nocturnes are on the same level, maybe even better. The textures have such cloud-like softness and insubstantiality, and the Philharmonia's playing for Giulini indicates why it was up there as one of the world's very top orchestras at the time. Tracklist: Side A: La Mer 1. I. De l'aube ? midi sur la mer 9.25 2. II. Jeux de vagues 7.04 3. III. Dialogue du vent et de la mer 8.40 Side B: Nocturnes 1. I. Nuages 8.44 2. II. F?tes 6.12 3. III. Sir?nes 11.22.
