Karl Miller wrote:

>My favorites on the 3rd are the old Barbirolli with the Halle and Downes
>with the LSO.  While the Barbirolli has been reissued at least once on LP,
>I haven't seen either on CD.

The Barbirolli is a classic.

But, and I mean this seriously and in no way sarcastcally, could you please
explain the Downes to me.  I have tried several times with this recording
with no success.  I mentioned it once negatively in print and plan to do so
again.  Maybe I just don't get it, but I'm open to suggestions of what I'm
missing here.  It just seems to drag lifelessly, and Downes does not seem
to have a feel for it or know what to do with it.  And I like his
conducting very much.  This is the only recording of his that I haven't
liked and it bothers me.  I've had this record for years and never sold
it because I keep thinking a light is going to go on sometime.

Meanwhile, I'll try it again.

Roger Hecht