Roger Hecht <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Steve S on a book about Leonard Bernstein:
>
>>...  But while Koussevitzky's Boston was probably the finest American
>>orchestra of its time,
>
>My only disagreement here: I'd give that honor to the underrated
>Philadelphia Orchestra.

I am reminded of the old "joke" that "Koussevitzky's Boston Symphony was
the best French orchestra in the world." He imported some ofthe finest
French players.  According to my ears, both orchestras were magnificent.
I believethat each excelled in repertoire that was in the comfort zoneof
their respective conductors.  =A0So which was better?  For me it depended
on the time, conductor,and repertoire.  However, to be honest, while I
have triedto collect every shred of Boston, pre Ozawa, I can't say I go
out of my way to find Philadelphia recordings...unless it is Stokowski.

Karl 

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