Here are four more fine issues from Silverline, all remastered from original Vanguard four-track surround recordings. The Mahler and Anderson were recorded in 1967, the Sibelius in 1977; no date is given for the Rachmaninoff, another example of production inconsistency for the label which provides little in printed notes, not much more on-screen. Hearing these is a reminder of what a fine orchestra the Utah Symphony was under the direction of Maurice Abravanel who was music director from 1947 until 1979 (Keith Lockhart, of the Boston "Pops" Orchestra, was appointed music director in 1998). The mighty Mahler Resurrection has the luxury of soprano Beverly Sills, at the height of her career, in the brief soprano part. Don't expect the insight heard on Decca's recent Gilbert Kaplan Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra recording (REVIEW), but this is a strong performance very well recorded with the mighty Mormon Tabernacle organ heard effectively in the finale. The three Sibelius symphonies also are well played, as is Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 3. The later disk also includes a brief song of Rachmaninoff, Chanson Georgienne, Op. 4 No. 4 beautifully sung by soprano Netania Davrath whose name is listed only in small print under "Album Credits"—yet another production oversight from Silverline. The delightful Leroy Anderson collection of pop concert favorites show Abravanel's lighter side, and are equally well recorded. There's much to enjoy on all of these; perhaps future Silverline releases will give collectors the basic information they need about the music, performances, and recording.

R.E.B. (September 2004)