The first thing that you can't help but notice is the SPECTACULAR sound. You better have some Big Strong Woofers.
Whether on an audiophile or a small bookshelf system, this will be the Finest sounding CD in your collection.
I agree this is not the most savage Rite Of Spring ever recorded (Dorati in the 50s and Ancerl), But it is by far the most "musical".
Chailly and The Cleveland Orchestra were at the height of their power when this was recorded in 1985.
Chailly is known for his attention to detail and coaxing beautiful instrumental tone from his players.
Here he exceeds all before him in The Rite Of Spring which has never been known for
it's "beauty".
He takes it at an only SLIGHTLY slower tempi than most and brings out, with great clarity, all the "beautiful" inner detail missing from most performances.
You can hear everything within the score that has been "muddied" in most other recordings.
Don't get me wrong, This is still a VERY volatile, exciting and thrilling performance and the only thing softening the "savagery" is the gorgeous instrumental tone and the extreme clarity of the recorded sound.
This critique also applies to the great Concertgebouw which is in top form in the other ballets on this CD. And Jeu des Carte may be the finest ever committed to Disc.
To me, the most important combination of Performance, conducting and sound quality has to make this one of the best Stravinsky CD available.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.