I would love to pick up that copy of "The Planets" for a listen. I will be on the lookout for it.
I happen to be a Tomita fan and personally feel his production is very well done. My opinion....
The Holst family took offense to Tomita's interpretation, I think there was some legal shit going on there also. Consequently the album was all but squelched by the controversy. Still feel the dynamics of his lp is top notch and well worth the listen. Might not be your thing but very enjoyable - if you like synth.
But that's the thing: I
do like synth! in fact, I
love synth!
I picked up the Tomita version a few days ago, and I have no argument against the quality of the recording or the dynamics, but if it's supposed to be
The Planets, well, it's fucked up! The comments by other people in this forum led me to buy this record, my curiosity being piqued, I scooped it.
Tomita took way too much license with the score, put too much noise into it, and brutally mauled the composition, despite his attempt at providing an alternate interpretation. Noble effort, but horrible execution.
Listed on the back cover of the LP were some of his other forays that may be better (Stravinsky's
Firebird, Mussorgsky's
Pictures at an Exhibition), but given this sample, I think I'll pass on them. I don't know what pieces he's done by Debussy on
Snowflakes Are Dancing, but I'm more curious about that one than the Stravinsky or Mussorgsky selections. He better not fuck up Stravinsky, though- one of my favorite composers.
The DG orchestral recording spoiled me: expansive sound, powerfully dynamic, and is a high quality pressing. I have several digitally mastered Deutsche Grammophon records, and they're all very impressive. On the upside, I have a new frisbee for the summer.
