BORODIN. Symphony No. 2 in B minor. Symphony No. 3 in A minor, "Unfinished ". Prince Igor - Overture. Orchestre de la Suisse Roma.nde conducted by Ernest Ansermét. Decca LXT5022 (52 in., 36s. 5d.).

Symphony No. 2:

Philbarmonia, Kletzki (10/54) 33CX1167

Minneapolis SO., Dorati (2155) MG50004

The first movement of the 2nd Symphony is distinguished in this performance by a breadth of treatment that is rare. For once it sounds like the first movement of a symphony and not like a would-be Polovstian Dance. I was surprised when I first began to listen and wondered if this would turn

Out to be a dull performance, but I was soon completely with Ansermet and full of admiration for the orchestral playing as well as for the most successful interpretation. It was good to continue and find the Scherzo taken at a reasonable speed, one that is playable clearly and rhythmically. The rest of the symphony is equally well done and altogether this performance should revive the interest of anyone who feels he has heard, enough of the work, especially as the recording is also exceptionally good.

This high standard all round continues on to the other side for the two movements of the 3rd Symphony, not enormously exciting music but certainly of some attraction—and it is the only current recording. A good Igor Overture completes this distinguished record. T.H.