David Zinman – Symphony No. 3

Outstanding music and amazing performance, both - of the orchestra and the soprano of Dawn Upshaw. A diamond in music as for me. The sound quality is good enough.
The pressing quality is low - annoying clicks and hiss sounds here and there throughout the whole record. Distortions on highest notes of Dawn vocals, which ruins experience of the most emotional moments (checked with several different cartridges). The packaging is average - overall it could be much better for the only release on vinyl.

This music will rip your heart out and envelop your soul with -- with what? -- I'm not quite sure. Be sure to read the translation of the lyrics. The performance is exquisite. Turn out the lights and and let this music become your world for 40 minutes. It will be time well spent.

A grand swell of sorrow is how I would describe it.
This is a beatiful rendition of Symphony No. 3 on wax and I suppose we mostly have Bernie to thank.
Wide and deep is the orchestra hall where dynamics shine through most of all. Contrasting with the presence and power of Dawns vocals unfurls the three dimensions of the soundstage in an impressive way to say the least.
Visually speaking its nothing of remark, quite lackluster packaging even with the insert, and the labels which I especially detest.
While the cover is decent and the sound very good, the pressing is not equally so. Light noise and some ticks are to be expected, but some marks causing clicks and pops on my end is more immersion breaking. Im giving this release another shot anyway, perhaps that tells you more than my descriptions ever could.

Update:
With a second copy I find that the same marks remain. It might be less apparent but in the end its an identical issue indicating to me a metalwork problem. If your copy has some small gray blotches at the start of Side A dont feel too unlucky. Again, its just causing some light clicks on the very soft intro build up, but it is unfortunate none the less.

Equipment Used:
Technics SL-1210GR with ATVM95ML
iFi iPhono 2 RIAA
Cyrus 2 Amplifier
System Fidelity SF-3050 Tower Speakers

Just an FYI these are still available from the Nonesuch record label website, if you would prefer not to pay $100 for a new copy.

Very powerful and emotional sounding music. Brilliant performance!
My vinyl sounds a little crackly in a few spots too, but overall sounding very good. Going to try giving an extra cleaning.
Overall a beautiful album package. Well done.

Are the crackles meant to be part of the recording or is this just another crappy pressing?

This is an absolute masterpiece. One of the most beautiful and emotionally stirring compositions ever written. Upshaw's vocals are stellar and will move you to tears. This recording does its source material justice: sonically clear and balanced. Superb liner notes as well. Highly recommended!