This time, however, all my many hours making that cassette for someone was rewarded. As early as 20 seconds into it, you can sense that this Scheherazade is more theatrical than other recordings, by even Stokowski s standards. The orchestral entry after the opening violin solo is perfectly timed, then come the swooning strings. The use of portamento throughout this recording is greater than in any of his others. Hilsberg has a darker, more mysterious sound than in the other Stokowski recordings.
Attacks are sharper than any of the others.
The sound is fuller than in the 1927 recording. Once your ears adjust, there is a nice sound stage wit depth to it and clear placement of instruments. The sound is warm with air around the music and a natural decay to the sound. The opening of the second movement is riveting, an underlying tension sleeps in the music. The solo bassoon melody, answered by the oboe, is delicate and dark.