Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 "Organ Symphony" / Debussy: La Mer / Ibert: Escales (Ports of Call)
Recorded in 1956 (Debussy, Ibert) and 1959 (Saint-Saëns), these jewels from  stereo's golden age, all Munch specialities, receive their finest transfers yet. Close use of  the microphone suits Munch'sLa Mer, a seascape illuminated in primary colors  rather than conventional pastels. Ibert's colorfulEscales("Ports of  Call") gets an intense, bracing reading, and so does the Saint-Saëns. Recorded  balance in the latter's third movement, though, is distorted and fuzzy during loud tuttis  when the organ and orchestra kick in simultaneously. And one might desire more  contrasted dynamics and articulation in the finale's fugal build-up. But don't let tiny  blemishes like these deter you from buying this lovable disc.--Jed Distler