STRAVINSKY: “SONG OF THE NIGHTINGALE”; “THE FAIRY’S...

STRAVINSKY: “SONG OF THE NIGHTINGALE”; “THE FAIRY’S KISS” (DIVERTIMENTO). HOVHANESS: “MYSTERIOUS MOUNTAIN.” Chicago Symphony conducted by Fritz Reiner. RCA Red Seal Digitally remastered/analog 5733-2-RC (compact disc). Reiner was famous for his Stravinsky with Chicago. These sensuous recordings of the “Song of the Nightingale” (the 1917 orchestral arrangement) and “Fairy’s Kiss” (1934), made Nov. 3, 1956, and April 28, 1958, respectively, show why. Subtle in atmosphere and vivid in tone color, the performances revel in Stravinsky’s lush lyricism without sacrificing the required intellectual hauteur. Reiner stresses the line, not the rhythmic oddities. A similar restraint and delicacy color the performance (also of April 28, 1958) of Hovhaness’ “Mysterious Mountain,” a less significant creation. In Reiner’s hands, it looms in the snowy distance, majestic in the religious stability of its chorale chords. Whatever has been done to the original recordings, they now sound squeaky clean. A little more pre-CD authenticity might even be refreshing.