Slatkin gives a towering and majestic performance of the Sinfonia Antartica (No. 7), which evolved from RVW’s score for the film Scott of the Antarctic. It must be regarded as the best modern choice, eclipsing even Haitink’s impressive EMI recording. Slatkin’s Antarctic wilderness chills you to the bone. You smile at the comic dignity of the penguins, are awed at the immensity and weight of the ice wall and thoroughly involved in the human tragedy. A glowing account of the lovely Dives and Lazarus Variants completes a very attractive issue.
