Never before heard in my audiophile experience is the
absolute energy level created in the lower treble and midrange, without even
a hint of harshness, forwardness, or masking. Once again, the Telarc
Sampler, Dvorak's Stabat Mater, Quando Corpus Morietur. Simply put, this is
the most beautifully rendered recording of a mass symphony choir, with
voices, I've heard. In terms of the recording's venue, the hall, the voices come
across natural as one could possibly ask. Nothing in my experience comes
close.
This was from Stereo Times which reviews the SACD version. Is it possible
Telarc messed up the CD version?
Another possibility is midrange compression/distortion from your speakers
(actually quite common but not something speaker manufacturers mention
much or like to admit) - what are you using to play this back? Symphonic
choral stuff can be hard on a speaker.
Do you have the track and the time. If you want I'll check it out. This is a
famous recording (just before Shaw died) and I don't mind adding it to my
collection.