The House of the Seven Gables

An almost operatic plot told in language that has the precision of architecture makes this classic American tale difficult for many of today's impatient, plot-oriented readers. For this reason, the Naxos production is to be commended. Marinker's enunciation maintains clarity, as well as good momentum. Some ironic nuances escape him, and, at times, he reveals indecision about how much acting to inject into the performance. A case in point is the quavering, falsetto voicing of Aunt Hepzibah. The classical music between breaks is elegant though a couple of transitions are obtrusive and inept. S.B.S. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine