Bizet

In August 2022, the musicians of the world-class Rachmaninoff International Orchestra (RIO) gathered in Bratislava to perform their first recording under the direction of founder and artistic director Mikhail Pletnev. Experience the beloved tunes from "Swan Lake" and "Carmen" on Super Audio CD and digital.

‘Callas is Carmen’ proclaimed the publicity when this recording first appeared on LP in elaborate red and gold faux- leather luxury packaging with three separate booklets. It was a major coup for the record company to get Callas to record this most intriguing of all operatic roles, and its release was eagerly awaited…

A compilation of all recordings for Eurodisk label by Rudolf Kempe and Bamberg Symphony Orhestra. For these times, recording by Eurodisk were outstanding due to professional engineering and excellent recording technology. As a result of careful rehearsal and neat work, you can enjoy the splendor of playing and the excellence of recording even in modern times. In particular, the discovery of the "genuine" original master tape in Germany, which was discovered in recent years, brought back an amazing sound quality. With this re-release, we have newly introduced the latest mastering, including those that were not SACD in the past, so the whole picture is finally revealed.

A compilation of all recordings for Eurodisk label by Rudolf Kempe and Bamberg Symphony Orhestra. For these times, recording by Eurodisk were outstanding due to professional engineering and excellent recording technology. As a result of careful rehearsal and neat work, you can enjoy the splendor of playing and the excellence of recording even in modern times. In particular, the discovery of the "genuine" original master tape in Germany, which was discovered in recent years, brought back an amazing sound quality. With this re-release, we have newly introduced the latest mastering, including those that were not SACD in the past, so the whole picture is finally revealed.

Newly remastered at Emil Berliner Studios. Abbado’s years with the London Symphony Orchestra resulted in three celebrated sets with the Spanish mezzo Teresa Berganza in central roles – and few could be more “central” than Bizet’s Carmen. Made in 1977, the recording followed staged performances directed by Piero Fagioni at the Edinburgh Festival. Berganza had studied the Carmen story, immersed herself in the opera’s background and delivered a characterization that emphasized the gipsy’s nobility, while Abbado’s conducting was both dramatic and vividly coloured.

This album follows Zala Kravos’ first album, recorded in 2017. This new project is based on the long-term collaboration between Zala Kravos and her brother Val as a piano duet. Since their youngest age, both pianists regularly perform together, also on the international scale. This album features a wide range of repertoires that reveal the technical and performing qualities of the duo, notably through Schubert’s Fantasia in F Minor, considered as a monument in the field of four-hands piano repertoire.

Sony Masterworks’ new “Expanded Edition” offers well-known recordings newly remastered using DSD technology, along with “bonus” material extending the playing time of the original LP (not the previous CD edition, if any), all at a very attractive price. The question for most collectors is a simple one: does it sound better? The answer, without reservation, is “Yes”–at least for this present issue, which offers Szell’s magnificent Pictures at an Exhibition, already well known from its Essential Classics incarnation…although Russian music was not an area in which Szell made his reputation, both he and the Cleveland Orchestra are on top form throughout. Sonically the performances feature a more open top, enhanced clarity, and richer bass than any previous edition, making this a truly first class experience on all counts.

It is not often that one is lucky enough to directly observe the creation of unique beauty, perfect craftsmanship, absolute passion and profound dedication. I recently had the wonderful opportunity to experience these with the creation of “Lexposure”, in Cologne at the end of August 2020.