Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Mozart: Serenade No.13 / Divertiment No.15 (1965/2015) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2015] [SACD / Universal (Japan) – UCGG-9072]

Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Mozart: Serenade No.13 / Divertiment No.15 (1965/2015) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2015]

Title: Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Mozart: Serenade No.13 / Divertiment No.15 (1965/2015) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2015]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Serenade #13 for strings in G major), K. 525, is a 1787 composition for a chamber ensemble by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The German title means “a little serenade,” though it is often rendered more literally but less accurately as “a little night music.” The work is written for an ensemble of 2 violins, viola, & cello with optional double bass, but is often performed by string orchestras. On this release, Herbert von Karajan conducts the Berlin Philharmonic for a performance of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik & Divertimento KV 287.

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Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Bruckner: Symphony No.7 in E major (1972) [Japan 2012] [SACD / Esoteric Company – ESSE-90059]

Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Bruckner: Symphony No.7 in E major (1972) [Japan 2012]

Title: Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Bruckner: Symphony No.7 in E major (1972) [Japan 2012]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

The reissue of classical music masterpieces by ESOTERIC has attracted a lot of attention, both for its uncompromising commitment to recreating the original master sound, and for using hybrid Super Audio CD (SACD) technology to improve sound quality. This series marks the first hybrid SACD release of historical recording selections that have been mainstays of the catalog since their initial release on LP, until the present digital age of CD. These new audio versions feature ESOTERIC’s proprietary re-mastering process to achieve the highest level of sound quality.

The criterion of re-mastering is to faithfully capture the quality of the original master tapes. ESOTERIC’s flag ship D/A converters, model D-01VU, Rubidium master clock generator model G-0Rb and ESOTERIC MEXCEL interconnect cables and power cords, were all used for this re-mastering session. This combination of highly advanced technology greatly contributed to capturing the high quality sound of the original master tapes.

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Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan – Beethoven: The Symphonies (1963) [Reissue 2003] [SACD / Deutsche Grammophon – 474 600-2]

Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan - Beethoven: The Symphonies (1963) [Reissue 2003]

Title: Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan – Beethoven: The Symphonies (1963) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Karajan: Beethoven Symphonies (1963) is a set of studio recordings made in 1961 and 1962 by the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Herbert von Karajan. It is the second of four cycles of Beethoven’s nine symphonies that von Karajan conducted, and the first of three for the German record label Deutsche Grammophon. The complete set was first released in 1963 in Europe, and as a result the cycle of symphonies is now generally known as the 1963 cycle. The cycle is usually now presented across 5 CDs. It is available in 24 bit/96 kHz high definition sound on 6 hybrid SACDs that also containing a rehearsal session for the ninth symphony.

Herbert von Karajan recorded Ludwig van Beethoven’s complete symphonies four times, first in the 1950s with the Philharmonia Orchestra on EMI, then on three more occasions with the Berlin Philharmonic for Deutsche Grammophon. Karajan’s 1963 cycle with Berlin is highly regarded by fans for its consistent interpretations and energetic and emotional playing. Collectors usually rate this set higher than the 1977 and 1985 recordings, also with Berlin on DG, which have been criticized for being somewhat more mechanical in performance and clinical in sound quality. That said, Karajan’s Beethoven is decidedly a product of the mid-20th century, following conventions that tended toward homogenization of orchestral colors, broad pacing, and an exaggerated sense of the heroic, particularly in the Third, Fifth, Seventh, and Ninth. Before the advent of the movement for period performance practices and the wide use of original 18th and 19th century instruments, Karajan’s recordings were widely accepted as the gold standard for Beethoven, though the historically informed interpretations by John Eliot Gardiner, Roy Goodman, and Christopher Hogwood have, by way of comparison, made most of the mainstream versions of Beethoven seem heavy and stodgy. Listeners who grew up with Karajan’s recordings will appreciate this set, though they are likely to own it already.

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2 min read

Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan – Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies (1977) [Japan 2018] [SACD / Deutsche Grammophon – UCGG-9129/32]

Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan - Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies (1977) [Japan 2018]

Title: Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan – Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies (1977) [Japan 2018]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

To commemorate the 110th birthday anniversary of “Emperor of the Stage” Herbert von Karajan, “Beethoven: Complete Symphonies” recorded with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra from 1975 to 1977 was re-released on May 23, 2018. Karajan completed the Beethoven symphony cycle six times in his lifetime. This work is the second complete cycle recording, with the Berlin Philharmonic performing at their peak. The latest DSD master produced in 2018 at Emil Berliner Studios in Germany from the original analog master of Deutsche Grammophon in Germany was used to prepare this 4-discs boxset.

If Karajan’s 1963 set of Beethoven symphony recordings (recorded 1961-62 on DG) is generally hailed as one of the overall best cycles, Karajan-77 might in some ways be the better Karajan-Beethoven cycle – namely because it is more typical of Karajan and what he had achieved with the Berlin Philharmonic in the many years they were his orchestra. In the same way, the 1980s cycle might be considered as the exaggerated characteristic of everything that was questionable about Karajan’s particular approach – a trend toward homogeneity gone wrong, with edges first overstated, then smoothed over, and captured in sound worse than either of the predecessors. Karajan ’77 is a more collaborative effort with his orchestra, the detailed sound and clarity of his earlier Beethoven married to the homogenous orchestral sound that is said to have been his ideal. Although the timings are not very different from the earlier cycle (in the “Eroica” Karajan shaves off over two minutes from his previous account, [inadvertently?] coming close to Beethoven’s metronome markings), the symphonies often ‘feel’ a little bit more deliberate because the saturated, secure sound of the orchestra and recording remove any sense of instability, nervous energy.

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2 min read

Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Bach: Orchestra Suites Nos. 2 & 3 (1964) [Japan 2014] [SACD / Deutsche Grammophon – UCGG-9070]

Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Bach: Orchestra Suites Nos. 2 & 3 (1964) [Japan 2014]

Title: Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Bach: Orchestra Suites Nos. 2 & 3 (1964) [Japan 2014]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Cardboard sleeve reissue from Herbert von Karajan features SHM-SACD format for the first time. Japanese original release. Recorded in August 1964 in St. Moritz.

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1 min read

Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Adagio (1972) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2011] [SACD / Deutsche Grammophon – UCGG-9035]

Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Adagio (1972) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2011]

Title: Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Adagio (1972) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2011]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Sound becomes visible! It pulsates! A quality beyond compare, heard by the world for the very first time. The body employs SHM material, renowned for its exceptional transparency and fluidity. Furthermore, adopting the single-layer (2ch) format that truly brings out DSD’s inherent characteristics, this is the ultimate Super Audio CD series! Whilst period instruments and period performance practice are now mainstream for Baroque music, performed by smaller ensembles, Karajan’s interpretation is richly expressive, fully utilising the singing qualities of a large orchestra. DSD conversion from DG’s analogue master by EBS in August 2011. A Japan-exclusive project.

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Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker – Verdi: Messa da Requiem (1972) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2012] [SACD / Deutsche Grammophon – UCGG-9051]

Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker - Verdi: Messa da Requiem (1972) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2012]

Title: Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker – Verdi: Messa da Requiem (1972) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2012]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Japanese original release. Uses 2012 DSD master based on the Deutsche Grammophon’s original analog tape.

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Herbert von Karajan, Wiener Philharmoniker – Brahms: Symphonies 1 & 3; Tragic Overture (1960 & 1962) [Japan 2019] [SACD / Universal (Japan) – UCGD-9071]

Herbert von Karajan, Wiener Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphonies 1 & 3; Tragic Overture (1960 & 1962) [Japan 2019]

Title: Herbert von Karajan, Wiener Philharmoniker – Brahms: Symphonies 1 & 3; Tragic Overture (1960 & 1962) [Japan 2019]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

By 90th anniversary of Decca’s founding and 30 years after Herbert von Karajan’s death, following three orchestral recordings by Karajan & Vienna Philharmonic have been converted from the original master to DSD by British Classic Sound. The Symphony No. 1 have been recorded by Karajan for Decca in 1959; Symphony No. 3 and Tragic Overture in 1961.

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Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan – Dvorák: Cello Concerto – Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme (1968/2012) [SACD / Universal (Japan) – UCGG-9045]

Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan - Dvorák: Cello Concerto - Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme (1968/2012)

Title: Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan – Dvorák: Cello Concerto – Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme (1968/2012)
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO

This timeless masterpiece, which swept the world’s major recording awards—Germany’s Schallplattenpreis, France’s Grand Prix du Disque, and Japan’s Record Academy Award—can be declared Rostropovich’s greatest performance.

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Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Herbert von Karajan Invitation To The Dance (1972) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2011] [SACD / Universal (Japan) – UCGG-9037]

Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Herbert von Karajan Invitation To The Dance (1972) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2011]

Title: Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Herbert von Karajan Invitation To The Dance (1972) [Japanese SHM-SACD 2011]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO

Herbert von Karajan conducts the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra for this recording of music by Weber, Berlioz, Liszt, Smetana and Dvorak. Catalog: UCGG-9037 Mastering: Emil Berliner Studios Engineer [Recording] – Günter Hermanns Producer – Dr. Hans Hirsch Recording Supervisor – Hans Weber Previously — Deutsche Grammophon, LP 2530 244 

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