Tag: Sir John Barbirolli

Title: BBC Symphony Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli – Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1, 3 & 8 [2 SACDs] (1958-1969/2020)
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO

Project for the 50th anniversary of his death. The stereo recordings of Barbirolli’s three Beethoven symphonies and two smaller pieces are collected in a 2-CD set. The world’s first SACD release. Latest reissue from the original analog master tapes. Includes new commentary by Shunsuke Fujino. 2 discs of stereo recordings by Barbirolli of 3 Beethoven symphonies, “Leonore Overture No. 3” and others. Although there are few recordings of Beethoven himself, he was one of the most important composers for Barbirolli, as he conducted the “Symphony No. 7” in the last concert of his life (1970/7/25). His “Hero” with the rare BBC Symphony Orchestra in his later years is a masterpiece that has been heard over and over again. In order to achieve the highest sound quality in its current state, the SACD and CD layers have been mastered separately, using a master digitized at 192kHz/24bit from the original analog master tapes in the original country of origin. New commentary is included. This is a permanent edition. The year 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, and Barbirolli’s important recording of “Hero” could not be left out. In the UK, due to the label’s policy, there have not been many opportunities for British conductors to record German works, even though they are part of the regular concert repertoire. Barbirolli is no exception, recording only five Beethoven symphonies, including monaural recordings. This time, three of them, No. 1, No. 3, and No. 8, and “Leonore Overture No. 3” recorded in stereo, are collected on two discs (there is also “Emperor” in stereo). The recording of “Hero” with the BBC Symphony Orchestra is rare, so it is very valuable. This recording is one of the most popular among Barbirolli’s many recordings, and although its reissue was delayed in the CD era, it was much talked about when it was reissued. This is a rare and full recording of “Hero” that brings out the original gravity of the piece. In addition, this reissue includes two pieces by Purcell and Bach, recorded in 1969 with the Halle Orchestra, the last year of his life. In particular, Purcell’s “Suite” is from his own version of the original arrangement for string orchestra, which he arranged with woodwinds and horns when he was with the New York Philharmonic, and also recorded on PYE in 1956, also in monaural, with Barbirolli’s arrangement. Barbirolli liked this work. 

The sound quality this time was also excellent, and the master tapes were maintained in good condition. In particular, the performances of No. 1 and No. 8 with the Halle Orchestra, which are early stereo recordings, are better than expected, and the nuances of the performances are well conveyed. The effect of the original condition and digitization at 192kHz/24bit is significant, and the sound quality even conveys the atmosphere of the recording site. The latest mastering was done using a flat master that was digitized at 192kHz/24bit, which is higher than ever before, from the original 2-channel analog master tapes in the home country. The sound quality this time is more precise, wider in range, and closer in proximity, allowing you to enjoy the best performance with more realistic sound quality. Although some noise can be heard in some parts, we have again respected the originals and aimed for a musical mastering with a minimal range, including balance. The jacket design is that of “Hero,” and the commentary features new text by Fujino Shunsuke. The SACD layer on the CD layer is designed to provide high resolution and a rich sound field with extended high frequencies and soft nuances, while the CD layer is designed to provide a cohesive, solid sound with a realistic timbre. Please enjoy it as a SACD hybrid disc, where you can enjoy the best of both worlds. For the 31st release of the Definition Series, we will be releasing three titles of Barbirolli’s masterpieces. 

hraudio 

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