Rudolf Kempe R.Strauss Ariadne auf Naxos 2 SACD Hybrid TOWER RECORDS JAPAN

Product introduction

Project commemorating Kempe's 110th birthday. The definitive masterpiece that started a series of R. Strauss recordings by Kempe and SKD is finally available on SACD!

New and latest reprint from the original analog master tape.

Includes lyrics translation and new commentary. World's first SACD!

First recorded in 1968 as a co-production between Electrola and Deutsche Schallplatten, the monumental "Ariadne auf Naxos'' was the first of a series of R. Strauss recordings by Kempe and the Staatskapelle Dresden. Reprinted on SACD. Like the complete collection of orchestral pieces that will be recorded later, this recording is famous as the definitive record in record history. Together with both singers and the entire production team at the time, this is a masterpiece that was completed with all their efforts. Mastered separately for the SACD layer and CD layer using a master digitized at 192kHz/24bit from the original analog master tape in Japan. This is a permanent record with new commentary and lyrics translation.

This "Ariadne" was the first R. Strauss recording with the Staatskapelle Dresden (hereinafter referred to as SKD), prior to the monumental R. Strauss complete orchestral works left by Kempe on the old EMI label. It is a work of art, and it is a highly complete sound source that should have been recorded as an opera after this (were there also plans to record an opera after this?). Unfortunately, it did not continue after that, but this one work was such that Kempe and SKD's achievements will forever be etched in the history of opera recording, and it can be said to be a work that opera lovers can't resist. The selection of the singers shows the high level of awareness they put into this project, and the fact that engineer C. Struben from the former East Germany is participating also raises expectations. The recording is also excellent, and it is hard to believe that the orchestra consists of 37 members (there is no chorus). This is, of course, largely due to the genius of Strauss's orchestration, but it is also a result of Kempe's ability to masterfully control the reins of this unique piece. This work has tended to be obscured until now, so even though it is a maniac as a reprint, I chose it this time. I am convinced that this is an important sound source that cannot be left out among Kempe's many recordings.

This time, we are using the latest mastering using a flat master that has been digitized at 192kHz/24bit from the original 2Ch analog master tape in our home country. The master was generally well-balanced, with little deterioration over time. Therefore, we focused on the balance of the original as much as possible, and tried to master from a musical perspective. This improves visibility of the distance and depth of the instrument, and further improves localization, allowing you to enjoy the best performance without stress. In addition, new text by Daisuke Hirose has been included in the manual.

In this series, the SACD layer aims for high resolution and a rich sound field with extended high frequencies and soft nuances, while the CD layer aims for a realistic tone that is pushed out with a solid sound. The CD itself has great potential, so please enjoy it as an SACD hybrid disc that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

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