Credits:

Vaclav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

Description:

Slavic lyricism abounds. An unparalleled performance of rare virtuosity. This is the definitive re-recording of the 1985 recording by Neumann & the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra! This is the first SACD release in high-resolution format using ORT mastering. The latest release of the ORT mastering project, which has released the original DENON recordings, now includes the "Supraphon" recordings. This is the second recording for Neumann & the Czech Philharmonic, and their performance is full of outstanding persuasiveness as they play while experiencing the Slavic language firsthand. This is a masterful performance that makes full use of 100% of the tonal and functional beauty of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, which was in its golden age under Neumann. This is the first SACD release to be converted to high-resolution using Nippon Columbia's proprietary ORT mastering technology. The CD layer also uses this mastered sound source. Neumann and the Czech Philharmonic recorded the complete "Slavonic Dances" on the Teldec label between 1971 and 1972, and SUPRAPHON recorded the traditional recording for the first time in 1985.After this, about two years before his death, he made his last recording for Canyon Classics (SACD project, released by Octavia Records in December 2020 on OVEP00012. Limited Edition), and there are a total of three versions of this recording. Although all are by the same Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, each has its own characteristics due to the different recording periods and labels, and the Sprafon version is the most orthodox of all. Among the many recordings on the Sprafon label, the Sprafon version reigns supreme as the definitive recording of this traditional performance, following the Tarich and Scheiner recordings. The first recording, the Teldec version, was a very rigorous performance, with a lot of effort put into each piece, even if this was due to the label's recording method. Even though it is a small piece, the tension is tremendous, and you can fully feel the spirit of both musicians. On the other hand, this disc seems to have a certain "lightness" that matches the original "dance" element of the piece. The Sprafone version is lighter in the low frequency range, which may be due to the recording concept of both labels, and the more openness of the performance may also be due to the relaxed feeling of the two recordings.The songs are also noticeably linked to each other, and this disc is characterized by the fact that it feels like a complete work, as opposed to the Teldec disc, which has strong elements as independent pieces. On the other hand, the Canyon disc, the last one, has a smoother flow, but it is no wonder that the Sprafone disc is rated higher in terms of balance. (1/2)