Credits:

Herbert von Karajan, Staatskapelle Dresden

Description:

The fifth SACD hybridization of the latest reissue project of the original ETERNA analog tapes in Japan! The ideal form of Dvořák performance that brings out the best of the Staatskapelle Dresden, coupling four Mozart works recorded in 1976-77. Newly reissued from the original ETERNA analog tapes. Excellent recording. World's first SACD release! Mastered only in analog domain and direct DSD! Dvorak's Dvorak No. 8 is not only a masterpiece of Blomstedt's younger days, but also one of the best recordings with the Staatskapelle Dresden, and is known as a masterpiece of performance and recording. This release adds this Dvorak recording from 1974 and a lesser-known Mozart recording made by the duo in 1976 and the following year. Two original albums on one disc. Both are the world's first SACD reissues of these recordings, which fully utilize the beautiful sound of the Staatskapelle Dresden. Blomstedt made the only session recording of Dvořák's Eighth Symphony. He recorded this recording in 1974, the year before he became the principal conductor of the Staatskapelle Dresden (he also made his first visit to Japan with the same duo in 1973).Not only did the young Blomstedt give a convincing performance to take over the vacant position of chief conductor after former chief conductor Martin Trunovsky, but he also gave a masterful performance of the No. 8 that will remain in the discography. Moreover, the Eighth, engineered by Klaus Streuben, has been hailed as one of the label's best recordings. The performance is a masterful performance in which Blomstedt's typical emphasis on the music conveys the nuances of the piece to the fullest extent, and the way the melody is made to sing and the balance of sound is superb. The way the melody is sung and the balance of sound is superb. Many will be impressed by the profound expression of the second and third movements. The analog master tapes used in this reissue have some age-related defects. However, since the tape was digitized and mastered only in the analog domain, it reflects the original state of the tape. Mozart's recording of Beethoven's symphonies was made while he was already recording Beethoven's symphonies after assuming the position of chief conductor, and his exquisite sense of tempo in the Divertimento shines through. Even in the dashing performance, one can feel the propulsive force without stagnation in this splendid performance. In this reissue, the beauty of the strings in particular stands out on the SACD layer. Together with the Dvorak, this is a recording that beautifully showcases the orchestra's character and Blomstedt's talent. (1/2)