Lovers of Kempe's Strauss take note
It does indeed look to be a new remaster according to Arkiv. http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=1064157 I'd like to hear Kempe, but was looking at these EMI remasters for about $5.00/cd used. I'll need to rethink this purchase. EMI |
Lowrider, I haven't heard the EMIs, but I have the Brilliant set that were based on the original release. The Warner remasters are so good you would never know its is the same set of recordings. I can tell you that the Warner Classics remaster is as good as any remaster of late analog master tapes as I have heard. The Dresden strings are just lovely. I have spent a lot of money trying to find modern Strauss recordings that I can live with. I'm done. These recordings are the Holy Grail for me. |
Schubert, I do like HvK's Strauss, but Kempe is still my favorite. I liked Mazell generally speaking when he was with Cleveland, but I can't recall anything in particular regarding his Strauss. I am envious of your opportunity to hear those 2 great conductors in Berlin. Those must be highly tresured memories for you! |
I lived there all though the 70's and most of the 80's . 3 blocks from the 900 hundred seat hall in the Rundfunk complex, a lovely sounding hall from the 30's where Kempe reigned over the Berlin Radio band. Mazell was principal after 85 I belive, but always lots of guest conductors. Heard at least 500 concerts there. Tried to get tickets to Berlin Phil when K had Strauss or Sibelius on the bill. Only a little over an hour to Dresden or Leipzig on train, so wife and me hit there twice a month for the Statts Capella or Gewandhaus. Best concert I ever heard was Masur in Schumann 3rd, when Masur was on he was magic in live performance, esp. in Schumann and Mendelssohn. Mazell has a Cleveland recording I like on CBS Nasterworks of Heldenleben , tempos are different, recording is clear. I'll post my thoughts on the Totem's Moday on my Vandy or Maddie post. Can say already its near perfect for listening to the "Live at the Met". WI public radio puts out a CD quality signal with no compression. Even on the loudest arias there was zero compression and no hardening whatsoever. Perfect recreation of stage in both width and depth, perfect spatial relationships of one singer to another, where the pit was, where the chorus was etc. Totally natural sound of all voices and instruments with no trace of "hi-fi" itis. |
