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Ernest Ansermet – The Royal Ballet Gala Performances (45 RPM 200 Gram 5 LP Box Set)
215,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Show itemn the hearts of thousands, No. 1 on the Top RCA list. While the bulk of Ernest Ansermet's recordings were made with L'Orchestre de la Susise Romande, there were a few with the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra and the very occasional foray into recordings with London orchestras, one of these being with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in 1959. Analogue Productions is proud and excited to be bringing back such a classic. Not just for the music, which is superb, but also for the detailed packaging, which in this case takes the form of a 22-page lavishly illustrated book that's integrated into the tip-on gatefold jacket for two of the LPs in this new 5LP 45 RPM box set edition. A word about 45 RPM: The dead-quiet LPs, with the music spread over nine sides of vinyl (the 10th side repeats side 1), reduces distortion and high frequency loss as the wider-spaced grooves let your stereo cartridge track more accurately. But it's more than just the vinyl that makes this release so special. If you're new to ballet, this pictorial history will introduce you to some of its most famous productions — old favorites such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, for example — but also less familiar tales such as Carnaval, Les Sylphides and Coppélia. You'll also make the aquaintance of famous ballerinas of the Royal company, such as Margot Fonteyn, Nadia Nerina and Beryl Grey. as well as choreographers such as Jules Perrot and male dancers Alexis Rassine and Michael Somes. Musically you can't get better than the 200-gram dead-silent platters pressed by RTI. Of course the best vinyl reflects the best mastering, and that's accomplished here by Bernie Grundman working from the original analog tape. Stoughton Printing expertly handled the intricate gatefold tip-on package. Audiophilia Online Magazine wrote: "This is the stuff of which dreams are made. The Royal Ballet Gala is one of the finest RCAs recorded in London's Kingsway Hall. The chunks of great ballet music are well served by orchestra, conductor and engineer. Performances are executed to a very high standard - the Royal Opera House Orchestra, both then and now, rank as one of the finest of opera orchestras. "Conductor Ansermet keeps the pace moving, giving the listener the impression of a dance event rather than a dramatic concert hall reading. With the exception of some of the Tchaikovsky scenes, the music is light and remains so under Ansermet's gentle touch. Each ballet is given full attention by the players, something not always attained at Covent Garden during long ballet nights! The threat of eternity does have it's merits. The recorded sound is simply amazing! Lustrous is one word that comes to mind, accurate is another. "Tonally, Messrs. Williamson and Wilkinson have used their considerable talents to capture the orchestra superbly. Woodwind and strings glow and resonate, transporting this listener to a time when simpler recording was better. Brass ring out thrillingly and percussion effects are very musical. Be it a bang, swish, rattle, crack or snap, each percussionist is situated perfectly within the beautiful Kingsway soundstage. Even the difficult-to-record sound of the celeste is captured in it's purely mechanical form. It's delicate sound is heard to great effect during the Nutcracker - originating stage left, the sound decays across the stage of Kingsway with sparkling beauty. Wonderful."
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Low stock
Fritz Reiner – Respighi: Pines of Rome & Fountains of Rome
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cartAcoustic Sounds customer Alan Hendler has this to say about the first three RCA reissues: "Just received your new vinyl of Scheherazade, Pictures and Pines and Fountains of Rome. After listening I have never heard anything that comes close to the glorious sound of these records. I have original vinyl, CD's, SACD's, XRCD's, Chesky and Classic Records remasters and nothing comes close to how good these sound. The overall balance of all the sections of the orchestra is superb. Wood winds are gorgeous. I will be buying more." "These records are definitive." — Michael Fremer, editor, AnalogPlanet.com Winner of a Gruvy Award, chosen by AnalogPlanet's editor, Michael Fremer, for vinyl records that are musically and sonically outstanding and are also well mastered and pressed. http://www.analogplanet.com/content/gruvy-awards "These are the best vinyl releases of RCA LPs I've yet heard." — Jonathan Valin, executive editor, The Absolute Sound "Grade A. The exceedingly rare 1s/1s pressing of this disc has been celebrated and sought after ever since Carol B. Kessler wrote her famous article in TAS on the best RCAs (she ranked the 1s/1s Pines the #3 RCA of all-time). If you don't have a 1s/1s pressing, you will doubtlessly find this remastering sensational. Since I do have a 1s/1s, I'd have to say that there are aspects of the 1s/1s that are marginally superior to the Analogue Productions reissue — and vice versa. Though beautiful, string tone doesn't seem quite as silken on the Kassem reissue as it does on the RCA original; on the other hand, the staggeringly powerful bass on "The Pines of the Appian Way" (replete with gong and organ) retains all of its thunder and then some on the Analogue Productions re-pressing with, once again, a fair measure of tape-like ease and authority. (As with The Reiner Sound, the base is a little murky in spots, probably the results of mic preamp overload. In any event that occasional murkiness is also present on the 1s/1s and the Classic reissue.)" — Jonathan Valin, The Absolute Sound.com, June 11, 2013. To read the full review click here: http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/sneak-preview-acoustic-sounds-rca-reissues/ A highly sought-after RCA shaded dog Living Stereo title, the performance and sonics found within rate a 10/10. A must have — the dynamics are monstrous! Whichever other Respighi tone poem recordings you ultimately purchase, you MUST own this one. Since the early ‘60s it has been the standard by which all others have been judged, and in terms of both sound and performance, it has never really been surpassed. The final march of Pines is simply incredible: Thundering bass drum, crashing cymbals and gongs, bellowing brass — nobody since has brought the whole thing off with the same combination of excitement and discipline. Musicians: Chicago Symphony Orchestra Fritz Reiner, conductor
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Munch, Boston Symphony Orchestra – Debussy: La Mer (The Sea) / Ibert: Port Of Call
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cartWinner of a Gruvy Award, chosen by AnalogPlanet's editor, Michael Fremer, for vinyl records that are musically and sonically outstanding and are also well mastered and pressed. http://www.analogplanet.com/content/gruvy-awards "These are the best vinyl releases of RCA LPs I've yet heard." — Jonathan Valin, executive editor, The Absolute Sound Charles Munch and the Boston Symphony perform Debussy: La Mer and Ibert: Ports Of Call. Recorded in 1958.
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In stock
Rubinstein and Reiner, Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Rachmaninoff: Concerto No. 2
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cartAnalogue Productions' RCA Living Stereo Reissue Series No. 2, with 25 newly remastered mainstay classical albums, will delight and astound your ears with their clarity and warm, rich tone. As with our first highly-regarded LSC series, shortcomings of previous editions have been improved upon — from the mastering, to the LP pressing, to the sharp-looking glossy heavyweight Stoughton Printing tip-on jackets that faithfully duplicate the original artwork, "Living Stereo" logo, "Shaded Dog" label and all! Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original 2-track master tapes, cut at 33 1/3, and plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings — makers of the world's finest-sounding vinyl LPs, — no other editions match these for the quietest 180-gram platters available. Originally released in February 1959. Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18, pianist Artur Rubinstein, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, conductor. This recording of famed pianist Arthur Rubinstein captures one of his finest performances, Rachmaninoff's Concerto No. 2 made with Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony on January 9, 1956.
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Stanislaw Skrowaczewski – Chopin: Concerto No. 1/ Rubinstein
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Show itemAnalogue Productions' RCA Living Stereo Reissue Series No. 2, with 25 newly remastered mainstay classical albums, will delight and astound your ears with their clarity and warm, rich tone. As with our first highly-regarded LSC series, shortcomings of previous editions have been improved upon — from the mastering, to the LP pressing, to the sharp-looking glossy heavyweight Stoughton Printing tip-on jackets that faithfully duplicate the original artwork, "Living Stereo" logo, "Shaded Dog" label and all! Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original 2-track master tapes, cut at 33 1/3, and plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings — makers of the world's finest-sounding vinyl LPs, — no other editions match these for the quietest 180-gram platters available. Rubinstein recorded the Chopin Concertos numerous times. This version of Chopin's first Concerto is particularly successful, partly thanks to the sensitive accompaniment of the New London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Stanislaw Skrowaczewski. Tempos are well-judged and phrasing is supple and natural.
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Zubin Mehta – Mahler: Symphony No. 3 In D Minor/ Forrester
88,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Show itemExperience overwhelming sonics on this 2 LP Decca. Mahler Symphony No. 3 by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta with Maureen Forrester, contralto. Considered to be one of the best Decca recordings; made in March 1978 in Royce Hall, U.S.A. by recording engineers James Lock and Simon Eadon. Mastered by noted mastering engineer Willem Makkee from the original tapes on a Neumann VMS 80 lathe.
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Janos Starker – Bach: Suites For Unaccompanied Cello Complete (45 RPM 180 Gram 6 LP Box Set)
235,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Show itemCut directly from the original 3-track, first-generation master tapes at 45 RPM by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound using an AMPEX ATR-100 tape machine customized with 3-track flux magnetic heads! "What better time than during a period of self-isolation and social distancing could there be to explore Bach’s 'Suites For Unaccompanied Cello'? Arguably, there’s no finer recorded performances than the ones Janos Starker performed for Mercury Records April 15 and 17, 1963, September 7-8, 1965 and December 21-22, 1965. ... The finest version of these historic recordings, is without a doubt, this latest one from Analogue Productions and the sound is unassailable." — Music = 11/11; Sound 11/11 — Michael Fremer, AnalogPlanet.com, July 3, 2020. Read the whole review here. "The original LP has now been reissued by Analogue Productions on 200gm vinyl, mastered at Sterling Sound by Ryan K. Smith and stamped at Quality Record Pressings. I compared my review copy of the AS release to my IS/IS original and found the two to be very, very close; if anything, I believe most listeners would prefer the AS reissue for its very slightly more rounded-off sound, which sacrifices nothing of the original's presence yet pulls the dry sound back an inch or two from the brink of brightness. Also, the reissue has a somewhat wider dynamic range: After matching its volume to the original during a quiet passage, forte passages on the reissue seemed to go louder than on the original. All around, a well-done reissue of a recording that deserves your love." — Revinylization by Art Dudley, Stereophile.com, June 2020 "After receiving the final package, I am so proud of this product! I knew we hit a home run sound-wise when I heard the test pressings, but this packaging is super-deluxe and well manufactured, a whole other level. The production pressings are as good as the test pressings. This is just what you want in an all-analog vinyl reissue: superb sound and a collector-grade physical artifact. Great craftsmanship all around!" — Thomas Fine, remastering supervisor These newly remastered Mercury Living Presence reissue LPs represent the state of the art of all-analog technology and production. Led by remastering supervisor Thomas Fine, son of high-fidelity recording pioneers C. Robert Fine and Wilma Cozart Fine of Fine Recording Inc. in New York City, these reissues were cut at 45 RPM directly from first-generation 3-track master tapes. A 3-2 channel mix was made directly to the cutting lathe, no "cutting master" tape stage, digital source or digital delay was used. Thomas Fine made the 3-2 mixes with mastering engineer Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound's new facility in Nashville, Tennesee. Smith manually controlled groove margin and depth on his Neumann VMS-80 lathe, working with no preview signal and bypassing the lathe's margin-control computer. In doing so, he cut these sides the same way the original LP was cut by George Piros, who was Fine Recording Inc's VP and head of mastering. As with the original LP, no "sweetening" equalization or dynamic range control was used. The definitive recording and perrformance of these works by JS Bach was originally released as a 3LP Mercury Living Presence Stereo SR3-9016, original mint copies of which command hundreds of dollars on the preowned LP market. Hungarian-American cellist János Starker epitomized refined elegance and superbly subtle bow work. Starker, who died in April 2013, was one of the 20th century's most renowned cellists. Starker's recording of the Suites from 1965 makes a lasting impression on the listener, and even record producers who are well used to recorded excellence have been highly impressed. Starker's full-bodied sound and technical brilliance are complemented by his finely chiseled interpretation that lends immense expression to Bach's thrilling harmony and verve to the strict rhythmic construction of the movements. This 6LP set, cut at 45 RPM, allows for the full dynamics present on the master tapes to shine through masterfully, as the wider-spaced grooves across the six sides, instead of three, let your stereo cartridge track more accurately. Housed in a glossy lid-style box reproducing the original artwork. Plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings, makers of the world's finest-sounding LPs.
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In stock
Fritz Reiner – Mahler: Symphony No. 4/ Lisa Della Casa (Chicago Symphony Orchestra)
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cartAnalogue Productions' RCA Living Stereo Reissue Series No. 2, with 25 newly remastered mainstay classical albums, will delight and astound your ears with their clarity and warm, rich tone. As with our first highly-regarded LSC series, shortcomings of previous editions have been improved upon — from the mastering, to the LP pressing, to the sharp-looking glossy heavyweight Stoughton Printing tip-on jackets that faithfully duplicate the original artwork, "Living Stereo" logo, "Shaded Dog" label and all! Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original 3-track master tapes, cut at 33 1/3, and plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings — makers of the world's finest-sounding vinyl LPs, — no other editions match these for the quietest 180-gram platters available. "Mahler's Fourth and Das Lied von der Erde were Reiner's only Mahler recordings with the Chicago Symphony, and both are reminders of his orchestral wizardry and his prowess as a Mahlerian. Tempos are on the swift side for a piece many conductors like to linger over, but the forward flow doesn't obscure telling details. Reiner gives the slow movement a chaste solemnity, and the final heavenly vision is beautifully sung by the creamy voiced Della Casa. This Mahler's Fourth falls closer to Boulez's objectivity than to Bernstein's emotionalism and remains today what it was when recorded — one of the best Mahler Fourths in the catalog. It's also one of the best-sounding, as RCA's Living Stereo engineering holds its own even after decades." — Amazon.com
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In stock
Societa Corelli – Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cartAnalogue Productions' RCA Living Stereo Reissue Series No. 2, with 25 newly remastered mainstay classical albums, will delight and astound your ears with their clarity and warm, rich tone. As with our first highly-regarded LSC series, shortcomings of previous editions have been improved upon - from the mastering, to the LP pressing, to the sharp-looking glossy heavyweight Stoughton Printing tip-on jackets that faithfully duplicate the original artwork, "Living Stereo" logo, "Shaded Dog" label and all! Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original 3-track master tapes, cut at 33 1/3, and plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings - makers of the world's finest-sounding vinyl LPs, - no other editions match these for the quietest 180-gram platters available. The 13 string virtuosi who make up this conductor-less ensemble did well to name themselves after Areangelo Corelli. Both as a violinist and as a composer, Corelli brought the art of string-playing to heights never-before achieved, exploring new dimensions of dynamics and tonal richness. What makes the Societa Corelli virtually unique among interpreters of Corelli, Vaivaldi and other masters of that period is their style. Their tone production, use of vibrato and other subtleties evident in this performance are artistic, creative and vital music-making.
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In stock
Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble – Music For Bang, Baaroom, And Harp
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cart"I'm not exaggerating about the sound quality: It's amazing nor am I overstating the 'pure novelty' aspect of the arrangements. This is not 'serious' music but it is serious fun and so 1950's kitschy that as time passes it becomes more treasured as a 'moment in time' never to be repeated. I have original and Classic Records reissues but more recently Analogue Productions has reissued this cut from the three-track original tape by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound. Originals still go for well over a hundred dollars (I snagged one years ago at Record Surplus, Las Vegas for three bucks) so the new reissue, which I'm sure sounds great and is pressed on 180-gram vinyl at QRP, is reasonably priced." — Michael Fremer, AnalogPlanet.com. To read Fremer's full take on "Three Percussion Records You Should Own," click here. "Little did any of us who were involved in the planning and recording of Music for Bang, Baaroom and Harp know, back in 1958, what an impact this album would have on the record industry and how it would effect my career," writes Dick Schory, about the audiophile instrumental classic, the first stereophonic recording in the industry to be classified a "Best Seller." Now, revel in the enhanced clarity and sonic richness of a 180-gram pressing by Quality Record Pressings, and remastering and lacquer cutting by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound, giving this classic a fresh, vibrant appeal. The superb remastering from the original 3-track master tapes brings out subtleties of the instruments, arrangements, performance and ambiance of Chicago's Orchestra Hall lacking from the original pressing and subsequent versions. The concept for this album is simple: Dozens of standard and exotic percussive instruments (re: manifold from a 1946 Chevrolet) were employed in original and standard tunes arranged by Schory, Bobby Christian, Mike Simpson, Willis Charkovsky and Skitch Henderson, who at the time was musical director for NBC's "Tonight Show." Three tracks are of particular note: the quirky "Tiddley Winks" and the exotic "Baia" and "Typee." The jacket, depicting Schory poking out from a pile of instruments, is a classic of LP art. The recording, utilizing RCA Victor Record's Red Seal Classical Division's equipment — the same used to record the Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston Symphony orchestras at the time — was recorded in Chicago's Orchestra Hall on June 2 and 3, 1958. Two custom Ampex 300-3 half-inch 3-track tape recorders, running at 15 and 30 inches a second, captured the performances by eight percussionists together with other performers from the Chicago Symphony on piano, string bass, guitar, banjo and harp. Commercial success followed. Not only was the album an audiophile classic, it also became one of the best-selling instrumental albums of the late 1950s and early '60s with Billboard, Record World and Cash Box magazines listing it on their charts for more than two years, and in the "Top 10" best sellers for more than six months. The album kicked off an era of percussion recordings that tried to duplicate the success of Music for Bang, Baaroom and Harp, with limited results.
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Fritz Reiner – Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition/ Moussorgsky
88,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Show itemKudos for our 33 1/3 version: "Grade: A+. Once again, as good as I've heard this record sound. Gorgeous strings, superb bass, avalanche dynamics with that same tape-like ease, sensational inner detail. The authority of the CSO is really something on fortissimo tuttis, of which there are many in Pictures." — Jonathan Valin, The Absolute Sound.com, June 11, 2013. To read the full review click here:To read the full review click here: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/sneak-preview-acoustic-sounds-rca-reissues/ Another sonic and musical blockbuster from the unbeatable combo of Reiner and RCA (and Mohr & Layton). Recorded in 1957 at Chicago's Orchestra Hall; the original analog session tapes were used in mastering for LPs and SACDS. Mussorgsky's inspiration for Pictures was the death of his dear friend, the architect and visual artist Victor Hartman. Having died at age 39, Hartman had not yet had the opportunity to realize any of his architectural visions, and Mussorgsky was angered that his friend would have no legacy. The Architects' Society arranged an exhibition of some of Hartman's sketches — some of architecture, others of characters or scenes from everyday life. The tribute was enough to give Mussorgsky ideas for his composition, but not enough to give Hartman any lasting place in history. Today, of all of the sketches that were captured in music, only six can be positively identified. The piece is known today primarily through the orchestral version created by Maurice Ravel in 1922. In fact, the work had already been orchestrated multiple times, by a variety of lesser names. Some conductors today find that Ravel's version, in spite of its color, sacrifices some of the coarse nature inherent in Mussorgsky's piano original. Furthermore, Ravel worked from Rimsky-Korsakov's edited version of the piano part - the only one available at the time - which changed some notes and rhythms. None of the orchestrations, however, change the fundamental spirit of the piece. Mussorgsky imagines himself making his way down the hallway that showcased his late friend's work, with his stately procession represented by the Promenade that opens the piece and returns several times. Upon stopping at each image, he reflects on what he sees. Between the early movements, the promenade returns regularly, as Mussorgsky is conscious of moving from one scene to the next. As the work progresses, however, he becomes less aware of the interval between pictures, and more immersed in the continuous psychological experience of moving from one state of mind to the next. By the end, the composer sees himself transformed by the connection with Hartman through his visual expressions of Russian pride and humanity.
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Henryk Szeryng – Henryk Szeryng in Recital
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cartAnalogue Productions' RCA Living Stereo Reissue Series No. 2, with 25 newly remastered mainstay classical albums, will delight and astound your ears with their clarity and warm, rich tone. As with our first highly-regarded LSC series, shortcomings of previous editions have been improved upon - from the mastering, to the LP pressing, to the sharp-looking glossy heavyweight Stoughton Printing tip-on jackets that faithfully duplicate the original artwork, "Living Stereo" logo, "Shaded Dog" label and all! Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original 3-track master tapes, cut at 33 1/3, and plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings - makers of the world's finest-sounding vinyl LPs, - no other editions match these for the quietest 180-gram platters available. Polish-born violinist Henryk Szeryng was probably the finest product of Carl Flesch's legendary teaching career (other luminaries to emerge from his studio in the years between the two World Wars include Ivry Gitlis and Ida Haendel). Possessing an iron technique and a musical intellect of rare insight, Szeryng established himself as one of the pre-eminent concert violinists of the post-World War II decades.
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Ernest Ansermet – The Royal Ballet Gala Performances (2 LP + Book)
108,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cart"Analogue Productions' Classic Records buyout brought with it metal parts for many albums, cut by Bernie Grundman, including for this record. ... AP chose to produce a new stamper using the "mother" cut from the original master tape by Bernie Grundman. ... I compared this 33 1/3 reissue to the Classic 33 1/3 reissue and to an original pressing that I'm lucky to own. ... The QRP pressing was definitely more open, extended and focused on top and transients were sharper though in a completely natural way. The Classic sounded somewhat softer and veiled. If you've got both, you'll hear it in the percussive transients first and then consistently throughout. ... If this is one of your "go to" sonic spectaculars and you have other versions, you ought to consider adding this one, though you'll have to wait for the re-re-press. Both the sound, including dead quiet vinyl, as well as the packaging are first-rate." — Music = 11/11; Sound = 11/11 - Michael Fremer, AnalogPlanet.com. To read Fremer's full review, click here. In the hearts of thousands, No. 1 on the Top RCA list. While the bulk of Ansermet's recordings were made with L'Orchestre de la Susise Romande, there were a few with the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra and the very occasional foray into recordings with London orchestras, one of these being with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in 1959. Analogue Productions is proud and excited to be bringing back such a classic. Not just for the music, which is superb, but also for the detailed packaging, which in this case takes the form of a 22-page lavishly illustrated book that's integrated into the tip-on gatefold jacket. If you're new to ballet, this pictorial history will introduce you to some of its most famous productions — old favorites such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, for example — but also less familiar tales such as Carnaval, Les Sylphides and Coppélia. You'll also make the aquaintance of famous ballerinas of the Royal company, such as Margot Fonteyn, Nadia Nerina and Beryl Grey. as well as choreographers such as Jules Perrot and male dancers Alexis Rassine and Michael Somes. Musically you can't get better than the 180-gram dead-silent platters pressed by Quality Record Pressings, makers of the world's finest-sounding LPs. Of course the best vinyl reflects the best mastering, and that's accomplished here by Bernie Grundman working from the original analog tape. Stoughton Printing expertly handled the intricate gatefold tip-on package. Audiophilia Online Magazine wrote: "This is the stuff of which dreams are made. The Royal Ballet Gala is one of the finest RCAs recorded in London's Kingsway Hall. The chunks of great ballet music are well served by orchestra, conductor and engineer. Performances are executed to a very high standard - the Royal Opera House Orchestra, both then and now, rank as one of the finest of opera orchestras. "Conductor Ansermet keeps the pace moving, giving the listener the impression of a dance event rather than a dramatic concert hall reading. With the exception of some of the Tchaikovsky scenes, the music is light and remains so under Ansermet's gentle touch. Each ballet is given full attention by the players, something not always attained at Covent Garden during long ballet nights! The threat of eternity does have it's merits. The recorded sound is simply amazing! Lustrous is one word that comes to mind, accurate is another. "Tonally, Messrs. Williamson and Wilkinson have used their considerable talents to capture the orchestra superbly. Woodwind and strings glow and resonate, transporting this listener to a time when simpler recording was better. Brass ring out thrillingly and percussion effects are very musical. Be it a bang, swish, rattle, crack or snap, each percussionist is situated perfectly within the beautiful Kingsway soundstage. Even the difficult-to-record sound of the celeste is captured in it's purely mechanical form. It's delicate sound is heard to great effect during the Nutcracker - originating stage left, the sound decays across the stage of Kingsway with sparkling beauty. Wonderful."
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John Coltrane – Standard Coltrane (Stereo)
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Show item“The title could not have been more accurate. By 1962, Coltrane’s leadership role was undeniable; he was a standard-bearer of musical commitment, and intense, bold exploration. As well, all four tunes on the album were truly ‘standards’: 32-bar tunes originally crafted for Broadway or Hollywood projects, adopted by jazz instrumentalists to interpret and explore. There’s another meaning to be gleaned from the album’s title. In 1958, when Coltrane recorded the tracks, he often favored melodies that had attained popularity during his teen years—familiar and unfamiliar alike—all in a search to find new structures and fresh inspiration. This indeed was standard Coltrane—in ’58, and well into the ’60s.” — All Music Guide
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Alexander Gibson – Witches’ Brew
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cartOf the most rare RCAs, Witches' Brew rates near the top of the heap of desired RCAs. ... The LP selections were recorded by Decca recording engineer Kenneth Wilkinson in fabled Kingsway Hall and released in 1958. ... The reissue maintains the big, explosive sound of the original with up-front sound. It avoids some of the unnatural sizzle and harshness in the Classic Records version and probably gives as good an indication of why this record became so collectable as any of us are likely to encounter. ... For sheer fun, fabulous sound and a taste of record collecting history without the financial pain, this is hard to beat." — Recording = 10/10; Music = 8/10 — Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi +, Issue 141 This famous Alexander Gibson/New Symphony Orchestra of London collection from 1958 debuted at the dawn of the RCA Living Stereo era. It became one of the most sought-after Living Stereos with music by Arnold, Liszt and Mussorgsky amongst others, all with a spooky, witchy theme. The performances remain today as characterful and incisive as they were then. We've taken this classic and given it the full Analogue Productions reissue treatment, featuring a remaster by Germany's Willem Makkee from the original analog tapes, and plating and 180-gram pressing by Quality Record Pressings. Topping it off is a thick cardboard Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket. If such music didn't cast the right sort of spell, so many listeners wouldn't be returning to it on so many occasions, somehow feeling constantly refreshed.
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In stock
Arthur Fiedler – Gershwin: An American In Paris / Rhapsody In Blue
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cart"This reissue cut by Ryan K. Smith from the original 3 track beats every original I have (four) in every way. It peels back layers of murk without adding brightness or spotlighting or anything bad. Instead, it's as if layers of dust and dirt have been expertly cleaned away revealing a fresh, clear window onto the live musical event. ... (Earl) Wild's piano has never sounded as cleanly rendered or as well-focused. You'll see it as clearly as the skyscrapers. The finale has never packed such a ferocious wallop either. ... With records like this coming out, audiophiles who declare flatly that reissues never sound as good as originals skate further and further onto the thin ice. If you intend to own but a single classical record in your collection, make it this one." — Music = 9/11; Sound = 9/11 — Michael Fremer, AnalogPlanet.com. To read Fremer's full review, click here: http://www.analogplanet.com/content/analogue-productions-irhapsody-blueiiamerican-parisi-living-stereo-reissue-beats-original "These are the best vinyl releases of RCA LPs I've yet heard." — Jonathan Valin, executive editor, The Absolute Sound "Grade A++. This is a disc that I have never been wild about (though it was always one of HP's favorites). My complaint was the cavernous hole in the stage center, which made Earl Wild's piano sound tiny, distant and swamped with reverberation. Here mastering magic has been done by Kassem and his crew. The piano track, apparently not properly mixed back in '59, has been given the prominence it should always have had. Don't worry: The "stage" ambience (usually a bit of a misnomer, given that the BPO was seldom recorded on the stage of Symphony Hall, more often in the "orchestra section" of the hall, after the first-floor seats had been removed) has not been lost: it's just no longer overcooked, making a scintillating performance that much more immediate and exciting. (Thus the extra "+.") — Jonathan Valin, The Absolute Sound.com, June 11, 2013. To read the full review click here: http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/sneak-preview-acoustic-sounds-rca-reissues/ With Rhapsody in Blue, George Gershwin, a popular songwriter, established himself as a serious composer. His American in Paris tells the story of a trip through the streets and cafes of France. A first rate orchestra (The Boston Pops), a distinguished conductor (Arthur Fiedler), and a superb pianist (Earl Wild) combine to make this landmark recording something to be treasured.
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Charles Munch – A Stereo Spectacular: Saint-Saens Symphony No.3
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Show item“So far, Analogue Productions’ series of outstanding reissues have avoided the missteps of the previous Classic Records issues, instead offering real improvements over the originals. … The latest release, of this title and the Offenbach Gaite Parisienne (LSC 1817), keeps a perfect track record of outstanding Living Stereo releases by Analogue Productions. Pristine surfaces and better-defined layers of sound along with much finer texture add up to a wonderful experience of the famous Organ Symphony. The original is almost coarse sounding compared to this reissue. While the Offenbach reissue does not eclipse the original in all areas, the original remains very expensive and the reissue is superb.” Recording = 10/10; Music = 10/10 – Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi +, Issue 119 “These are the best vinyl releases of RCA LPs I’ve yet heard.” — Jonathan Valin, executive editor, The Absolute Sound This performance of the Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 (Organ Symphony) is a favorite Living Stereo release. To say that it is incredible might be an understatement. The original 3-track session tapes were used in mastering for the LPs and SACDS in this Analogue Productions reissue series. The record reveals all of the glory of the recording and the precision and passion of Munch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Boston’s Symphony Hall. It’s more than ever the sonic blockbuster par excellence! It doesn’t get any better than this. Musicians: Berj Zamchokian, organ Boston Symphony Charles Munch, conductor
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David Abel/ Julie Steinberg – Debussy/Brahms/Bartok: Sonatas For Violin And Piano
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Show item“This is perhaps the most exquisitely natural recording ever made. All in all, this Wilson record is a triumph of the analog recording art.” — International Audio Review David Abel, violin. Julie Steinberg, piano. Perhaps the most transcendent of David Wilson’s brilliant recordings, this remarkable album of solo violin accompanied by piano comes as close to putting the two performers in the listening room as any ever made, writes The Absolute Sound, of Sonatas for Violin & Piano. Recorded on Wilson’s Ultramaster Recorder, built by John Curl, and using a spaced pair of Schoeps microphones driving vaccum tube electronics, the recording has a close perspective that heightens transparency and engagement as well as wonderfully capturing the beautiful tonality of Abel’s Guarnerius violin and Steinberg’s Hamburg Steinway without exaggering their size. “The duo performs these works as if they are one.” — The Absolute Sound, July/August 2013
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Fritz Reiner – Bartok: Concerto For Orchestra
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cart“Analogue Productions’ reissue of the RCA Living Stereo titles continues apace with one of the great masterpieces of the twentieth century – Béla Bartók’s Concerto For Orchestra with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Fritz Reiner. … (it) is is an audiophile’s dream recording. It has string tone to die for, a soundstage that fills your living room, and exhibits startling dynamics. … if you pass on this issue, you will miss out on what is the best-sounding pressing of this LP. In combination with great remastering, pressing on whisper quiet vinyl, and packaging in a first-class record sleeve, this is a bargain.” Recording = 10/10; Music = 10/10 – Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi +, Issue 121 “These are the best vinyl releases of RCA LPs I’ve yet heard.” — Jonathan Valin, executive editor, The Absolute Sound Since its original release on LP in the mid-1950s, Fritz Reiner’s rendition of the Concerto for Orchestra has stood as the standard against which all other recordings of the work are measured. Reiner’s superb control of his orchestra and of Bartók’s rhythms and textures is still unsurpassed, even by dozens of subsequent conductors in the digital age. Likewise, the Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta shows just what an incredible ensemble the Chicago Symphony was under Reiner’s direction. The original 2-track session tapes were used in mastering for LPs and SACDs. Reiner delivers definitive interpretations that set a standard that remains unsurpassed.
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Fritz Reiner – Festival
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Show item“These records are definitive.” — Michael Fremer, editor, AnalogPlanet.com
Winner of a Gruvy Award, chosen by AnalogPlanet’s editor, Michael Fremer, for vinyl records that are musically and sonically outstanding and are also well mastered and pressed. http://www.analogplanet.com/content/gruvy-awards
“These are the best vinyl releases of RCA LPs I’ve yet heard.” — Jonathan Valin, executive editor, The Absolute Sound
A collection of Russian orchestral favorites, including one of the best versions of “Night On Bare Mountain.” Fritz Reiner conducts the mighty Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
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Lowell Graham & National Symphonic Winds – Center Stage
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cartNew from Wilson Audiophile Recordings, Center Stage, featuring Lowell Graham conducting the National Symphonic Winds. These recordings were made in a historic concert hall on the campus of Hampton University in Hampton Roads, Va. The history of the hall parallels somewhat New York's Carnegie Hall. The musicians in the National Symphonic Winds come from the premier military bands of the United States as well as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The result was a superb mix of seasoned and assured professionals for this single, five-hour recording session. Lowell Graham, a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, was also the first to be awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in orchestral conducting from the Catholic University of America. He has led orchestras and bands in performances throughout the world, and he's the current conductor and commander of the United States Air Force Tactical Air Command Band. Recorded with minimal miking (Sennheiser), directly to 2-track half-inch, 30 ips tape using arguably the finest 2-track analog recorder in the world — the Wilson Ultramaster — a highly-modified Studer tape deck with custom-designed electronics designed by John Curl. To accomplish this difficult, time pressure recording, the recording engineering skills of the renowned Bruce Leek were employed. The extreme dynamic range of the music remains intact as well as the soundstage and timbre of the ensemble remaining completely natural. There is no added enhancement to the concert hall's natural reverberation. When raising the volume, be careful as these real world dynamics can be harmful to playback equipment if care is not taken. The musical repertoire was chosen to be user friendly, vivid, colorful and impactful. Selections from Tony-winning stage classics "Barnum," "West Side Story" and "Oklahoma" are joined by compositions from John Williams, including "Olympic Fanfare" composed for the 1984 Olympic Games. Selections from the Walt Disney favorite "Mary Poppins" include "Spoonful of Sugar," "Chim Chim Cheree" and more. These significant recordings hold a distinctive place in the audio and musical world.
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Lowell Graham – Winds Of War and Peace
88,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cart“It’s a sonic spectacular and while perhaps you are skeptical about this, it makes for damn entertaining listening. … If your system is capable of wide dynamic swings and deep bass, you’ll definitely enjoy cranking up this record! The original, cut by Doug Sax, … is obviously no ‘slouch,’ but this Kevin Gray-mastered reissue is even better overall. The bottom remains solid and dynamic while the midrange is far more transparent, having lost a ‘milky’ quality that made it sound as if it had been recorded in an airplane hangar. … if chamber is more your style and/or more suited to your system I’d recommend Sonatas For Violin and Piano (Analogue Productions APC-8722) performed by David Abel (violin) and Julie Steinberg (piano). Incidentally, Wilson’s catalogue numbers begin with the release year, so this one was issued in 1987. These chamber music recordings were designed to create the sensation of the performers playing in your room as opposed to you being in a venue. … The QRP pressings produce pitch black backgrounds with which the originals cannot begin to compete. Plus the music is sublime and/or bombastic!” — Michael Fremer, AnalogPlanet.com. Read the whole feature article here. On Winds of War and Peace, conductor Lowell Graham takes the National Symphonic Winds ensemble through a program of stirring orchestrations and marches. “Liberty Fanfare” was composed for the centennial celebration of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. The fanfare set the stage for one of the most spectacular celebrations in America’s history. Samuel Barber’s “Commando March” composed in 1943, represents Barber’s first band work. Written in a quadruple meter, this work utilizes the constant contrast of dotted and triplet rhythms. Roger Nixon’s “Festival Fanfare March,” was recognized for superb composition by the American Bandmasters Association in 1973. It is a work that’s technical, bright in color and effervescent in spirit. The album also includes “Victory at Sea,” “El Camino Real,” “A Santa Cecilla” and “Symphonic Dance No. 3”. Although the 33 1/3 reissue of this recording by Analogue Productions was outstanding, our 45 RPM version raises the quality bar even higher. With wider grooves, you’ll hear sound that reveals more depth and space to the orchestra as a whole, as well as individual instruments. This disc sports more detail, more human presence, more of what we as audiophiles, listen for. The musicians in the National Symphonic Winds come from the premier military bands of the United States as well as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The musicians for this recording session represented a superb mix of seasoned and assured professionals. Graham, a native of Greeley, Colorado, has earned recognition as one of America’s most talented conductors. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. He was also the first person to be awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Orchestral Conducting from the Catholic University of America. Graham has led orchestras and bands on record and in performance throughout the world. He is the current conductor and commander of the United States Air Force Tactical Air Command Band.
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Low stock
Lowell Graham & National Symphonic Winds – Center Stage 45
88,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Add to cartFrom Wilson Audiophile Recordings comes Center Stage, featuring Lowell Graham conducting the National Symphonic Winds. These recordings were made in a historic concert hall on the campus of Hampton University in Hampton Roads, Va. The history of the hall parallels somewhat New York's Carnegie Hall. The musicians in the National Symphonic Winds come from the premier military bands of the United States as well as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The result was a superb mix of seasoned and assured professionals for this single, five-hour recording session. Those who have already enjoyed the 33 1/3 Analogue Productions reissue of Center Stage know why it is an exceptional-sounding audiophile record. Now, cut at 45 RPM, and with wider grooves, you'll hear sound that's upgraded from exceptional, to brilliant. There's more depth and space to the orchestra as a whole, as well as individual instruments. This disc sports more detail, more human presence, more of what we as audiophiles, listen for. Lowell Graham, a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, was also the first to be awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in orchestral conducting from the Catholic University of America. He has led orchestras and bands in performances throughout the world, and he's the current conductor and commander of the United States Air Force Tactical Air Command Band. Recorded with minimal miking (Sennheiser), directly to 2-track half-inch, 30 ips tape using arguably the finest 2-track analog recorder in the world — the Wilson Ultramaster — a highly-modified Studer tape deck with custom-designed electronics designed by John Curl. To accomplish this difficult, time pressure recording, the recording engineering skills of the renowned Bruce Leek were employed.
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Fritz Reiner – Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra
58,00 €
Includes 19% MwSt DEplus shippingAdditional costs (e.g. for customs or taxes) may occur when shipping to non-EU countries.Show item"These records are definitive." — Michael Fremer, editor, AnalogPlanet.com Winner of a Gruvy Award, chosen by AnalogPlanet's editor, Michael Fremer, for vinyl records that are musically and sonically outstanding and are also well mastered and pressed. http://www.analogplanet.com/content/gruvy-awards "These are the best vinyl releases of RCA LPs I've yet heard." — Jonathan Valin, executive editor, The Absolute Sound The legendary 1954 Fritz Reiner/Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance of a Strauss war horse. Recorded directly to 2-track analog by Jack Pfeiffer, the original session tapes were used in mastering for LPs and SACDS. Among the very first Living Stereo recordings ever made, these landmark performances document the start of the legendary partnership of Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Musicians: Chicago Symphony Orchestra Fritz Reiner, conductor