{"product_id":"4549767351650","title":"Smetana Quartet - Smetana – Two String Quartets - Japan SACD Hybrid Limited Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003eCredits:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSmetana Quartet\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 15th in the DENON ORT-mastered SACD series\n\nThe latest reissue of the supreme masterpiece by the Smetana Quartet, first SACD release in high-resolution format using ORT mastering. New commentary included.\n\n\n\nThe quartet's live recording of Dvorak's \"America\" from the Smetana Quartet's visit to Japan in 1980 and two quartets by Smetana recorded in Prague, Czech Republic in 1976 are coupled together. This is the first SACD release with high-resolution conversion using ORT mastering technology originally developed by Nippon Columbia. The CD layer also uses this mastered sound source.\n\n\n\nThe time when we decided to form the Quartet was the time when it was forbidden to perform Czech works. We wanted to pursue our own version as our own resistance. If we look at the value in our history, the history and music of the Czech people, the music of the Czech Republic is still Smetana. (From the November 1980 issue of Ongaku no Tomo (Friend of Music))\n\n\n\nThe Smetana Quartet was born in 1943 as the Prague Conservatory Quartet under the Nazi occupation, and could neither bear the name Smetana nor perform its music.And even after their debut as the Smetana Quartet on November 6, 1945, their home country remained under the influence of the Soviet Union, and as you know, they had a difficult road to independence in 1993. In short, the Smetana Quartet, like Smetana in the second half of the 19th century, was an important presence in the second half of the 20th century, continuing to show the world the richness and glory of Czech musical culture.\n\n\n\nThis was the third time that the Smetana Quartet recorded two pieces by Smetana. In Stereo Geijutsu magazine, Mr. Toru Fuyuki wrote about the significance of this recording as follows. First, the viola player Milan Škampa, who is also a musicologist, has thoroughly researched the autographs. Second, the recording was made using PCM, the most advanced recording method available today. Third, and this is the most important point, it is a masterful performance that surpasses the old recordings. In re-recording the Smetana, the musicians must have been eager to record the ultimate conclusion at this point in their careers. Such enthusiasm overflows from all parts of the performance, but at the same time, they also have a calm and objective view of themselves, and while the music flutters with great scale and vitality, it never loses its unshakable structure.The recording captures all of these qualities with unparalleled skill, tonal brilliance, and harmonic beauty. It is no wonder that this recording won the 14th Record Academy Award in the chamber music category in 1976.\n\n(1\/2)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia X Tower Records\/The Valued Collection Platinum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51637701542177,"sku":"4549767351650","price":18.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/8482\/2076\/files\/4549767351650.jpg?v=1756515249","url":"https:\/\/cdsvinyljapan.com\/en-ch\/products\/4549767351650","provider":"CDs Vinyl Japan Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}