Columbia X Tower Records/The Valued Collection Platinum
Smetana Quartet - Smetana – Two String Quartets - Japan SACD Hybrid Limited Edition
Smetana Quartet - Smetana – Two String Quartets - Japan SACD Hybrid Limited Edition
Hybrid SACD
Classical Music
Quartet
September 17, 2025
Will usually ship within 1~5 business days of receiving cleared payment.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Catalog No.: TWSA1191
JAN/ISBN: 4549767351650
Number of Discs: 1
Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
Credits:
Smetana Quartet
Description:
The 15th in the DENON ORT-mastered SACD series The latest reissue of the supreme masterpiece by the Smetana Quartet, first SACD release in high-resolution format using ORT mastering. New commentary included. The 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. The 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)) The 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. This 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. (1/2)
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
**Shipping Carriers**
We ship all orders via **Japan Post**, **DHL**, or **FedEx**, depending on the destination and shipping method selected at checkout.
---
**Delivery Time**
- **In-stock items**: Orders are processed and shipped within **51 to 5 business days or 5 to 30 business days** from the date of purchase.
- **Pre-orders**: Items will be shipped within **7 business days** after the official release date.
- **Special order items**: Delivery may be delayed depending on the supplier's stock status. We will contact you if delays exceed the estimated timeframe.
Please note: Delivery times may vary due to customs clearance, weather conditions, postal delays, and holidays. Thank you for your understanding.
---
**Shipping Costs**
Shipping costs are calculated automatically at checkout using our shipping rate calculator. Final shipping charges depend on your destination and the total weight of your order.
We currently offer **international shipping** to most countries.
---
**Returnsv**
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, the product must be unused, unopened (i.e., shrink wrap or manufacturer seal must be intact), and in the same condition as when you received it, including the original packaging.
Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the return is due to our error (e.g., defective, damaged, or incorrect item). Please note that we are unable to refund the original shipping charges.
To initiate a return, please contact us at ruryaam@gmail.com. If your return is accepted, we’ll provide you with a return shipping label and detailed instructions. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return-related questions at ruryaam@gmail.com.
---
**Damages and Issues**
Please inspect your order upon delivery and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or incorrect. We will work quickly to resolve the issue.
Return Address: Rury Art & Music Inc., 2-3-3 Minamikoiwa, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan 133-0056
(Please contact us before sending any items.)
---
**Non-returnable Items**
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns for items on sale or gift cards.
---
**Exchanges**
To exchange an item, we recommend returning the original item and placing a new order separately after the return is accepted.
---
**Refunds**
Once we receive and inspect your returned item, we will notify you of the approval status. If approved, your refund will be processed to your original payment method within 5–10 business days. Please note that your bank or credit card provider may take additional time to post the refund to your account.
