Takashi Asahina - Bruckner: Symphony No.7 - Japan 2 SACD Hybrid Limited Edition

Credits:

Takashi Asahina

Description:

The vitality of his prime and the majesty of his later years—Asahina’s artistic journey spanning three decades! This release pairs his 1968 live performance with the Japan Philharmonic with his 1999 performance of the same " Bruckner: Symphony No. 7"—performed in 1968 with the Japan Philharmonic and in 1999 with the Osaka Philharmonic at Suntory Hall during his final years! The 1999 recording on DISC 2—previously available only on DVD—is now released on CD and SACD for the first time in 25 years! A special recording from the day of Keizo Saji’s funeral. Includes new liner notes by Ryosuke Masuda and Yuichi Iwano. Newly mastered by Tomoyoshi Ezaki specifically for this reissue. Limited to 600 sets, each with a serial number. This two-disc set—a must-have for fans—pairs Takashi Asahina’s performances of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 from his prime and his final years. The former is a 1968 live recording, offering the youngest-sounding Bruckner available today. Takashi Asahina, having just turned 60, leaves a powerful impression with his spirited and majestic performance. The latter is a 1999 recording from Suntory Hall, where his brisk tempo gives rise to a noble performance marked by effortless mastery. The 1968 recording is being released on SACD for the first time, while the 1999 recording—previously available only on DVD—is now being released on CD and SACD for the first time! In addition to a new essay by Ryosuke Masuda, a revised and updated version by Yuichi Iwano, and a reprint of the original text by Katsuyoshi Uno. These are complemented by new mastering by Tomoyoshi Ezaki in 2026 and the distinctive green label design, allowing you to experience Maestro Asahina’s “perspectives on Bruckner”—both old and new—spanning 30 years. This 2-disc set brings together two of Asahina’s rare recordings of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7. The live recording from his guest appearance with the former Japan Philharmonic Orchestra in December 1968 is particularly valuable as it is the oldest surviving audio recording of Asahina conducting Bruckner. This recording was made when Asahina was 60 years old, and considering that he went on to leave behind numerous masterful performances and recordings—not limited to Bruckner—until December 2001, we are once again reminded of just how remarkable this achievement is. The performance time of just over 65 minutes (compared to just over 67 minutes on the 1999 release featuring this piece as a coupling) further suggests that his style was already fully developed at this point. It should be noted that Asahina first conducted this Symphony No. 7 the previous year at a regular concert with the Osaka Philharmonic, and this performance with the Japan Philharmonic appears to have been his third (details are provided in the new liner notes by Ryosuke Masuda included with this release). Furthermore, given that this was his only guest appearance (at a regular concert) with the former Japan Philharmonic at that time, it can certainly be considered a rare recording. This recording was first released on CD by Octavia Records in 2002, the year after Asahina’s death. This reissue marks the first time it has been re-released since then. (1/2)