Otto Klemperer - Brahms: German Requiem - Japan SACD Hybrid Digipak Limited Edition

Credits:

Otto Klemperer

Description:

Among the many fine recordings of this piece, Klemperer’s version stands out for its exceptionally solemn and profound interpretation that surpasses all others. This classic recording from 1961 has been newly remastered from the original analog master tapes specifically for this release. Includes new liner notes Featuring soloists Schwarzkopf and F. Dieskau, this 1961 recording runs just under 70 minutes in total. While characterized by a relatively fast tempo for Klemperer’s later years, every note carries weight, and the performance itself is so profound and austere that it feels on a grander scale—truly a masterpiece. Klemperer had received high praise for his performance of this work with the Vienna Philharmonic in June 1958, and on this EMI release, Reinhold Schmidt, conductor of the Vienna Musikverein Choir, leads the chorus. We have once again utilized the original master tapes to reconstruct the sound quality. We present this reissue, which has undergone the latest mastering as the final version of the package. For this release, we used a master digitized at 192kHz/24bit from the original analog master tape in Germany, and mastered the SACD and CD layers separately. Includes new liner notes and a bilingual lyric guide. A must-have for your permanent collection. A legendary Klemperer recording that ranks among his highest-rated works alongside his symphony recordings! Featuring a top-tier chorus and superstar soloists, this recording stands out as the definitive version of the work—even among Klemperer’s multiple recordings of this piece, including live performances. This is largely due to the time and resources EMI invested in this studio session, the exceptional sound quality, and, above all, Klemperer’s overwhelming command of the ensemble, born of his confidence. Furthermore, regarding the tempo, one can sense the exquisite balance between the slower pace of his final years and the vitality of his prime—making this a truly once-in-a-lifetime recording that was destined to be made. As mentioned earlier, another major feature of this recording is the presence of Reinhold Schmidt, who was invited from Vienna to serve as the chorus master. It is evident that this recording was made with a high standard of perfection in mind, allowing ample time for the sessions. Furthermore, this Klemperer recording was the first stereo recording of the “German Requiem” released on the EMI label. In that sense as well, it is believed that EMI was actively involved in the production of this recording. For this release, we have obtained a new digital source directly from the original analog master tapes in Germany and performed the mastering ourselves, so we are using a different master than the previous release. Since a reissue that evokes the atmosphere and ambience of the time using the latest technology is in demand, we approached this reissue with a musical perspective. Please look forward to this reissue, which stands apart from the previous version. (1/2)