Seiji Ozawa - Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.6 'Pathetique', Variations on a Rococo Theme - Japan SACD Hybrid Limited Edition

Credits:

Seiji Ozawa

Description:

Ozawa’s acclaimed performance of “Pathetique” with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, along with his “Rococo” with Rostropovich, is now available for the first time on SACD! Outstanding performances from 1986 and other recordings! The 9th installment in our SACD series of digitally remastered recordings! Includes new liner notes by Ryosuke Masuda Ozawa’s masterful performance of Tchaikovsky—a composer he excels at—is finally available on SACD! Recorded in 1986, during his 13th year as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this “Pathetique” retains the same vigor as his 1974 Philips recording with the Orchestre de Paris—his first recording of the work— combined with the maturity he later achieved with the Saito Kinen Orchestra. In addition to the excellent balance characteristic of both recordings, the exquisite rapport with the Boston Symphony Orchestra is a highlight. The coupling, “Rococo,” is one of Rostropovich’s signature pieces and represents his final studio recording of this work. The beauty of the musical phrasing, brimming with lyricism, is simply exquisite. For this release, these two precious recordings left behind on the ERATO label have been newly remastered for SACD from the original digital masters in Japan. The SACD and CD layers were mastered separately. Includes new liner notes. The jacket design is the original. For this reissue, we have expanded the original release—which featured only the “Pathetique”—to include “Variations on a Rococo Theme” with Rostropovich. “Rococo” was originally paired with Dvořák’s Cello Concerto (TDSA10031, released simultaneously with this title) and was recorded approximately four months before “Pathetique.” Ozawa, who had included Tchaikovsky as a major part of his repertoire from the outset, recorded the late symphonies in the studio with renowned orchestras (while also performing the early symphonies in concert), leaving behind memorable performances from each era. In particular, he recorded Symphony No. 5 with the early Chicago Symphony Orchestra (RCA), the Boston Symphony Orchestra (DG), and the Berlin Philharmonic (DG)—all of which are distinguished ensembles. Including ballet music such as *Swan Lake*, as well as orchestral works, concertos, and operas, he made numerous recordings across multiple labels. Regarding recordings of the “Symphony No. 6 (‘Pathétique’),” after his first recording with the Orchestre de Paris in 1974 (PHILIPS), his second was this rare recording with the Boston Symphony Orchestra on the ERATO label (he later recorded it with the Saito Kinen Orchestra in 1995). Although the circumstances leading to this solo recording for ERATO are unclear, it reflects the 13 years he had spent building the Boston Symphony Orchestra as its music director, and it marks a period when his control over the orchestra and the tone he sought were more fully realized. In December of that same year, they recorded “Resurrection” as part of the complete Mahler symphony cycle for PHILIPS (Symphony No. 8 had already been recorded in 1980), marking a fruitful period in which the duo continued to produce increasingly significant recordings. “Variations on a Rococo Theme” was one of Rostropovich’s signature pieces, and while he made several recordings of it after the advent of stereo, this collaboration with Ozawa marked his final studio recording of the work. Regarding the mastering for this release, we aimed for a musical approach that respects the original sound while enhancing the overall quality. We have refined the definition of each instrument’s tone to create an environment that allows for deeper immersion in the music. (1/2)