Sviatoslav Richter - Dvorak: Piano Quintet, Shostakovich: Piano Quintet (Moscow Recording) - Japan SACD Hybrid Limited Edition

Credits:

Sviatoslav Richter

Description:

This marks the first-ever SACD release of performances by Richter—who has collaborated with the world’s most renowned masters—alongside a quartet with a history and track record that the Soviet Union took pride in presenting to the world. This release compiles albums previously sold separately onto a single disc. Remastered using K2HD technology and released on SACD! Includes a new foreword and commentary by Yoshiko Ikuma. Mastering was carried out under the supervision of Tomoo Nojima, a director who worked extensively with Richter at the time, with a focus on preserving the original sound. “The performances by Richter and the Borodin String Quartet are natural and free, with the musicians breathing in unison. In Dvořák, the Slavic folk character is brought to the forefront, while in Shostakovich, the piano and the four strings become a single voice, giving voice to the composer’s innermost thoughts.” —From the new introductory commentary by Yoshiko Ikuma Under the supervision of Mr. Tomoo Nojima, the director at the time, the latest mastering techniques—including a thorough review of power supplies and cabling—were implemented at Victor FLAIR Mastering Works. The goal was to create a detailed sound that brings out Richter’s expressiveness more clearly and makes his meticulous technique more evident. Richter’s breathtaking performances fill us with an indescribable excitement. This SACD reissue of Richter’s recordings features source material for which Japan Victor holds the master recordings or distribution rights. The compilation adheres closely to the original recording locations and sequence, bringing together tracks from various albums. Although Richter left behind numerous recordings—including live performances—across various labels, he appears to have been quite selective regarding their release. It appears there are many recordings that, although made, were never actually released because he was not satisfied with the performance. According to Mr. Tomoo Nojima, mentioned earlier, there are many unreleased recordings and takes even among those recorded at Victor. It is said that he always maintained a high level of dedication and awareness, sometimes even starting a performance from the very beginning again for re-recording even after a live concert had ended. He is widely recognized as a perfectionist, and the strong impression he leaves—overwhelming listeners with his exceptionally polished performances, delivered with rare concentration and intensity—is truly the essence of Richter himself. His attitude of pursuing perfection until he was satisfied is also an indispensable element when discussing Richter. The surviving recordings all bring to life a pianism that only Richter could achieve, and every one of them is deeply satisfying to the listener. (1/3)