Credits:

Franz Konwitschny and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra

Description:

The latest reissue of the classic "Scottish" masterpiece! The beautiful, ethereal sound and sublime expression of Konwitschny's last years are unparalleled. Coupled with Beethoven's "Overture" and others. World's first SACD release! Mastered only in the analog domain and directly converted to DSD! The 7th SACD hybridization of the latest reissue project of the original ETERNA analog tapes in Japan! Mendelssohn is one of the most famous recordings of the combination of Konwitschny and the Gewandhaus Orchestra, and is a world heritage classic that has long been acclaimed since its release. The recording was made just a month and a half before Konwitschny's death, ending on June 18, 1962, one day before Mozart's Adagio and Fugue, which is considered the last recording. During this month, the recording of Brahms' "Symphony No. 1" was completed on June 12&13 (above, plus "Grand Fugue" already released on 0301397BC), and the recording of this "Scotland" began on the following day, the 14th, over three days. The recording was done over a three-day period, and the orchestra's ability at the time is truly reflected in the recording, which was carefully recorded during the session. It is no wonder that this early stereo recording has been rated as good as Klemperer's.This reissue uses ETERNA's original analog master tapes, which have been meticulously mastered to preserve the best possible sound quality, so you can enjoy their performances more intensely than ever before. The richness of the recording of Konwitschny's final years is extraordinary, and the energy and concentration of the recording is astonishing, even to us today. This recording should be remembered forever. The recording by C. Streuben is also superb. The coupling includes Beethoven's "Choral Fantasies" and six "Overtures" as a sequel to the same: Complete Symphonies (0301587BC), released in June 2020. The "Choral Fantasy" is a performance known as a masterpiece of the early stereo era, and the "Overture" was recorded at the same time as the symphonies from 1959-61. As with the highly acclaimed symphonies, the performance is of the highest quality, based on the expansive sound of the Gewandhaus Orchestra, which was at its peak under Konwitschny, and the form of Beethoven's ideal performance in the former East Germany is still very attractive today. The music has a clear, straightforward, stress-free expression, and Konwitschny's attention to detail is overwhelmingly impressive. The high quality sound of this performance is truly impressive. Each piece is performed with a high degree of perfection.One of the ultimate performances has been brought back to life today with the best and latest mastering. (1/2)