Various Artists – Orff: Carmina Burana (Live from the Forbidden City) (2019) [Blu-ray Video / BDMV / 34.42 GB]

Title: Various Artists – Orff: Carmina Burana (Live from the Forbidden City)
Release Date: 2019
Genre: Classical
Artists: Mari Samuelsen (violin), Daniil Trifonov (piano), Aida Garifullina (soprano), Toby Spence (tenor), Ludovic Tézier (baritone),Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu (conductor)

Production/Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Duration: 01:53:21
Quality: Blu-ray
Container: BDMV
Video codec: H.264
Audio codec: DTS-HD, PCM
Video: MPEG-4 AVC Video / 29990 kbps / 1080i / 29.970 fps / 16:9 / High Profile 4.1
Audio 1: Undetermined / LPCM Audio / 2.0 / 48 kHz / 2304 kbps / 24-bit
Audio 2: Undetermined / DTS-HD Master Audio / 5.1 / 48 kHz / 3649 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Subtitles: English, German, French, Chinese
Size: 34,42 GB

Filmed and recorded live in front of the magnificent scenery of Beijing’s Forbidden City, this unique gala concert held in celebration of Deutsche Grammophon’s 120th Anniversary features conductor Long Yu and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, both freshly signed as exclusive recording artists to Deutsche Grammophon. Joined by soloists Aida Garifullina, Toby Spence and Ludovic Tézier, the evening crowned by Orff’s Carmina Burana was the first classical performance to be staged at the UNESCO World Heritage site in 20 years. The concert is released digitally as well as on CD and DVD / Blu-ray Disc, of which the audio-visual release features additional performances of works by Max Richter and Sergei Rachmaninov with violinist Mari Samuelsen and pianist Daniil Trifonov.

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2 min read

Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Christian Schumann – Hollywood Gala II (2024) [Blu-ray Video / BDMV / 21.71 GB]

Title: Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Christian Schumann – Hollywood Gala II
Release Date: 2024
Genre: Classical

Production/Label: Euro Arts
Duration: 01:24:38
Quality: Blu-ray
Container: BDMV
Video codec: H.264
Audio codec: DTS-HD, PCM
Video: MPEG-4 AVC Video / 27845 kbps / 1080i / 29.970 fps / 16:9 / High Profile 4.1
Audio 1: English DTS-HD MA 5.1 / 48 kHz / 5254 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Audio 2: DTS-HD Master Audio / 5.1 / 48 kHz / 4298 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Size: 21,71 GB

The music is an essential part of any Oscar-winning film. This album takes you on a musical journey through the history of film music.

The Danish Symphony Orchestra, vocal soloists and presenters are on stage to bring these classics and blockbusters to life – featuring music from Robin Hood, James Bond, The Mission, Apocalypse Now, Breakfast at Tiffany, Dancing with the Wolf and many more.

We see films not only with the eyes, but also with the ears. Music underlines the story, brings the characters to life and draws us into the plot. Often the sounds resonate in us long after the end of the film and awaken memories.

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1 min read

Girls Aloud – Tangled Up Tour: Live from the O2 (2008) [Blu-ray Video / BDMV / 23.18 GB]

Title: Girls Aloud – Tangled Up Tour: Live from the O2
Release Date: 2008
Genre: Pop

Production/Label: Universal Music
Duration: 01:32:25
Quality: Blu-ray
Container: BDMV
Size: 23,18 GB

Video
Codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Resolution: 1080/50i
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1

Audio
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
English: LPCM 2.0
Note: According to rear cover.

Discs
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD-25)

Filmed live at the immense O2 Arena in London before a sold out crowd of rapturous fans this DVD captures performances of all their hits and more, with stunning costumes and breathtaking choreography. Bonus features include an exclusive look behind-the-scenes on the tour and 3 previously un-released promo videos.

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1 min read

Gary Moore – Blues for Jimi (2007) [Blu-ray Video / BDMV / 20.95 GB]

Title: Gary Moore – Blues for Jimi
Release Date: 2007
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock

Production/Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Duration: 01:14:13
Quality: Blu-ray
Container: BDMV
Video codec: H.264
Audio codec: DTS-HD, PCM
Video: MPEG-4 AVC 30996 kbps 1920*1080i / 29,970 fps / 16:9 / High Profile 4.1
Audio 1: English DTS-HD MA 5.1 / 48 kHz / 5254 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Audio 2: English LPCM 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1536 kbps / 16-bit
Size: 20,95 GB

This unique concert was filmed at the London Hippodrome on October 25th 2007. It formed a part of the launch for the Jimi Hendrix Live At Monterey program and featured Gary Moore and his band performing classic Hendrix tracks. At the end of the night Gary was joined by Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox of the Jimi Hendrix Experience for 3 tracks. Gary Moore was one of the finest British guitarists of all time and is one of the few players who could pay homage to Jimi Hendrix’s groundbreaking and truly distinctive guitar style. This is a stunning tribute from one master guitarist to another.

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1 min read

Aurele Nicolet, Karl Richter, Munchener Bach-Orchester – J.S.Bach: Overtures (1961,1973/2021) [SACD / Esoteric – ESSA-90248]

Aurele Nicolet, Karl Richter, Munchener Bach-Orchester - J.S.Bach: Overtures (1961,1973/2021)

Title: Aurele Nicolet, Karl Richter, Munchener Bach-Orchester – J.S.Bach: Overtures (1961,1973/2021)
Genre: Classical
Format: DSF DSD64

This is the second reissue following last year’s “Brandenburg Concertos (Complete),” featuring the renowned performances of conductor, harpsichordist, and organist Karl Richter. After World War II, Richter globally established a refined style of Bach interpretation. This album compiles the essence of Richter’s definitive analog-era Bach performances into a single disc. The recordings have been newly remastered for Super Audio CD hybrid format. Richter’s work is celebrated for its clarity and transformative approach to Bach’s music. This release captures the brilliance of his conducting and keyboard artistry. The remastering enhances the sound quality, bringing fresh life to these historic performances. The Super Audio CD hybrid format offers superior detail and depth. It’s a must-have for fans of Bach and classical music enthusiasts. This disc preserves Richter’s legacy for modern listeners.

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1 min read

Augustin Dumay, Maria João Pires – Mozart, Franck, Brahms – Violin Sonatas (1990-1993/2019) [SACD / Esoteric – ESSG-90219]

Augustin Dumay, Maria João Pires - Mozart, Franck, Brahms - Violin Sonatas (1990-1993/2019)

Title: Augustin Dumay, Maria João Pires – Mozart, Franck, Brahms – Violin Sonatas (1990-1993/2019)
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO

The album features a collection of violin sonatas by Dumay and Pires, capturing the finest moments of this unprecedented duo that took the world by storm in the 1990s. This release has been uniquely compiled by ESOTERIC into a single disc. It marks the world’s first Super Audio CD hybrid release of these performances. The collaboration showcases the exceptional artistry and synergy of violinist Augustin Dumay and pianist Maria João Pires. Their interpretations are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical brilliance. This compilation brings together standout recordings from their remarkable partnership. The Super Audio CD hybrid format enhances the listening experience with superior sound quality. It delivers rich detail and clarity, breathing new life into these classic performances. A must-have for fans of chamber music and audiophiles alike. This release preserves a legacy of musical excellence for future generations.

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1 min read

Ayako Hosokawa – To Mr. Wonderful (1977) [Reissue 2004] [SACD / First Impression Music – FIM SACD 061]

Ayako Hosokawa - To Mr. Wonderful (1977) [Reissue 2004]

Title: Ayako Hosokawa – To Mr. Wonderful (1977) [Reissue 2004]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

At the age of 14, she was already performing in the American military clubs in Japan, picking up the English language by singing international pop songs of that time. Nowadays, she represents feeling and soul within her songs, no matter whether she sings in English or Japanese. After her marriage, she moved to the United States and was discovered and sponsored by Earl “Fatha” Hines. She found her enthusiastic fans touring San Francisco, Las Vegas, Montreal and lots of places in California, performing in the clubs, local radio stations or on TV. In the ‘80s, she started a roving life between the United States and Japan. Due to her recordings for TBM and the performances for the radio stations and on TV, she became one of the best-known pop and jazz singers throughout her country.

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1 min read

Ayako Hosokawa & Shota Osabe Jazz Ensemble – I Touch The Stars (2001) [Reissue 2003] [SACD / First Impression Music – FIMSACD 033]

Ayako Hosokawa & Shota Osabe Jazz Ensemble - I Touch The Stars (2001) [Reissue 2003]

Title: Ayako Hosokawa & Shota Osabe Jazz Ensemble – I Touch The Stars (2001) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

At the age of 14, she was already performing in the American military clubs in Japan, picking up the English language by singing international pop songs of that time. Nowadays, she represents feeling and soul within her songs, no matter whether she sings in English or Japanese. After her marriage, she moved to the United States and was discovered and sponsored by Earl “Fatha” Hines. She found her enthusiastic fans touring San Francisco, Las Vegas, Montreal and lots of places in California, performing in the clubs, local radio stations or on TV. In the ‘80s, she started a roving life between the United States and Japan. Due to her recordings for TBM and the performances for the radio stations and on TV, she became one of the best-known pop and jazz singers throughout her country.

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1 min read

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Philharmonia Orchestra – Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Haydn – Piano Concertos [2 SACDs] (1957-1975/2021) [SACD / Warner Classics – TDSA-215/6]

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Philharmonia Orchestra - Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Haydn - Piano Concertos [2 SACDs] (1957-1975/2021)

Title: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Philharmonia Orchestra – Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Haydn – Piano Concertos [2 SACDs] (1957-1975/2021)
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO

This super-premium album features Michelangeli’s masterful renditions of Ravel and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4, alongside two Haydn concertos from 1975, now remastered in SACD for the first time. Aimed at supreme sound quality, the recordings were digitized from original analog master tapes at 192kHz/24bit. Michelangeli’s beloved Ravel Piano Concerto, a pinnacle of his technical and musical peak, is a legendary performance and a treasured gem. His Rachmaninoff, personally selected by the artist, stands as one of the finest interpretations of the piece. The lesser-known Haydn concertos, recorded in 1975, reveal the true essence of the works through Michelangeli’s remarkable skill. These Haydn pieces, previously unreleased on SACD, shine with beautiful piano tone and exceptional recording quality. Mastered separately for SACD and CD layers, the release uses a flat master digitized from the original 2-channel analog tapes. The well-preserved master tapes allowed for a focus on original balance, enhancing instrument depth, positioning, and clarity. This permanent collection piece includes new commentary by Hiro Aiba. Part of the Definition Series (Vol. 42), the SACD layer offers rich soundscapes and high resolution, while the CD layer delivers solid, realistic tones—perfect for enjoying both formats.

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2 min read

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Wiener Symphoniker, Carlo Maria Giulini – Beethoven: Piano Concertos 1, 3 & 5 (Japan 2017) [SACD / Deutsche Grammophon – PROC-2070/1]

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Wiener Symphoniker, Carlo Maria Giulini - Beethoven: Piano Concertos 1, 3 & 5 (Japan 2017)

Title: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Wiener Symphoniker, Carlo Maria Giulini – Beethoven: Piano Concertos 1, 3 & 5 (Japan 2017)
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

This Japanese double-disc SACD compilation revives the artistry of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, considered one of the twentieth century’s greatest pianists, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 3, and 5 with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra under Carlo Maria Giulini, alongside his 1972 session recording of Piano Sonata No. 4. Recorded live in Vienna in 1979 for a TV broadcast, the rare concerto performances capture the vivid presence and audience atmosphere, enhanced by DG’s superb analog recording and remixed from a new 16-channel multi-track into two channels for this release. Newly mastered from the original analog tapes with high-quality DSD and PCM digitization, this SACD—featuring the world’s first SACD conversion for two tracks on Disc 2—delivers rich overtones, a realistic sound field, and the Musikvereinsaal’s beautiful reverberation, complete with applause and afterglow. Michelangeli’s precise, poetic touch, perfectly complemented by Giulini’s sensitive conducting, creates a masterpiece of artistic perfection, making this a highly recommended audiophile treasure.

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1 min read