Tag: Constantin Silvestri

Title: Constantin Silvestri – Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 7, 8, 9 etc [2 SACDs] (1957-1960/2021)
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO

Sylvester’s nationalistic Dvořák recordings, featuring each symphony conducted with a different orchestra, are finally released worldwide for the first time on SACD! Newly remastered from the original analog master tapes in the Czech Republic at 192kHz/24bit. Featuring new liner notes, this world premiere SACD release presents a modern reissue of Silvestri’s important recordings of Dvořák’s symphonies and other works, originally released on the old EMI label. Silvestri’s diverse musicality, which uniquely draws out each piece’s distinct national character and fascinating timbres despite the unusual practice of assigning three different orchestras, represents a quality lost in modern times. The three symphonies, in particular, display superb expressiveness, with the latest high-resolution remastering reviving their exquisitely delicate nuances. Aiming for the highest possible sound quality today, the SACD layer and CD layer were mastered separately using a 192kHz/24bit digital master derived from the original analog master tapes in the country of origin. Includes new liner notes. A permanent preservation edition. Constantin Silvestri (1913-69) moved to Paris in 1956 after his time in his native Romania, making his London debut the following year and quickly gaining attention as a conductor. Around this time, he signed with EMI (Pathe Marconi), recording from the late monaural era through the stereo period. Despite his short life ending at age 55, recordings from his later years survive, making him a conductor with many fans even today. His performances are often described as highly individualistic, and his unique musicality remains endlessly fascinating even today. Among them, his first recording of the “New World Symphony” (1957, monaural) won the French ADF Disc Grand Prix and garnered significant attention. This 1959 stereo recording, made just two years later and included here, stands as one of Silvestri’s definitive performances. It’s unusual for the same orchestra to record so quickly after the first session, hinting at the record company’s strategy, but the straightforward expression makes this a highly regarded performance. His driving interpretation of the Vienna Philharmonic in the Seventh Symphony is truly spectacular. It feels like he’s subduing the orchestra with an approach distinct from Solti’s, resulting in something quite exhilarating. The Eighth Symphony, performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom he collaborated relatively often, features an expression that conveys a sense of dignity, making it particularly interesting when compared to the other two symphonies. While each recording has a distinct sonic character, it’s fascinating how they all become Silvestri’s music. This high-resolution remastering allows us to appreciate these differences even more, including the unique appeal of each conductor. For this remastering, we used a flat master created by digitizing the original 2-channel analog master tape from the artist’s home country at 192kHz/24bit, followed by the latest mastering techniques. The master tapes exhibited a well-balanced overall sound with minimal aging effects. Therefore, we prioritized preserving the original balance and focused on musical mastering. This approach enhances the sense of distance and depth between instruments, improving spatial imaging. The result is a stress-free listening experience showcasing the finest performance. Additionally, the booklet features new liner notes by Mr. Kōzō Asari. For this series, the SACD layer aims for extended high frequencies and soft nuances alongside high resolution and a rich soundstage. The CD layer strives for a cohesive, solid sound with a tangible, present-to-the-touch tonal quality. The CD itself possesses high potential; indeed, we encourage you to enjoy it as an SACD hybrid disc that lets you savor the best of both worlds. This 34th installment of the Definition Series will release a total of three titles.

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