Analogue Productions - CAPC 2296 SA - Hybrid SACD Stereo - 75308811
Limited Edition - Mastered by Willem Makkee - Hybrid Plays on ALL CD Players
Falla’s The Three Cornered Hat this sensational performance is special. The music initially explodes out of the speakers and continues unabated to the end, a true and underrated sonic spectacular. - The Absolute Sound
We've remastered these historic recordings from the original master tapes and the digital transfers were made by renowned European mastering engineer Willem Makee.
Early London/Decca Stereo Classical instrumental and chamber music recordings (1956-1963) contain some of the premient historical musical performances, many of which remain unequalled today. These reissued titles are very sought-after titles by collectors, never before available in a high-resolution digital format! The SACDs have been authored for us by Gus Skinas of the Super Audio Center in Boulder, Colorado.
These are designed to be the finest editions of these recordings ever reissued.
Mastered by Willem Makee
This timeless gem is performed by L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, conducted by Ernest Ansermet. This is a performance to be known as "one of the greats." The composition, Three-Cornered Hat, was premiered by Ansermet, and with its lively rhythms, subtle narratives, dynamic development and vivid contrast and tone colors, this version is a masterly performance that none other appears able to exceed. The performance illustrates the ethnic taste that is rich in wild beauty in a truly vivid and dynamic way, while highlighting the lyricism of Falla's music in a sophisticated, uncompromising manner. The solo singing by the young Berganza is also worth a listen.
Recording: Victoria Hall, Geneva, February 1961 (tracks 1-9), Victor Olof (tracks 10-19)
Balance engineers: Roy Wallace (tracks 1-9), Gil Went (tracks 10-19)
Teresa Berganza, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Ernest Ansermet.
The very fact that Manuel de Falla composed his ballet El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat) for the ambitious impresario Serge Diaghilev and his epoch-making Ballets Russes indicates the historical importance of this work. Although the Impressionistic character of the musical language reflects his studies with Debussy, the composer never once renounces his native origins.
Overflowing with the thrilling rhythms and electrifying melodies of Spanish folkmusic, this work achieved worldwide popularity virtually overnight. As so often before in this genre, the Swiss conductor Ernest Ansermet proves once again in this DECCA recording that he is a power to be reckoned with. The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande executes the slightest nuance, the most exquisite of figures and gentlest lyrical tone with meticulous precision.
Powerful rolls of thunder, the click of castanets, lively rhythms and rich sonority conjure up a picture of fiery Spanish temperament so tangibly before our eyes that any comment on the recording quality appears almost superfluous. In a nutshell: this record is, quite simply, incredibly good.
Recording: February 1960 at Victoria Hall, Geneva by Roy Wallace / Production: James Walker.
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Ernest Ansermet (conductor). Ansermet's approach is as simple and straightforward as could be, yet the hushed intensity of the playing conveys a depth of feeling that makes one hear the music with new ears. There is plenty of excitement and the Vienna Philharmonic plays the Largo most beautifully.
The very fact that Manuel de Falla composed his ballet El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat) for the ambitious impresario Serge Diaghilev and his epoch-making Ballets Russes indicates the historical importance of this work. Although the Impressionistic character of the musical language reflects his studies with Debussy, the composer never once renounces his native origins. Overflowing with the thrilling rhythms and electrifying melodies of Spanish folkmusic, this work achieved worldwide popularity virtually overnight.
As so often before in this genre, the Swiss conductor Ernest Ansermet proves once again in this Decca recording that he is a power to be reckoned with. The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande executes the slightest nuance, the most exquisite of figures and gentlest lyrical tone with meticulous precision. Powerful rolls of thunder, the click of castanets, lively rhythms and rich sonority conjure up a picture of fiery Spanish temperament so tangibly before our eyes that any comment on the recording quality appears almost superfluous. In a nutshell: this record is, quite simply, incredibly good.
Musicians:
Teresa Berganza, soprano
Ernest Ansermet, conductor
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Selections:
1. Intro--Afternoon
2. The Neighbor's Dance
3. The Miller's Dance
4. Conclusion--La Vida Breve
