Argerich, Kremer, Bashmet, Maisky Brahms Piano Quartet No.1 Hybrid Stereo SACD

Limited Edition Hybrid SACD!
Featuring Esoteric's Proprietary Re-Mastering Process to Achieve the Highest Level of Sound Quality!
Japanese Pressing, Deluxe Digi-pak Packaging, The Definitive Classical Performance on SACD!
Martha Argerich (piano), Gidon Kremer (violin), Yuri Bashmet (viola), and Mischa Maisky (violoncello) perform Piano Quartet No.1 in G Minor, Op.25 by Johannes Brahms and Fantasiestücke, Op.88 by Robert Schumann. Recorded at Teldex Studio, Berlin, in February 2002.
Classical masterpiece collection
The reissue of classical music masterpieces by Esoteric has attracted a lot of attention, both for its uncompromising commitment to recreating the original master sound, and for using hybrid Super Audio CD technology to improve sound quality. This series marks the first hybrid Super Audio CD release of historical recording selections that have been mainstays of the catalog since their initial release. These new audio versions feature Esoteric's proprietary re mastering process to achieve the highest level of sound quality.
New Mastering Environment
The DSD mastering has been processed at the newly introduced the "Esoteric Mastering Center", where deploys the latest X-series models from the flagship Grandioso as the core, including the Grandioso D1X, Grandioso C1X, and Grandioso G1X, in addition to the Grandioso S1, a pair of G-02X, Mexcel cables, the Merging Pyramix by Esoteric Original Tuned as DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)/Audio Interface cordinated by Mr. Tetsuya Kato, and re-mastered by Mr. Masaya Tohno under the supervision by Mr. Motoaki Ohmachi.
Re-mastering
Producer: Motoaki Ohmachi (Esoteric Mastering Center)
Associated Producer: Jo Yoshida (Esoteric Mastering Center)
Mastering Engineer: Masaya Tohno (Esoteric Mastering Center)
Esoteric's reissue of classical music masterpieces has attracted a lot of attention worldwide. The uncompromising commitment to the restoration and processing of the original tapes, as well as the use of hybrid Super Audio CD technology to improve the sound quality, make Esoteric's releases a must-attend and audiophile delight for all lovers of classical music!
"With ensembles that have come together from famous soloists, the first question you sometimes ask yourself is: Have they been able to put together their undoubtedly always present distinct individual ideas in such a way that they have become a cohesive whole, or is everyone trying to impose their own ideas? The musicians united here are certainly far too professional to afford anything other than a musically homogeneous performance, and Martha Argerich and Mischa Maisky in particular have already realized a number of projects together – so they know each other. Johannes Brahms' "Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor Op. 25" was performed for the first time at the Swiss Verbier Festival in 2001 in this star-studded line-up, and the great success inspired the participants to record the following year. And one can say without exaggeration that it would have been a loss not to hold on to this chamber music jewel. The playing of the four musicians leaves nothing to be desired in terms of intensity, elegance in tone and sovereign virtuosity, and if each of them always stands out with their own accents in the sound, it is a thing that only promotes the expression as well as the overall impression, because how boring would a completely homogenized mixture that blur individuality not succeed. The art of playing together thus achieves a brilliant, offensive and extroverted style, which reaches its climax in the "Rondo alla Zingarese". - Matthias Reisner, Rondo, 01.09.2007
"The "Fantasy Pieces Op.88" by Robert Schumann for violin, violoncello and piano are interpreted by the star trio very lively, but also extremely fine and sensitive in the decisive passages. The "Duet", in which the violin and cello dialogue with each other, embedded in a restrained piano accompaniment, is one of the highlights on this record. In general, the whole CD is on the highest level, which is not necessarily a prerequisite due to a collection of stars. However, these four first-class soloists have managed to make music in an extremely concentrated, pointed manner, also with wit, but with just as much seriousness. Without sensationalism, they have succeeded in creating memorable interpretations." - Rudolf Kamm, Amazon

Features:

• Limited Edition - One-Time Pressing
• Super Audio CD
• SACD Stereo SACD Layer
• This Hybrid SACD contains a 'Red Book' Stereo CD Layer which is playable on most conventional CD Players!
• DSD Mastering
• Deluxe Digipak Packaging
• Made in Japan

Musicians:

• Martha Argerich, piano
• Gidon Kremer, violin
• Yuri Bashmet, viola
• Mischa Maisky, violoncello

Selections:

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Piano Quartet No.1 in G Minor, Op.25
1. Allegro
2. Intermezzo (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
3. Andante Con Moto
4. Rondo Alla Zingarese (Presto)
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Fantasy Pieces, Op.88
5. Romance (Not fast, with intimate expression)
6. Humoresque (Lively)
7. Duet (Slow and expressive)
8. Finale (Marching tempo)