Back catalogue: Classical

Review: To mark Anton Bruckner's bicentenary in 2024, Deutsche Grammophon releases a limited and numbered audiophile vinyl edition of Herbert von Karajan's famous recordings of the complete symphony cycle with the Berliner Philharmoniker, on 17 LPs. All recordings have been newly mastered and mixed by Rainer Maillard and Sidney C. Meyer from Emil Berliner Studios: Symphonies Nos. 4-7 (analogue recordings from 1975-1979), based on 8-track material were treated according to the Original Source Series standards. Symphonies Nos. 1, 2 & 3 are digital recordings from 1980 and 1981 and have also been newly mastered and cut by the same team at EBS, optimizing the sound by utilising new bespoke analogue-to-digital-to-analogue conversion technologies and using a tube-based mixing console from 1960. The 17xLP set is housed in a slipcase with O-card, with eight 2xLP gatefolds (Symphonies Nos. 2- 9) and one single sleeve (Symphony No. 1) presented in a sleeve (1 LP), with artwork based on the respective original releases including liner notes and with additional material including recording documentation and photos.

Review: Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic are at the pinnacle of classical music and are renowned for their stellar recordings. Rattle's tenure with the orchestra has been marked by mutual growth and exceptional performances and this 2012 recording of Bruckner's 9th Symphony, featuring the 'Four Movement Version', showcases their unparalleled musicianship. The performance of the original three movements is particularly noteworthy, highlighting Rattle's ability to evoke the grandeur of Furtwangler and Karajan while adding his unique interpretive touch. Despite the symphony's unfinished fourth movement, the recording's excellence makes it essential listening, with the orchestra delivering a breathtaking performance.