Otto Klemperer: The Remastered Edition

[Petrushka]

Despite having the previous incarnation of Klemperer's recordings which are/were available in multiple boxes I decided to take the plunge and purchase the newly remastered 95 CD edition of the symphonic works and concertos released this week by Warner. A second box of the sacred music is out in November.

I've only just started to listen but there is a startling transformation of the sound in the remastering. My impression of the 1963 Schubert 5 here, just played, is of an almost Karajan like beauty with plenty of air around the sound and of absolutely ravishing wind playing, not at all the rather beefy sonics familiar from the previous set.

About to play the 1959 Beethoven 'Eroica' now but I'm already glad that I decided to get this box. Recommended to anyone else dithering and to all Klemperer fans.

[pastoralguy]

Thanks for that critique. Yes, I’ve considered it too. (And Christmas is coming…! )

[Barbirollians]

This would be a set of too many duplications for me I think.

[HighlandDougie]

Despite having the previous incarnation of Klemperer's recordings which are/were available in multiple boxes I decided to take the plunge and purchase the newly remastered 95 CD edition of the symphonic works and concertos released this week by Warner. A second box of the sacred music is out in November.

I've only just started to listen but there is a startling transformation of the sound in the remastering. My impression of the 1963 Schubert 5 here, just played, is of an almost Karajan like beauty with plenty of air around the sound and of absolutely ravishing wind playing, not at all the rather beefy sonics familiar from the previous set.

About to play the 1959 Beethoven 'Eroica' now but I'm already glad that I decided to get this box. Recommended to anyone else dithering and to all Klemperer fans.

With that recommendation, duly ordered from FNAC online (a bit dearer than the 3 euros I've just paid for the Sylvain Cambreling Henze 7th but, at about 2 euros per Klemperer CD, it seems like a bargain). I'm about - I hope - to have some new loudspeakers delivered so the remastered Mahler 2 from the box will be a good test for them.

[Bryn]

This would be a set of too many duplications for me I think.

I think the essence of the attraction is in the "newly remastered". I might have a look on QOBUZ to see if they are offering lossless streaming of it. No sign of it there (yet?) though.

[Barbirollians]

I think the essence of the attraction is in the "newly remastered". I might have a look on QOBUZ to see if they are offering lossless streaming of it. No sign of it there (yet?) though.

Just scanning the shelves I see that the 2012 remasters were still under the EMI imprint. I have to admit not having had any issues with them sound wise.

[Petrushka]

With that recommendation, duly ordered from FNAC online (a bit dearer than the 3 euros I've just paid for the Sylvain Cambreling Henze 7th but, at about 2 euros per Klemperer CD, it seems like a bargain). I'm about - I hope - to have some new loudspeakers delivered so the remastered Mahler 2 from the box will be a good test for them.

I'd be very interested to have your own thoughts on the remastering. I played the Schubert 5 and Beethoven 3 (1959) last night and the difference between the previous issues and the new remastering was truly startling, as if an accumulation of grime had been wiped away. The older issues sounded over beefy, emphasising the stodgy feel while these fresh remasterings bring out the sheer beauty of the woodwind and strings in wonderful detail. There were times when I was reminded of Karajan and Walter,the latter especially in those singing strings.

I've got all of those multiple boxes that previously appeared so dithered over the massive duplication that buying the new box would entail but I have absolutely no regrets. I think we can now see Klemperer in an entirely new light.

[Barbirollians]

I'd be very interested to have your own thoughts on the remastering. I played the Schubert 5 and Beethoven 3 (1959) last night and the difference between the previous issues and the new remastering was truly startling, as if an accumulation of grime had been wiped away. The older issues sounded over beefy, emphasising the stodgy feel while these fresh remasterings bring out the sheer beauty of the woodwind and strings in wonderful detail. There were times when I was reminded of Karajan and Walter,the latter especially in those singing strings.

I've got all of those multiple boxes that previously appeared so dithered over the massive duplication that buying the new box would entail but I have absolutely no regrets. I think we can now see Klemperer in an entirely new light.

I might reconsider when you have listened to the next 93 discs

[richardfinegold]

It’s going for about twice the price here. I have no room to store it. Having been listening to the Warner Kempe/Strauss reissue I can believe that the reissue must sound great. I am envious of those who make the purchase

[smittims]

Had I world enough and time (or in other words, if I were still buying CDs), I would buy this, despite having (probably) every one on CD already.
It will be a wonderful way of introducing Klemperer's unique art to anyone who is new to it.

I shall always regret never seeing Klemperer conduct live, as I didn't start going to London concerts till after his death. I love all his recordings , even those which were dismissed by the critics, such as his second set of the Bach suites, his 'Rameau Variations' and his last recording of the Beethoven Seventh. We shall not hear his like again.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I never thought I’d say this, having been put off Klemperer by some slow recordings, but on revisiting some of his recordings, I’ve been partially converted. Listening to Beethoven’s symphonies in my youth, Toscanini felt too fast, Klemperer too slow and Erich Kleiber just about right.

[Petrushka]

A pity that room couldn't have been made for DVDs of the live 1970 Beethoven cycle recorded by BBC TV which I remember watching that summer. It would have made a worthy addition to this set. Is it available anywhere?

[pastoralguy]

A pity that room couldn't have been made for DVDs of the live 1970 Beethoven cycle recorded by BBC TV which I remember watching that summer. It would have made a worthy addition to this set. Is it available anywhere?

I’m sure these were shown as part of the BBC’s 75th Anniversary. I remember being fascinated by them. I did video tape them but those tapes will have long since disintegrated!

[Petrushka]

I’m sure these were shown as part of the BBC’s 75th Anniversary. I remember being fascinated by them. I did video tape them but those tapes will have long since disintegrated!

Looks like someone called roger b has downloaded them on to youTube.

[HighlandDougie]

On the basis of a straightforward A/B comparison of the first Klemperer CD that came to hand (Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream) with the CD in the box, the remastering (24/192) has been very well done. It has really opened out the sound - the orchestra can be heard in much more of its glory than in the earlier CD transfer, congested tutti begone. The triangle in the March of the Fairies tings out splendidly.

I've sometimes been slightly doubtful about a few Art et Son Studio, Annecy, efforts for Warners in the past but definitely not here. A bit of a triumph, really. I'll try some Mozart symphonies next as I particularly like them in the hands of OK.