Sony buys Supraphon

[CallMePaul]

Just seen this: https:/ /slippedisc.com/2025/01/dawn-raid-sony-swoops-on-supraphon/

As Norman Lebrecht points out, this is ywt another takeover of a distinctive independent company by one of the giants of the industry. Given the experience of Universal's takeover of Hyperion, which has seen many of its best recordings deleted or moved to download only, whatdoes the future hold for the company that has done more than any other to promote Czech and Slovak music to a wider audience? Without Supraphon, composers such as Fibich, Suk and Novak would br almost unknown in the west and far less of Janacek, Smetana and Martinu would be available.

[mikealdren]

Yes, another distinctive voice in the industry lost. At least we may see some jumbo boxes from their marvellous back catalogue.

[Petrushka]

Yes, another distinctive voice in the industry lost. At least we may see some jumbo boxes from their marvellous back catalogue.

Agree with your positive take on this, but yes, your first sentence is the thought that immediately comes to mind.

I once bought a second hand CD of the Czech PO and Mackerras in Janacek which annoyingly came without the essential booklet. I emailed Supraphon to ask if they could possibly send me one. Within the hour, I had a charming reply from Prague saying that they would be delighted to send one. It arrived within a few days, three or four, I think. Superb customer service!

[pastoralguy]

I’ve been to their shop in Prague and it’s amazing!

[smittims]

SONY have shown a much more productive interest in the RCA and CBS catalogues they bought than their previous owers did. I've been grateful for the comprehensive, thorough and scholarly CD remasterings they've doen, and so I think this is a good move. I expect to see many historic Supraphon recordengs restored to availablity in good sound.

Favourites? Vaughan Williams , Violin Concerto: Nora Grumlikova
Milhaud: Cello Concertos .
Franck: Psyche: Jean Fournet.

[mikealdren]

I have the Grumlikova Britten/VW on a Supraphon CD and the sound is ok. It's been a favourite recording since I bought the LP more than 50 years ago.

[Petrushka]

SONY have shown a much more productive interest in the RCA and CBS catalogues they bought than their previous owers did. I've been grateful for the comprehensive, thorough and scholarly CD remasterings they've doen, and so I think this is a good move. I expect to see many historic Supraphon recordengs restored to availablity in good sound.

I'd certainly be in the market for complete Anceri, Talich and Neumann boxes.

[Barbirollians]

It's very bad news . As their conduct over the Mendelsson trips disc shows Sony are uninterested in CD apart from big box sets and they don't last long in the catalogue.

Supraphon is one of the few companies that retained original CDs if there are any you fancy and have not yet bought I would snap them up now.

[mikealdren]

Josef Suk too

[Petrushka]

It's very bad news . As their conduct over the Mendelsson trips disc shows Sony are uninterested in CD apart from big box sets and they don't last long in the catalogue.

Supraphon is one of the few companies that retained original CDs if there are any you fancy and have not yet bought I would snap them up now.

Some of the Sony boxes have been reissued, certainly the Szell box has, while others, eg the Mitropoulos box is still available after a couple of years. Both of these could be a reflection on their respective selling power. Sony also have a policy of reissuing smaller boxes culled from the bigger boxes eg the very recent Walter Mozart and Haydn box. I haven't noticed any decline in Sony's commitment to the CD format apart from the Mendelssohn issue you mention but it's worth keeping an eye on the situation.

Decca boxes are usually in the catalogue for about five minutes before the deletion axe falls so if you see one you want, get it quickly. I think the Cleveland/Dohnanyi box has already sold out.

[richardfinegold]

As others have noted there will undoubtedly be some short lived big box reissues coming so save your sixpence. Sorry to see Supraphon go, however

[Dave2002]

It's very bad news . As their conduct over the Mendelsson trips disc shows Sony are uninterested in CD apart from big box sets and they don't last long in the catalogue.

Supraphon is one of the few companies that retained original CDs if there are any you fancy and have not yet bought I would snap them up now.

I assume that is the Mendelssohn Trios CD with Isserlis, Denk and Bell, which may now have been removed from my Amazon orders list. Last time I looked it was supposed to be delivered this month - but that's been the state every month since around last September.

I really don't want a download - I would like the CD - if it ever becomes available. Was there ever a CD?

[Petrushka]

I assume that is the Mendelssohn Trios CD with Isserlis, Denk and Bell, which may now have been removed from my Amazon orders list. Last time I looked it was supposed to be delivered this month - but that's been the state every month since around last September.

I really don't want a download - I would like the CD - if it ever becomes available. Was there ever a CD?

I believe it's available as a Presto CD if you go on their website.

[Pulcinella]

I believe it's available as a Presto CD if you go on their website.

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9663095--mendelssohn-piano-trios

[richardfinegold]

There will be a bonanza of short lived boxes. However there will not be new recordings of Czech musicians by the Supraphon production team. No more recordings by the regional Bohemian and Moravian orchestras and musicians