LP releases from Hyperion and Channel Classics
By Roy Gregory
An increasing number of mainstream music labels are dipping their toe in the vinyl waters, once again offering vinyl issues of their more popular titles and releases. Warner music has an extensive programme of both current and historical, back catalogue releases – no surprise given the depth and quality of that back catalogue. Not surprisingly, the quality of these releases varies and certainly, few of the back catalogue records compare to a decent original pressing – if you can source one. Which is pretty much the point. The Current Warners re-issue of the Du Pré/Barbirolli Elgar Cello Concerto might not be as good as an early pressing in good nick, but for vinyl or classical newbies it offers a cost effective and reliable way to add an important title to a growing collection. You can always upgrade later!
Meanwhile, Harmonia Mundi and DGG offer regular, consistently excellent record releases, the latter even flirting with such ‘audiophile’ niceties as clear vinyl (yes, it’s worth every penny of the small premium charged, making one wonder why the label doesn’t abandon black vinyl altogether?). Orchestras are getting in on the act, with own-label releases from the Berliner Philharmoniker and LPO amongst others – most of which have the distinct musical advantage of being concert as opposed to studio recordings. The BPO releases are particularly noteworthy for their beautiful artwork and packaging, which pretty much set the standard.
But recently we’ve seen an interesting development as smaller, previously devotedly optical/digital labels have once again started to offer selected titles on vinyl. (https://gy8.eu/news/hyperion-releases-limited-edition-vinyl/) Whether this constitutes an experiment to test the waters, with future releases dependent on sales of the current ones remains to be seen. In turn, that rather depends on whether the results justify the effort…
Vivaldi – Le Quattro Stagioni
Rachel Podger and Brecon Baroque
Channel Classics CCS LP 6918 (180g LP)
Channel Classics is an independent classical music label that, like many of its compatriots, pays more than a little attention to the sound quality of its recordings. Early adopters of SACD, it has always had (at least as far as I knew) a vinyl-free catalogue, instead relying on CD/SACD discs and high-res downloads. It’s recording roster includes not just Rachel Podger but other highly regarded classical performers such as conductors Iván Fischer and Giovanni Antonini and pianist Anna Fedorova. Now I discover that back in 2018 the label released its Podger/Brecon Baroque Four Seasons on LP.
The choice of repertoire might produce a resigned groan from long-time classical listeners, except for the fact that this is no workmanlike run through the motions. Rachel Podger and Brecon Baroque have produced a string of highly regarded, small orchestra, ‘one to a part’ recordings of Baroque music and Vivaldi in particular. The entire series are well worth investigating, offering not just superb readings of these works, but performances full of dynamic vitality, energy, individuality, nuance and expressive range. This Il Quattro Stagione is not just distinct from almost any other recording out there, it bears comparison with the best performances available, going toe-to-toe with Amandine Beyer and Gli Incogniti’s ZZT disc. Except that the RP/BB performance has the advantage of being available on vinyl – and it IS a serious advantage. This is a disc to surprise and delight the most jaded of listeners. The pressing is as flat as it is perfectly quiet, while the vinyl disc enjoys a noticeable advantage in terms of body, weight and presence over the equivalent SACD (even if the optical disc does contain three additional Concerti) although that obviously depends on what you play the different discs on. The price of this single LP is extremely reasonable, doubtless helped by the absence of a gatefold sleeve and other ‘extras’. I’m happy to forego those niceties, especially for a release that combines a superb performance with a pressing of such quality. More Channel Classics, please…