Philips Classics - The Stereo Years (50 Cd Set)

Various Artists

Artists, repertoire, recording locations…These were the key factors that made Philips one of the most firmly established classical labels in the 20th century. What ensured the label’s long-lasting fame was its constant search for sound perfection through the development of its own sound equipment. This 50-CD collection of analogue albums aims to represent the heyday of Philips’ passion for great natural sound – the Stereo Years. There was a firm belief within the label’s team that recording technique was there to serve the music - the Musicians had their own views about how any given piece should be interpreted and how it should sound; the recording team’s job was to grasp that vision and make it a reality. This recording philosophy, combined with great artistry and visionary repertoire policy, created a special chapter in the history of classical music recordings that still inspires artists, sound engineers and collectors alike. Included are some of Philips’ greatest analogue albums, presented with original artwork, plus a 200-page booklet documenting the history of the label. With personal reminiscences by key members of staff, plus a note by former Philips producer David Cairns. Artists featured include icons such as Salvatore Accardo, Eduard van Beinum, Claudio Arrau, Dame Janet Baker, Alfred Brendel, José Carreras, Sir Colin Davis, Antal Doráti, Clara Haskil & Arthur Grumiaux, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink, Orchestre de Paris, Seiji Ozawa, Edo de Waart and many more. NEW-TO-CD: • CD8: Brahms: Symphony No.4 under Eduard van Beinum • CD14: Daniel Chorzempa playing Organ Works by Liszt (Prelude and Fugue on the Name B-A-C-H, S.260; Funeral Ode, S.268 No.2; Fantasy and Fugue on "Ad nos, ad salutarem undam", S. 259) • CD17: Cristina Deutekom singing Italian Opera Arias • CD26: Heinz Holliger performing Mozart* Oboe Concerto in C, K.314 under Edo de Waart • CD48: Henryk Szeryng performing Wieniawski: Violin Concerto No. 2 and Szymanowski: Violin Concerto No. 2

Price: $209.98