Manfred Honeck & Pittsburgh Symphony – Dvorak: Symphony No. 8 & Janacek: Symphony Suite from Jenufa (SACD hibrid multicanal, HDCD)

The second recording by Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has a special significance for the conductor, who sees in it the Czech influence on Dvorak’s composition. The symphonic sequence from Janacek’s opera Jenufa, arranged by Czech composer Thomas Ille, is a fitting accompaniment. In his dedication in the booklet, Honeck draws particular attention to the use of the xylophone to link the dances and emotions in this musical sequence. In terms of sound, the recording is blessed with the dynamic range of a large symphony orchestra and combines this perfectly with the warm sound of Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. The engineers’ stated aim was to capture the sound of the orchestra in its natural space, not to create something artificial.

The recording itself was made using five DPA 4006 omnidirectional microphones and a large number of spot microphones. Technically, it is a DSD recording, with the subtleties post-processed on a Pyramix mixing system. The recording is being released as a hybrid SACD with stereo and multichannel mixing, and the stereo CD track is also HDCD encoded.

We recommend the use of „L’Art du Son” CD/DVD conditioner for even more sonic improvement.

Lista pieselor

Antonin Dvorak: Symphony No. 8 in E Minor, op.88

1. Allegro con brio

2. Adagio

3. Allegretto grazioso

4. Allegro ma non troppo

5. Leos Janacek: Symphonic Suite from Jenufa