Carlos Kleiber
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Deutsche Grammophon masterpiece collection

This re-master is an ESOTERIC exclusive production and there are limited quantities available.

The reissuing of the Decca masterpiece series has attracted a lot of attention both for its uncompromising commitment to recreating the original master recording and for using our hybrid Super Audio CD/CD re-mastering technology to improve sound quality. Now the time has come for the release of Deutsche Grammophon's finest • This series marks the first hybrid SA-CD/CD release of two selections that have been mainstays of the Deutsche Grammophon catalog since their initial release on LP, later making their way on to CD. These new audio versions feature DSD mastering of the original recordings.

Experience by yourself...

Experience the legendary performance in this new Super Audio CD/CD format. Not only for new followers, but also for well experienced followers of these recorded materials. All will be equally impressed by the "soul" hidden within the notes, but never before found in previously released recordings.

ESOTERIC equipment used for re-mastering

The criterion of re-mastering is to faithfully capture the quality of the original master tapes. ESOTERIC's flag ship D/A converters, model D-01VU, Rubidium master clock generator model G-0Rb and ESOTERIC MEXCEL cables, were all used for this re-mastering session. This combination of highly advanced technology greatly contributed to capturing the high quality sound of the original master tapes.

The greatest Brahms piece of all time, bursting with Carlos's unique expression! DSD mastering recreates the vivid sound of DG's treasured original master recordings.

An enduring charisma that lives on in death: Carlos Kleiber's last studio recording with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

The popularity of conductor Carlos Kleiber (July 3, 1930 - July 13, 2004) still shows no sign of slowing down five years after his death. He had a charisma that mystified countless audiences with his graceful and gorgeous conducting, extremely few concerts and limited repertoire, and frequent cancellations. But most of all, Kleiber delighted audiences with the charm of the actual performance, regardless of opera or concert being played. In total Kleiber made only nine studio recordings, eight of which were for DG, the first being "Der Freischutz" (1973) and the last "Tristan und Isolde" (1982), as well as one for EMI.

All other recordings were of live performances, with both official and bootleg versions existing. This performance of Brahms Symphony No. 4, recorded in March of 1980, is fourth recording with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. It stands out as both Kleiber's first digital recording, but also his last studio recording with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. His first performance of this work at the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's subscription concert in December of 1979 was a great success. Four months later he energetically committed himself to make the recording in the studio. The sense of exuberance pervading this studio performance is truly remarkable. His interpretation can be considered revolutionary, for it swept away the sense of ennui inherent maybe epoch-making in terms that it cleared away the inherent ennui of this symphony. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the subtle emphasis on phrases and voice parts lends more depth to the sound, clearly seen within the exquisite agogics in the third movement's theme.

The supreme SA-CD/CD hybridization becomes a reality

Compared to Kleiber's past three albums with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, this recording captures his characteristically fluid and clear sound with remarkable clarity. This is made possible by the unique advantages digital recordings offer. As was done with the ESOTERIC project in the past, uncompromising efforts were made at each stage of the SA-CD hybridization process to recreate the original sound, from selecting the master tape for the recording to the final DSD mastering. Likewise, the D/A converters, rubidium clock generator and MEXCEL cables were all used for DSD mastering. The careful adjustment of ESOTERIC's top grade equipment has made it possible to store all of the information from the original master onto disc, creating an unconstrained sound that is authentic.

This performance may never be surpassed (Hiromi Saito).

A dynamic expression that fully exploits the talents of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. There is no sense of ambiguity clouding this performance. This conductor does not tacitly follow the score, but tries to bring out the underlying meaning and express it to the fullest. Thus, the amazingly delicate melodies are put together carefully and precisely. One could say that this the unique performance depicts Carlos's youthful and carefree personality.

(Tadao Koishi, from "The Record Geijutsu Special Issue: Classical Music Record Book Vol. 1 - Symphony", 1985)

A powerful performance as intense as a raging inferno, recorded when Kleiber was 50 years old. Pure magnificence and splendor! It instantly captivates the listener with its depth and masculine dynamism. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's fiery passion and sonority really gets one excited. The thick brass, swirling strings, and the all-important tight percussion are what really stand out with this orchestra. It's hard to imagine another performance ever surpassing this.

(Hiromi Saito, from "1000 Monumental Masterpieces of Classical Music", 2007).