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Lovers of Kempe's Strauss take note

I just received a 9 CD box of The Kempe Staatskapelle recordings from the 1970's. Newly remastered from original source tapes, offered by Warner Classics. About $35 from Presto Classical.

I have long been convinced that Kempe is head and shoulders above everyone else with respect to the music of Richard Strauss. I am still making my way through these, but the quality of these remasters is just outstanding based on what I have heard so far. I have not heard the recent (and very expensive) Japanese remasters, but at $4/cd, I think these new remasters will do just fine.

If you are a fan of Kempe's Strauss, these are must have recordings.
brownsfan
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,396 posts
 
It does indeed look to be a new remaster according to Arkiv.

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=1064157

I'd like to hear Kempe, but was looking at these EMI remasters for about $5.00/cd used. I'll need to rethink this purchase.

EMI
brownsfan OP
1,508 posts
 
Lowrider, I haven't heard the EMIs, but I have the Brilliant set that were based on the original release. The Warner remasters are so good you would never know its is the same set of recordings. I can tell you that the Warner Classics remaster is as good as any remaster of late analog master tapes as I have heard. The Dresden strings are just lovely. I have spent a lot of money trying to find modern Strauss recordings that I can live with. I'm done. These recordings are the Holy Grail for me.
yu11375
137 posts
 
Brownsfan,

Thank you for informing us this new release.

I have been waiting for this collection to be remastered for years.

Happy Listening!

Otto

schubert
7,386 posts
 
It pains me to say it but IMHO Karajan was even better,I heard
them both live in Berlin.
Loren Mazall was no slouch either.
brownsfan OP
1,508 posts
 
Schubert,
I do like HvK's Strauss, but Kempe is still my favorite. I liked Mazell generally speaking when he was with Cleveland, but I can't recall anything in particular regarding his Strauss. I am envious of your opportunity to hear those 2 great conductors in Berlin. Those must be highly tresured memories for you!
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