Super Audio Corner Availability
Wed, Aug 4 2010, 3:19PM
I am very grateful to Gramophone for a heads-up on the NHK Blu-ray of Schumann's Piano Concerto and the Bruckner 9th with Perahia, Haitink and the Concertgebouw. I caught this concert when it was brought to the Barbican in March 2009, and the many 5-star reviews confirmed the great performances that are now enshrined on this disc. Haitink's 9th was probably the greatest among the many I have heard him give over the years. Shattering. And the sound of the Concertgebouw these days simply has to to be heard to be believed, a fact further confirmed by the apocaplyptic Mahler 2 delivered by Jansons and the orchestra at the Barbican in December 2009. However, when I did a 'Google' on availability and price for this disc, I was astonished to find that it is only available at CD Japan for a massive £50.00, plus postage, which is a staggering outlay for a UK buyer. While Gramophone reviewers probably get a freebie, we lesser mortals need to have clear information about availability and costs. It would be very helpful if this could be provided in future.
Mon, Oct 4 2010, 4:51PM
#2
RE: Super Audio Corner Availability
Dear Andrew,
In the light of my memories of the wonderful concert experience with these great performers, I did indeed go ahead and purchase this disc. It really is outstanding. Video direction is excellent, unfussy and with plenty of fine shots of the whole orchestra for a change. Screen images are beautiful, refined in detail and gorgeously rich, while the acoustic ambience of the Concertgebouw Hall in surround sound is amazing. I am not at all surprised that this disc received an award for its sound which is stunning, and the recording of the Steinway in the Schumann is exceptional in its range and quality. The sound of the orchestra at full stretch in the Bruckner is truly magnificent.
It is relatively easy to work one's way through the Japanese menus, but I would be grateful if you could tell me what the little box with the two options beneath the main sound format box does.
Going to the bottom of the main menus brings three interviews, a lovely one with Haitink and two other fascinating items by people who must be sound and/or acoustic engineers and who talk about the Concertgebouw Hall and recording in it. Any idea who these folks are?
Despite the stratospheric cost, this really is the richest jewel in my Blu-ray collection, and therefore worth every single one of the innumerable pennies I paid for it. I cannot resist playing it to any friends or visitors who will listen, and they have all been bowled over by it.
Best Wishes,
Hedgehog1
Mon, Oct 4 2010, 8:49PM
#3
RE: Super Audio Corner Availability
Please bear with me – when she has time I will ask my wife (who is Japanese) to take a look at the disc and work out what the extra features are all about.
And glad you enjoyed it!
Point taken: I believe NHK is working hard to find a UK distributor in the near future, which should at least lead to better availability.
But I am afraid the price reflects the retail price in Japan, which is by no means unusual for a first release title in that market, and of course the strength of the Japanese currency against the US dollar, the Euro and Sterling doesn't help too much.
Audio Editor, Gramophone