Channel Classics, a record label based in the Netherlands that specializes in Classical Music, has released a new Multichannel SACD Sampler in the U.S. as well as 3 new Multichannel SACDs in Europe. The new Multichannel SACDs continue the label’s practice of releasing new Classical Music SACDs that were recorded natively in the Direct Stream Digital (DSD) format.
The Channel Classics SACD sampler is entitled Super Artists on Super Audio. It features selections from the first 14 Channel Classics SACD releases. The sampler is a Hybrid Multichannel SACD. It is designed to play in SACD and CD players as well as SACD compatible DVD Video players. The SACD features Multichannel SACD, Stereo SACD and Stereo CD versions of the music on the album.
Album Selections
1. Vivaldi: Allegro – Rachel Podger, baroque violin & Arte Dei Suonatori
2. Ave Maria – The Gents
3. Franck: Recitativo-Fantasia – Pieter Wispelwey, Violoncello & Paolo Giacometti, Piano
4. Rameau: La Livri – Trevor Pinnock, Harpsichord & Rachel Podger, Baroque Violin & Jonathan Manson, Viola da Gamba
5. Monteverdi: Lamento della Ninfa – Johannette Zomer, Soprano & Cappella Figuralis
6. Schumann: Intermezzo: Andantino Grazioso – Paolo Giacometti, Piano & The Arnhem Philharmonic
7. Lentement-Vite-Lentement – Florilegium
8. Saint-Saлns: Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor – Pieter Wispelwey, Violoncello & Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie
9. Jenkins: Fantasias & Airs – No. 2 in A Minor – The Locke Consort
10. Piazzolla: Anxiety – Alfredo Marcucci, Bandoneуn & Ensemble Piacevole
11. Mozart: III Sequenz – No. 3 Rex Tremendae – The Netherlands Bach Society
12. Mozart: VIII Communio – Lux Eterna – The Netherlands Bach Society
13. Britten: Barcarola & Dialogo – Pieter Wispelwey, Violoncello
14. Ravel: Toccata – Vif – Dejan Lazic, Piano
15. Couperin: Seconde Allemande – Mieneke van der Velden, Pardessus de Viole & Glen Wilson, Harpsichord
16. Carissimi: Historia di Jephte – Johannette Zomer, Soprano & Cappella Figuralis
17. Vivadi: Allegro – Rachel Podger, Baroque Violin & Arte Dei Suonatori
Comments from Channel Classics
Speaking about the new Super Artists on Super Audio sampler, Jared Sacks from Channel Classics says:
“This is the first SACD compilation disc of the 14 releases from Channel Classics. Listening in SACD stereo immediately gives that feeling of openness. Depth of sound. The total clarity of the instruments. And of course the large dynamic range.
The music is not a block of sound from the speakers, but it seems to be there without being able to touch it.
For those of you that have multichannel, the sensation of sitting in the concert hall can now be experienced. There are no rules for creating multichannel recordings but the goal has been to reproduce the acoustic characteristics of the performance space. To create the feeling of sitting in the fourth row. One is not conscious of the surround speakers (only by switching them off would you immediately hear the effect). SACD multichannel creates more emotion in the music, no matter where you sit because it is not necessary to sit in the ‘hot spot’ (middle of the triangle from your speakers) to experience this ‘emotion’.”
Availability of the SACD Sampler
To attract attention and interest, the sampler carries a list price of only $11.99 in the U.S. market. It is now available from Tower Records stores as well as web stores that carry SACDs such as Acoustic Sounds, Elusive Disc and Music Direct.
3 New Multichannel SACD Releases in Europe
In addition to the new SACD sampler, Channel Classics has released 3 new Hybrid Layer Multichannel SACDs in Europe. As is often the case with record labels based in Europe, these SACDs will appear first in Europe and then later this year in the U.S. market.
These 3 new SACDs are: