Nicoló Paganini - Violin Concertos 1 in D, Op.6 & 4 in D - Henryk Szeryng LSO - Alexander Gibson - Penatone PTC 5186.178 (2007) SACD rip Via PS3 to iso (2.66GB) | Remaster Quadio recording | 24bit/88.2kHz flac | Mch (2.15GB) (+6dB gain) | 2ch (1.06GB) DR15 (+5.47dB gain) | Classical AllMusic: The name Niccolò Paganini almost instantly conjures up an image of the quintessential virtuoso. The composition most commonly associated with his name is the set of 24 Caprices, which are undeniable demonstrations of sheer technique & prowess on the violin. However, the violin concertos are not so entirely dedicated to dazzling audiences with almost unbelievable feats of extended techniques. Rather, they juxtapose moments of technically showing off with opportunities for the soloist to show off musically as well. Violinist Henryk Szeryng is an artist quite adept at delivering on these changing demands. The virtuosic elements of the concertos are tossed off with apparent ease; just as effortless are the extensive lyrical passages that Szeryng gives almost a vocal quality along with his highly recognizable dark, rich tone. The orchestra part is much more than a mere accompaniment; extended tutti passages give the London Symphony Orchestra opportunities to be enjoyed just as much as Szeryng. Presented here on SACD, the sound quality of orchestra & soloist alike are exceptional; when listening in Mch mode, listeners are given the impression that they are sitting right next to Szeryng on the stage. Szeryng fans will certainly wish to add this album to their collection, & anyone seeking a technically & musically satisfying recording of these works will not be disappointed. SA-CD.net reveiw by terence : Another splendid quadraphonic remastering from Pentatone. The solo violin in particular is beautifully captured, balanced perhaps just a little ahead of what might be a normal "concert hall" perspective, but not obtrusively so - orchestral detail is in no way occluded. There's plenty of depth & width to the orchestral soundstage, rear speakers used discreetly but tellingly to fill out the venue sonically. Szeryng's performances are superbly musical, poised yet also highly virtuosic when necessary (that's most of the time, actually....). There's no element of "showing off" whatsoever in his playing, which is not to say it hasn't got plenty of fire in its belly, because it has, definitely. It's just that Szeryng wasn't that kind of showy musician, just 1 heck of a good, tasteful violinist. Once again this kind of release makes you wonder exactly how far (if at all) the art of sound engineering has advanced since this type of recording was 1st being made by the Philips team of the period. I find the results a great deal more involving & musically satisfying than most of the DDD Mch recordings in my collection. In short, highly recommended. Thank you Pentatone - keep those quad remasters coming! Tracks: Time: 01:02:13 Producer: Vittorio Negri Musicians: Henryk Szeryng - violin London Symphony Orchestra Alexander Gibson - conductor http://www.filefactory.com/folder/fce39dccb192b4c5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Checksum for iso: 7ee5e4b9a7730797fd8a5b432abe80d1 *Paganini - Violin Cocertos 1-4.iso Checksums for flac tracks Mch: 1c31fec2ba1d145527003e48c15d6e95 *Henryk Szeryng - violin with the London Symphony Orchestra, - Paganini Violin Concertos No.1 in D, Op.6 & No.4 in D m.cue 70b6a6b5e8557d830a48321ab3113b72 *Henryk Szeryng - violin with the London Symphony Orchestra, - Paganini Violin Concertos No.1 in D, Op.6 & No.4 in D m.flac Checksums for flac tracks 2ch: 7a5ffe711263096bd92489928ecaefa9 *Henryk Szeryng - violin with the London Symphony Orchestra, - Paganini Violin Concertos No.1 in D, Op.6 & No.4 in D m.cue b30aaa8057b90abcc0c56d3e1d17f04d *Henryk Szeryng - violin with the London Symphony Orchestra, - Paganini Violin Concertos No.1 in D, Op.6 & No.4 in D m.flac