Lorin Maazel & The Cleveland Orchestra

Mussorgsky: Pictures At An Exhibition Lorin Maazel & The Cleveland Orchestra

Modest Mussorgsky created a musical monument to the architect Viktor Hartmann in the piano suite 'Pictures at an Exhibition'. A posthumous exhibition of his friend's travel notes, book illustrations and architectural sketches inspired the composer to create a cycle of ten musical pictures structured around a four-part promenade. The work played no part in Mussorgsky's lifetime - it was Maurice Ravel's orchestral arrangement in 1922 that made Pictures at an Exhibition popular.

The newly released Telarc recording by Winston Ma is further proof of the exceptional sound quality of the label's productions: a spectacular and at the same time naturally balanced orchestra, using comparatively simple microphone technology. The recording was modelled on the work of Mercury Records engineer Robert Fine, who was responsible for impressive mono and stereo recordings, initially with just one microphone, later with two or three. Especially in combination with the acoustics of the Masonic Auditorium in Cleveland, it becomes clear why Telarc has set new standards with its digital recordings.

This Telarc recording is based on data from Soundstream's first digital recording system and was made at 16 bit and 50 KHz. The recording was purist, with no compressors, limiters or equalisers. The current reworking with 32-bit mastering allows for an enormous calm and balance in the sound image, while preserving the enormous dynamics and splendour of the orchestra.

This recording is also preceded by Mussorgsky's "Night on the Bare Mountain" in Rimsky-Korsakov's arrangement.

Ultra-HD 32-Bit-Mastering

This mastering format has been developed by FIM and Five/Four Productions. Five/Four Productions is made up of the former Telarc production team who wanted to be able to master the best possible sound quality regardless of the quality of the equipment. The Five/Four Productions team has won 16 Grammys and countless other awards.

It is re-digitised at 32-bit word length and sampling frequency to match the source material. Wherever possible, 192 KHz is used, but for some material, lower sampling rates can be beneficial to the sound.

Ultra-HD 32-bit productions can be played on any CD player with outstanding sound quality.

We recommend the use of "L'Art du Son" CD/DVD conditioner for even more sonic improvement.