Tchaikovsky: The Queen of Spades – 3-CD Digital Audio Recording

Product Information

UPC: 090266099221
Catalog Number: LC 0316 / 9026-60992-21
Product Type: 3-CD Set, Digital Audio Recording
Title: The Queen of Spades
Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)
Opera Form: Opera in Three Acts
Based on: The opera is inspired by Pushkin’s drama ("Pique Dame" / "The Queen of Spades")
Libretto: Included in the box set
Featured Artists:

• Mirella Freni – delivers a captivating performance
• Vladimir Atlantov – a commanding presence in the baritone/mezzo range
• Dmitri Hvorostovsky – renowned for his expressive tenor
• Sergei Leiferkus – a distinguished vocal talent
• Maureen Forrester – celebrated for her rich contralto
• Katherine Ciesinski – a virtuoso in her field
• Other outstanding cast members include Janis Taylor, Ernesto Gavazzi, Julian Rodescu, among others
  Ensembles:
• Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Tanglewood Festival Chorus / American Boychoir (with chorus master John Oliver)
  Conductor: Seiji Ozawa
  Produced by: Jay David Saks
  Engineers: John Newton and Ken Hahn
  Assistance: Received a generous grant from Suntory Limited
  Label: BMG (A Division of Bertetsmann Music Group) under the Victor Red Seal imprint
  Manufacturing: Printed in Germany; Distributed by BMG Music
  Release Year: 1992

Overview

English Overview

Experience the dramatic intensity and lyrical beauty of Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades in this superb 3-CD digital audio set. This finely remastered opera, recorded by the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the inspired baton of conductor Seiji Ozawa, brings to life Pushkin’s timeless drama in three acts. Featuring an all-star cast including the legendary Mirella Freni, Vladimir Atlantov, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Sergei Leiferkus, Maureen Forrester, and Katherine Ciesinski, this recording offers a deeply moving interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s passion and musical genius. Accompanied by a comprehensive libretto, the set provides an immersive listening experience with pristine sound quality, making it an essential addition for opera enthusiasts and collectors alike.

French Overview (Vue d'ensemble)

Découvrez l'intensité dramatique et la beauté lyrique de La Dame de pique de Tchaïkovski dans ce superbe coffret 3 CD en format numérique. Cet opéra magnifiquement remastérisé, enregistré par le Boston Symphony Orchestra sous la direction inspirée de Seiji Ozawa, donne vie au drame intemporel de Pouchkine en trois actes. Avec une distribution d'exception réunissant l'incontournable Mirella Freni, Vladimir Atlantov, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Sergei Leiferkus, Maureen Forrester et Katherine Ciesinski, cet enregistrement offre une interprétation émouvante de la passion et du génie musical de Tchaïkovski. Accompagné d'un livret complet, ce coffret procure une expérience d'écoute immersive avec une qualité sonore exceptionnelle, faisant de lui un incontournable pour les amateurs d'opéra et les collectionneurs.

Product Features

Format & Packaging

• Media Format: 3 Compact Discs (Digital Audio)
• Packaging:
  • Presented in a collectible box set featuring elegant design and a detailed booklet with the complete libretto, production notes, and opera synopsis.
  • The packaging reflects the prestigious Victor Red Seal imprint by BMG.
• Edition:
  • This import reissue has been digitally remastered to ensure superior sound clarity and fidelity.

Musical & Production Details

• Opera Structure:
  The Queen of Spades (Opera in Three Acts) intertwines rich orchestral textures with emotive vocal performances to narrate a tale of fate, passion, and obsession drawn from Pushkin’s drama.
• Conductor & Orchestra:
  • Seiji Ozawa leads the Boston Symphony Orchestra with masterful precision, supported by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and American Boychoir under the direction of John Oliver.
• Vocal Excellence:
  • The cast delivers performances that blend technical mastery with heartfelt emotion. Mirella Freni’s lyrical artistry and Dmitri Hvorostovsky’s expressive tenor are particularly notable, complemented by the distinguished performances of Vladimir Atlantov and Sergei Leiferkus.
• Technical Innovation:
  • The recording employs state-of-the-art digital remastering techniques to capture every nuance of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral and vocal color, ensuring an audio experience that is both dynamic and immersive.

Interesting Facts

English Interesting Facts

• Historic Interpretation:
  This 1992 recording stands as one of the definitive digital interpretations of The Queen of Spades, renowned for its authentic portrayal of Tchaikovsky’s dramatic vision.
• Award-Winning Talent:
  The stellar cast, featuring opera legends such as Mirella Freni and Dmitri Hvorostovsky, has been widely acclaimed for their transformative interpretations, making this release a cherished collectible.
• State-of-the-Art Production:
  Made possible through the generous support from Suntory Limited, this recording utilizes advanced digital engineering to deliver a high-definition sound experience seldom matched in opera recordings.

French Interesting Facts (Faits intéressants)

• Interprétation Historique :
  Cet enregistrement de 1992 est reconnu comme l'une des interprétations numériques les plus définitives de La Dame de pique, célèbre pour sa fidélité à la vision dramatique de Tchaïkovski.
• Talent Récompensé :
  La distribution exceptionnelle, réunissant des légendes de l'opéra telles que Mirella Freni et Dmitri Hvorostovsky, a été saluée pour ses interprétations magistrales, faisant de cette édition un objet de collection précieux.
• Production de Pointe :
  Rendue possible grâce au généreux soutien de Suntory Limited, cette production utilise des techniques d'ingénierie numérique avancées pour offrir une expérience sonore en haute définition rarement égalée dans les enregistrements d'opéra.

Track Listing

Disc 1:

• Total Playing Time: 60 minutes 24 seconds
• Includes the complete first act and the initial sections of the opera.

Disc 2:

• Total Playing Time: 54 minutes 16 seconds
• Continues the unfolding drama in the second act with pivotal arias and ensembles.

Disc 3:

• Total Playing Time: 41 minutes 56 seconds
• Concludes the opera with the final act’s climactic moments and resolution.

For a detailed movement-by-movement listing, please refer to the comprehensive booklet included in the box set.

Publishers

Released by BMG (a Division of Bertetsmann Music Group) under the Victor Red Seal imprint in 1992.
Distributed by BMG Music.
Printed in Germany.
Produced by Jay David Saks with engineering by John Newton and Ken Hahn.
This recording has been made possible with the generous support of Suntory Limited.

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French:

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