The year begins with a highly anticipated release that has been in the works since August of the previous year. Responding to a suggestion we prioritized the remastering of Rudolf Firkušný's 1957 recording of Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto with Steinberg. Despite the original recording's mono LP release format and its less-than-ideal sound quality, reviews consistently praised Firkušný's exceptional playing. These issues with the sound, such as low levels and muted timbres, were noted in archival critiques but have now been addressed through careful remastering.

After meticulous restoration work, the newly remastered recordings bring these classic performances to life with a vibrant, clear, and dynamic sound that truly showcases the brilliance of both the pianist and the orchestras. The XR remasters breathe new life into the "Emperor" and Third Concertos, offering listeners a rich stereo experience that enhances every nuance of the performances. 

We also celebrate the composer Michael Tippett, who died 35 years ago this month, with a special discount on all his recordings at Pristine.

Sir Henry J. Wood was a trailblazer in bringing classical music to the masses. Known for his daring orchestral transcriptions, including Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Wood also championed contemporary composers, notably introducing Mahler’s Eighth Symphony to British audiences. His enduring legacy includes founding the Proms, which remain a cornerstone of British musical life, and producing a treasure trove of 78rpm recordings that capture his passion for innovation.

This week, Pristine presents a dazzling collection of Wood’s Bach transcriptions, from the rarely reissued Suite No. 6 to his playful, dramatic orchestration of the Toccata and Fugue. Adding festive flair, the release also features all five choruses from Handel’s Messiah, recorded live with 3,500 performers at Crystal Palace in 1926. Listen to Wood’s arrangement of the Preludio from Bach’s Partita No. 3 on our website and experience the boundless energy of a conductor who truly brought music to life.

We also celebrate Fritz Reiner's birthday this week with a special discount on all his recordings at Pristine!

As we approach the conclusion of Pristine’s 2024 releases, we are delighted to introduce a remarkable new series featuring Artur Rodziński and the NBC Symphony Orchestra in their early broadcasts from 1938. These performances showcase the orchestra’s exceptional versatility, featuring works by ten composers including Beethoven, Barber, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and Wagner. Among these treasures is the historic broadcast première of Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony, the first performance outside the Soviet Union, captured amidst fascinating challenges and intrigue surrounding its abridged score.

Despite the archival recordings showing some signs of age, the energy and precision of the orchestra shine through. Rodziński’s leadership and growing admiration for Shostakovich’s work are palpable, offering a glimpse into the dynamic artistry of this era. This release is a testament to the enduring legacy of the NBC Symphony Orchestra and a thrilling addition to our collection.

We also celebrate Beethoven's 254th birthday with a 10% discount on each of the 266 Pristine albums which feature his music!