MERCURY SR-90303 DVORAK CELLO CONCERTO STARKER SPEAKERS CORNER

Hungarian-American cellist János Starker epitomized refined elegance and superbly subtle bow work. Starker, who died in April 2013, was one of the 20th century's most renowned cellists. The Dvorak Cello Concerto and Bruch's Kol Nidrei were recorded July 6, 7 and 10, 1962 at Watford Town Hall outside London. Three Schoeps M210 microphones, set in omnidirectional pattern, were hung across the front of the orchestra, with the players positioned on the floor of the hall in order to best utilize its acoustics. The microphones direct fed 3-track recorders: a 1/2" tape machine and a 35mm magnetic film recorder. Both first-generation tapes and first-generation films were edited into production masters. At the original session, Wilma Cozart Fine was the Recording Director, Harold Lawrence was the Musical Supervisor, C. Robert Fine was the Chief Engineer and Technical Supervisor, and Robert Eberenz was the Associate Engineer. The original LP was cut from the 35mm film, and the Mercury Living Presence logo on the front cover included the 35mm designation. Over time, the 35mm mag-film material deteriorated and the master is now not in good playable condition. Meanwhile, the 1/2" magnetic tape has held up well and still sounds as good as the day it was recorded.

Antonín Dvorák: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B Minor, op. 104

Max Bruch: Kol Nidrei, op. 47 - Janos Starker

and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Antal Dorati