Georg Solti

Wagner: Der Fliegende Hollander <limited> Georg Solti Japan Import edition

The Hungarian-British conductor Georg Solti became music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1969, a position he held for 22 years. He conducted many recordings and high-profile international tours with the orchestra. In 1991, Solti resigned the position and became the orchestra's conductor laureate, a position he held until his death. During his time as the eighth music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he was also music director of the Orchestre de Paris from 1972 to 1975 and principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra from 1979 to 1983. Under his aegis, the British opera singer Norman Bailey, with his unforgettable bass-baritone, achieved his world renown as one of the best Wagner interpreters. The limited new release by Universal Music Japan of Wagner's romantic opera “The Flying Dutchman” on SHM double SACD (non-hybrid) to mark the 95th anniversary of the founding of Decca is sonically extremely impressive – a definite must-have for fans of the German composer!

During his tenure in London, Solti was awarded membership of the Order of the British Empire: in 1968 as Commander, and in 1971 as Knight Commander, with the addition of the title “Sir”. Until February 2023, Solti was the artist who had received the most Grammys, regardless of genre. He personally received 31 Grammys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Trustees Award. He was nominated another 74 times. The present recording with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, originally made in May 1976 at the Medina Temple in Chicago, was technically perfect thanks to Kenneth Wilkinson and James Lock. The performances of the top-class singers, including “Dutchman” Norman Bailey, Janis Martin, who was famous at the time for her role as Senta, as well as René Kollo, are second to none. The original tapes have been extensively restored and reworked using a DSD master from Classic Sound (2024).

Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883): -    The Flying Dutchman

Baritone Vocals: Norman Bailey Bass Vocals: Martti Talvela Mezzo-Soprano Vocals: Isola Jones Soprano Vocals: Janis Martin Tenor Vocals: Werner Krenn, René Kollo Conductor: Georg Solti Orchestra: Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus: Chicago Symphony Chorus

Recording: May 1976, Medinah Temple, Chicago (USA)

This title is an SHM SACD. This format is the further development of the single-layer SACD and uses a particularly light-transparent plastic (Super High Material). It allows a much better readability of the pit-land structures on the surface than is possible with hybrid SACDs. Universal's SHM SACDs are generally re-digitized to DSD from the albums' master tapes without any changes. SHM SACDs can be played on any SACD player. Please do not use L'Art du Son or alcohol-based cleaning agents. - Please note: All titles are designed by Universal Music as limited edition collector's items for the Japanese market.