A few weeks ago I posted a thread here http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth…l=1#post209072 regarding a compilation of classical music recorded by Ultra Analogue Recordings’ Dr Edward Pong. Those who know me know I’m am somewhat illiterate to the complexities of classical music but always love to listen to it if it is chosen for me. I received 5 full tapes last week from Edward to try to get me immersed. Boy did he ever. The tapes came last week but as luck would have it my mother-in-law was here and only just left. As a result these 5 reels were sitting in my sound room literally unopened until yesterday. First impression….WOW
If I thought the last reel I posted on was so well recorded these 5 were truly special. The dynamics are so powerful that it makes me feel I am but a few feet in front of the stage. The timber of the cello and violin was staggering. The piano sounded magnificent. This was as real as it gets. The tapes are well recorded and Ed uses SM 900 tape and hence the dynamic range
From what I understand Ed also does all of his own miking and recording direct to his Studer A80. The mikes have been modified by our own Tony Ky Ma as well as Edward’s electronics. Hence the incredible recordings.
I am also of the impression that most if not all these performances were staged at Edward’s home and it must be an honor to have been invited to these performances. I have seen photos of some of the productions and they are as professional as they get.
Edward seems to live and breathe classical music and is one of the most knowledgeable individuals I have ever met regarding classical music.
Here is a list of the tapes I received and for those into classical and R2R format I can promise you that this is as real as it gets
1. Rossini Duo For Cello Double Bass in D, Allegro-Andante molto-Allegro
Gliere Four Pieces Praludium-Scherzo-Intermezzo-Tarantella
Performers Rachel Mercer, Jeffrey Beecher and Vanessa Lee
2. The Chaccones
Vitali-in G minor
Bach in D minor
Monti-Czardas
3. Mozart Duo in G major, K.423
Allegro-Adagio-Rondeau-Allegro
Handel-Halverson-Passacaglia
Debussy-Claire de Lune
4. Bach Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor BWV 1008
Prelude-Allemande-Courante-Sarabande-Minuet 1&2-Gigue
Beethoven-Seven Variations on “Bei Mannern”
5. Beethoven Piano Trio No.4, Op.70 No.1 (Ghost)
Allegro vivace e con brio
Largo assai ed espressivo
Presto
Beethoven Piano Trio No.5,Op.70 No.2-Allegretto
I had never heard of or was familiar with any of these other than Claire de Lune. I went to school on Edward’s putt taking his advice on what to listen to and it was quite an experience. I listened to each tape twice and each time my jaws were wide open. These are amazing tapes, well recorded and for those who love classical music and looking for some new music I would definitely give an enthousiastic thumbs’ up to Edward Pong and his Ultra Analogue Recordings.
Steve Williams