Solti Golden Ring Cycle 2022 Remaster on SACD and Dolby Atmos Blu-ray Audio
Universal Music / Decca Classics have performed a new remaster on the famous recording of Der Ring des Nibelungen from Sir Georg Solti and the Vienna Philharmonic. The operas, which were recorded from 1958-1965, have been released several times before, and also on Blu-ray Audio and SACD. However, all of these reissues are based on a remaster that was performed in 1997. According to the information below, the operas have been remastered from the original analog tapes and will be released on Hybrid SACD and 180g LP, but they have also been remixed into Dolby Atmos and a "Limited Edition, Hand-Numbered Luxury Wooden Case" will have a Blu-ray Audio, hardcover book and "exclusive prints".
EDIT: As of July 2024, the Blu-ray Audio and wooden case packaging appear to have been dropped.
Here is an exploded packshot for the Japanese Hybrid SACD of Das Rhinegold. Note the alternate artwork (based on the original LP artwork) and jewel case packaging, as opposed to what looks like cardboard sleeves for the Western SACD:
Here is an exploded packshot for the Japanese Hybrid SACD of Die Walküre. Note the alternate artwork (based on the original LP artwork) and jewel case packaging, as opposed to what looks like cardboard sleeves for the Western SACD:
Here is an exploded packshot for the Japanese Hybrid SACD of Siegfried. Note the alternate artwork (based on the original LP artwork) and jewel case packaging, as opposed to what looks like cardboard sleeves for the Western SACD:
Here is an exploded packshot for the Japanese Hybrid SACD of Götterdämmerung. Note the alternate artwork (based on the original LP artwork) and jewel case packaging, as opposed to what looks like cardboard sleeves for the Western SACD:
There are also listings on Decca's online shop for a bundles of Götterdämmerung and Der Ring des Nibelungen on SACD or LP with a Dolby Atmos Blu-ray Audio disc of the entire cycle:
EDIT: As of July 2024, the Blu-ray Audio and wooden case packaging appear to have been dropped.
[Show spoiler]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Decca Records Shop
Götterdämmerung SACD PLUS 100pp 12” hardcover book w/ slipcase + 5x 12” lithographic prints + hand-numbered limited edition certificate + the complete Der Ring des Nibelungen presented on 1x Dolby Atmos Blu-ray Audio.
All four operas PLUS 100pp 12” hardcover book w/ slipcase + 5x 12” lithographic prints + hand-numbered limited edition certificate + the complete Der Ring des Nibelungen presented on 1x Dolby Atmos Blu-ray Audio.
These bundles are also set to be released on 19 May 2023 and 30 June 2023. They may not be listed elsewhere for the time being as they do not seem to have proper Decca catalogue numbers.
For this 2022 edition we have utilised a completely new set of high-definition 24bit/192kHz transfers of the original two-track stereo master tapes. Almost every tape box is marked “Edited & Passed: JC” where John Culshaw personally initialled each reel as passed for production. These transfers were made as part of Universal Music’s preservation project at the Arvato facility in Gütersloh, Germany. Overseen by Andrew Wedman, formerly of Emil Berliner Studios, the tapes were aligned and played on Studer A820 machines coupled with Weiss analogue to digital converters and a proprietary workstation to record the output.
Working with 38 reels of original mastertapes –some up to 65 years old and spanning seven years of recording–there were inevitably instances where some individual tapes needed edit repairs or suffered oxide shedding. Tapes in poor condition were baked for ten hours at 55°C to restore their integrity. The playback alignment was greatly helped by the fact that the first tape reel in each opera has an announcement from engineer James Brown or, in the case of Die Walküre Culshaw himself, with left/right identifiers and a series of tones to ensure the correct calibration of the tape head. Decca’s 1950s Ampex-designed AME noise reduction circuit –a precursor of the Dolby circuitry to reduce tape hiss –was not deployed such that we could use the very latest noise reduction software at the remastering stage.
The result is a set of HD transfers which are like photographic RAW files with little or no processing to create as pure a starting point as possible before remastering.
The Decca Ring has always been about the sound. Our endeavour with this new transfer of the original master tapes has been to do the best by Solti, by Culshaw and his chief engineer Gordon Parry, and ultimately by Wagner. “Here is the greatest achievement in gramophone history yet”, wrote Alec Robertson in Gramophone in 1965.
Now it is time to deliver Solti’s Ring to the new generation of Wagnerians and introduce this remastered recording in a sumptuous series of definitive editions.
[Show spoiler]This hasn't been officially announced yet, but some listings are up at Universal Music Japan which reveal that Decca have completed or are in the process of completing a new DSD remaster on the Der Ring des Nibelungen cycle by Sir Georg Solti (1958-1965). This famous Ring Cycle, nicknamed "The Golden Ring", has already been released dozens of times, including on SACD and Blu-ray Audio, but the most recent remastering of the original analog tapes was done in 1997.
Most interestingly, it appears that Decca are planning to release SACDs in the West, as well as SHM-SACDs in Japan. It looks like deluxe 180g LP editions of each opera will also be released. Right now, only Das Rhinegold is listed for 11 November 2022, but there is also a highlights SACD for the entire "Golden Ring" being released on 30 September 2022. Because most webshops have not listed these releases, and there has been no announcement about them, please note that release dates and specifications may change.
As you'll read in the translation below, it seems that the plan is to release Das Rhinegold in November 2022, Die Walküre in December 2022, Siegfried in March 2023 and Götterdämmerung in May 2023.
Famous scenes of historical recordings revived with the latest remastering
One of the historic recordings by Decca and Sir Georg Solti, this album contains excerpts of the famous scenes from each of Wagner's masterpieces "Der Ring des Nibelungen". The latest remastering from the original master tape. Uses hybrid SACD specification, 24bit/192khz remastered sound source.
Kirsten Flagstadt, George London, Hans Hotter, Wolfgang Windgassen, Brigitte Fassbender and many other great Wagnerian singers of the era have taken part.
110th anniversary of Solti's birth and 25th anniversary of his death!
The 2022 remastering of "The Ring of the Nibelung" by Solti, the best recording ever made by bringing together all the power of the Decca label!
A major project commemorating the 110th anniversary of the birth and the 25th anniversary of the death of Sir Georg Solti, the conductor who was in charge of recording all the songs in the studio of Wagner's masterpiece "Der Ring des Nibelungen", the first grand project in record history. Solti completed the first-ever “Ring of the Nibelung” studio recordings completed between 1958 and 1965 on Rheingold (November), Valkyrie (December), and Siegfried (March 2023). May), and "Twilight of the Gods" (May), a total of four releases from November this year to May next year! In terms of singer, orchestra, performance, recording, etc., it is the best everlasting record even now, more than half a century after the recording.
This 2022 edition uses the DSD master produced in 2022 from the original 1958 stereo master tape. Directed by Andrew Wedman, formerly of Emil Berliner Studios, the tapes were conditioned on a Studer A820 machine and Weiss analog-to-digital converters, as well as a unique workstation to record the output. Among the 38 original master tapes, the oldest of which has passed 65 years, some tapes needed editing repairs and oxide film peeling, but tapes in poor condition should be baked at 55°C for 10 hours. We succeeded in repairing it, and performed a new mastering with a high resolution of 24bit/192kHz.
Mastering was done by DECCA engineer Philip, who trained under Jimmy Locke, the engineer who was involved in the original recording sessions in 1964 and 1965 and oversaw the two transfers in 1984 and 1997. Signee is in charge. Tape hiss and noise removal uses sophisticated tools that are far more effective and less invasive than previous programs, such as iZotope RX-9 and CEDAR Retouch, and bring out the glorious overtones of the Vienna Philharmonic brass and strings. will let you hear like never before.
Hybrid SACD specification. A 52-page booklet is enclosed in a 12-inch (LP size) slip case.
“The Greatest Recording Of All Time” is sounding better than ever before.
In this release compiling incredible highlights from Wagner’s Ring Cycle, Solti & Culshaw’s sonic vision is delivered in the highest quality possible. The Hybrid SACD format combines the high density 24bit / 192kHz stereo mix with a standard CD layer that will play in any normal CD player.
The package includes lavishly illustrated booklets featuring technical information on the new HD remaster and original recording, an introduction Producer John Culshaw, synopses, libretti in English & German and original session photographs.
Tracklist:
1–3. DAS RHEINGOLD: Entry of the Gods into Valhalla
4. DIE WALKÜRE: Ride of the Valkyries
5–7. DIE WALKÜRE: Wotan’s Farewell and Magic Fire Music
8. SIEGFRIED: Forging Scene
9–10. SIEGFRIED: Forest Murmurs and Siegfried’s Horn Call
11. GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG: Siegfried’s Funeral March
12–14. GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG: Brünnhilde's Immolation Scene
Note: According to Decca's online store, which for some reason, has ad copy in slightly broken English (including calling the disc a "spatial audio CD"), the run time of the disc is 77 minutes.
“The Greatest Recording Of All Time” is sounding better than ever before.
On Hybrid SACD for the first time, Solti & Culshaw’s sonic vision is delivered in the highest quality possible. The Hybrid SACD format combines the high density 24bit / 192kHz stereo mix with a standard CD layer that will play in any normal CD player.
The package includes lavishly illustrated booklets featuring technical information on the new HD remaster and original recording, an introduction Producer John Culshaw, synopses, libretti in English & German and original session photographs.
For some reason, that store doesn't present the tracklist correctly, so here is the info from Decca's online store listing:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Decca
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of Sir Georg Solti’s passing “The Greatest Recording Of All Time” Now sounding better than ever before on Spatial Audio CD
Transferred and remastered in HD sound at 24bit / 192kHz from the original two-track stereo mastertapes
The first all-new transfer in over twenty-five years
The first-ever stereo production of Wagner’s Ring cycle, still considered the benchmark today.
“Here is the greatest achievement in gramophone history yet”, wrote Gramophone in 1965. For many, it still is
ALL FOUR OPERAS IN THE CYCLE WILL BE RELEASED IN DELUXE HYBRID SACD EDITIONS:
This iconic recording is released internationally for the first time on Hybrid SACD, delivering Solti & Culshaw’s sonic vision in the highest quality possible. The Hybrid SACD format combines the high density 24bit / 192kHz stereo mix with a standard CD layer meaning these discs will also play in any normal CD player, delivering unrivalled listening flexibility
Each edition includes lavishly illustrated booklets featuring technical information on the new HD remaster and original recording techniques, introduction to each opera by Producer John Culshaw, synopses and libretti in English & German plus many original session photographs and rare facsimiles
“The greatest recording of all time”: Gramophone Magazine 1999 · BBC Music Magazine 2011 Grammy Award · Edison Award · Grand Prix Mondial du disque
Please visit www.soltiring.com to discover more about this iconic recording
Tracks
Disc One
[Show spoiler]
1 BILD · SCENE 1
2 Vorspiel · Prelude
3 Weia! Waga! Woge, du Welle! (Woglinde, Wellgunde, Flosshilde, Alberich)
The trailer also says they have remixed the cycle for Dolby Atmos and there will be a "Limited Edition, Hand-Numbered Luxury Wooden Case" which will have a Blu-ray Audio, hardcover book and "exclusive prints".
I think this recording was made to four track, with left/right orchestral tracks and left/right vocal tracks. These were carefully blocked and miked in Culshaw's "Sonicstage" process, which produced an aural image of the performers on stage arrayed out in front of the listener. The only way that could be mixed for Atmos without totally destroying the imaging would be to leave the front channels be and just put in more hall ambience and reverb in the overhead and rear. That isn't an improvement. The recording already has Sofiensaal presence baked into the mix.
It seems some of the stuff getting the Atmos brand is getting it just for advertising purposes, not for any sonic improvement. The last remastering of this from the tapes sounded just like the original CD release, just with a little more filtering of the tape hiss. This recording has always sounded good.
Here is an exploded packshot for the Japanese SHM-SACD Hybrid SACD of Das Rhinegold. Note the alternate artwork (based on the original LP artwork) and jewel case packaging, as opposed to what looks like cardboard sleeves for the Western SACD:
Update: It seems at some point in the past few days, Universal Music Japan updated their product listings to reflect that the Japanese releases will also be Hybrid SACDs instead of SHM-SACDs (with no CD layer) as previously announced.
Here is an exploded packshot for the Japanese Hybrid SACD of Die Walküre. Note the alternate artwork (based on the original LP artwork) and jewel case packaging, as opposed to what looks like cardboard sleeves for the Western SACD:
Here is an exploded packshot for the Japanese Hybrid SACD of Siegfried. Note the alternate artwork (based on the original LP artwork) and jewel case packaging, as opposed to what looks like cardboard sleeves for the Western SACD:
Here is an exploded packshot for the Japanese Hybrid SACD of Götterdämmerung. Note the alternate artwork (based on the original LP artwork) and jewel case packaging, as opposed to what looks like cardboard sleeves for the Western SACD:
There are also listings on Decca's online shop for a bundles of Götterdämmerung and Der Ring des Nibelungen on SACD or LP with a Dolby Atmos Blu-ray Audio disc of the entire cycle:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Decca Records Shop
Götterdämmerung SACD PLUS 100pp 12” hardcover book w/ slipcase + 5x 12” lithographic prints + hand-numbered limited edition certificate + the complete Der Ring des Nibelungen presented on 1x Dolby Atmos Blu-ray Audio.
All four operas PLUS 100pp 12” hardcover book w/ slipcase + 5x 12” lithographic prints + hand-numbered limited edition certificate + the complete Der Ring des Nibelungen presented on 1x Dolby Atmos Blu-ray Audio.
These bundles are also set to be released on 30 June 2023. They may not be listed elsewhere for the time being as they do not seem to have proper Decca catalogue numbers.
WARNING: From what I have heard about this new release, they have compressed the dynamic range on these upcoming SACDs. I am very disappointed and rather surprised. This has been compressed for Spotify and it appears that the SACD's will be too. I am not buying this until I know for sure that the SACDs are going to have full dynamic range. Pass this on.
If you want an accurate representation of the original master tapes, buy the first CD release. If tape hiss bothers you and you don't mind a little noise reduction in the quiet parts, get the CD remaster.
The release date for Götterdämmerung has moved from 19 May 2023 to 30 June 2023. Universal Music Japan should also release Götterdämmerung as a Hybrid SACD on 30 June 2023.
Here is an exploded packshot for the Japanese Hybrid SACD of Götterdämmerung. Note the alternate artwork (based on the original LP artwork) and jewel case packaging, as opposed to what looks like cardboard sleeves for the Western SACD:
I have bought one of these before and it's just a 24cmx24cm blowup of the cover art in a clear sleeve.
Ah ok. In that case, I'll probably go with the non-Mega Jacket one then. Thanks for posting these links. I hate the cardboard sleeves that so many CDs come in nowadays.
I preordered the SACD Bundle of the "Ring" cycle last year -- has anyone received a copy yet? Is there a release date? I received a few emails from Decca over the past months with news of production delays, but they have not responded to my most recent email in which I asked about a final release date. Any info that the forum participants may have would be most appreciated. Thank you!
I preordered the SACD Bundle of the "Ring" cycle last year -- has anyone received a copy yet? Is there a release date? I received a few emails from Decca over the past months with news of production delays, but they have not responded to my most recent email in which I asked about a final release date. Any info that the forum participants may have would be most appreciated. Thank you!
I’ve received responses to my emails, but they are useless. Apparently Decca is waiting on the booklet, but there is no time frame when it will arrive at the fulfillment center. The mystery is that the Solti Bundle is listed as “sold out” on the Decca Classics website, and the links to the Ring operas, except for DIE WALKURE are now dead.
It’s difficult to fathom how a major label can be so inept, and easy to see why only a few of us still bother with physical product.
Yes, I also finally received an email from Decca support -- just reiterated that they are awaiting the final product from the manufacturers and have no real release date at present. So the wait continues!
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Solti Golden Ring Cycle 2022 Remaster on SACD and Dolby Atmos Blu-ray Audio
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