Hi-Res Downloads

192kHz/24-bit FLAC/ALAC, Linn Records CKD 430 (supplied by www.linnrecords.com)

The two hunting horns played by Anneke Scott and Joseph Walters make a glorious noise at the start of Concerto 1, and their duo in 1(v), 6m 25s-7m 27s, is as clean as a whisker. Similarly, 4(iii) seemingly holds no terrors for trumpeter David Blackadder. (John Butt says in his comprehensive booklet note that their A’ 392Hz pitch helps.) With one player per part this is one of the most stimulating sets of the Brandenburgs we have had; 3(iii) – introduced by an improvisatory violin passage – is lightning fast and the famous harpsichord cadenza in 5(i) is truly exciting (the more so as engineer Philip Hobbs maintains the continuo perspective balance). But the transverse flute’s wailing wide trill, Concerto 5(i), 2m 47s-53s, did jar! And headphone listeners might detect faint hum from the Perth Concert Hall as the music tracks start and stop. CB

Sound Quality: 93%

Hi-Fi News Lab Report

Available as a hybrid multichannel SACD and as downloads in resolutions from MP3 to ‘Studio Master 192kHz’, as tested here, this fabulous recording carries content consistent with an original rate of 96kHz with noise beyond ~45kHz. PM