Hi-Res Downloads

192kHz/24-bit, FLAC/ALAC; CKD512 (supplied by www.linnrecords.com)

Three string orchestra transcriptions of Debussy (the Quartet arranged by the SE’s leader Jonathan Morton, the ‘Girl With The Flaxen Hair’ by Colin Matthews, and ‘Jimbo’s Lullaby’ from the Children’s Corner Suite by bassist James Manson – he plays on the recording too) alternate with film-associated music tracks by Takemitsu. His funeral march from Black Rain (emphatically not the Michael Douglas film) is followed by music for a boxer documentary, then Nostalghia, a homage to Tarkovsky. I’m not convinced the Quartet gains from ‘upsizing’ – few such examples do – but the sleeping little elephant has great charm, while the contrasted Japanese scores take the musical language a considerable step further than Debussy’s. Engaging performances all, set in the ambience of Caird Hall, Dundee, with lively channel information. CB

Sound Quality: 85%

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Recorded by Philip Hobbs at 192kHz, this download is available in both 96kHz and 192kHz ‘Studio Master’ guises at the same cost, with cheaper CD and MP3-res offerings provided. This 192kHz render is free of compression or resampling. PM