Hi-Res Downloads

88.2kHz/24-bit FLAC, Warner Classics 2564652158 (supplied by www.highresaudio.com)

The French violinist, now 64, has appeared on various record labels since his Erato debut in 1973; in 2002 he founded – and leads – the Camerata de Lausanne. Co-soloists here are viola player Yuko Shimizu (K364) and Ami Oike in the unfairly neglected Concertone for two violins (which also has important solo oboe and cello parts). These partnering string soloists are spaced not too far in from Amoyal: not in the right channel, thank goodness! The sound is generally vibrant and clear with plenty of ambience around the orchestra. One jarring entry, 2m 09s into track 2 warranted re-editing; and cadenzas were, I suspect, pasted in separately. These are well prepared performances which reminded me somewhat of the 1971/73 ASMIF/Argo LP counterparts, if more robust. At 55m, short measure for £17, and no booklet. CB

Sound Quality: 80%

Hi-Fi News Lab Report

This is a true 88.2kHz LPCM recording and not a downsample from an SACD or DSD file. The solo violin produces some very strong harmonics extending out to 30kHz, fully justifying the use of this elevated sample rate. PM