Highlights aus unseren Liveaufnahmen: Auf den Flügeln des Gesanges

Publisher: RN Audio Bottrop, FS2020-19

Playing time: 30 min

Specifications: half track ¼", stereo, RTM SM900, 1 plastic reel, CCIR, 510 nWb/m, 38 cm/s

Homepage: https://www.tapemusic.eu

Translation of the German review:

At RN Audio there are currently about 25 tape productions to buy. You can listen to the titles on the homepage https://www.tapemusic.eu/, but it is much nicer to buy this sampler for 189,- € to be able to listen to it on your own equipment at home. The tape contains a compilation of eight pieces with a total running time of about 30 minutes. You can hear choral music, opera arias, orchestral music, organ music and jazz. The recordings were all made live, mostly in the Ruhr area (Germany). Without exception, acoustic instruments were recorded. Already the first listening to the tape made me want to hear and own more of this music. On the one hand, it is the excellent recording and production quality. Although digital files are the basis, they are "deburred" by the recording on a magnetic tape, as if the digital is freed from the sharp edges by this process. Compared to the digital files that Rainer Neuwirth provided me with for a counter-test, the music gains warmth, depth and overall flow via tape. There is also more "punch". On the other hand, it is the special nature and goodness of the music. Musicians, orchestras and choirs that have developed their own way of presentation with more or less known pieces of music mainly far from mainstream. The instruments are reproduced very faithfully.

Since there are eight titles from different recording years, I would like to deal with each one with a short statement:

1. There's A Little Black Train Acoming (traditional)

The choir performed in the Luise-Albertz-Halle in Oberhausen in 1998. Several gospels were sung, this one arranged in a contemporary manner, making it a snappy opener for the compilation. The excellent staggering of the stereo imaging should be highlighted.

2. O du mein holder Abendstern (from: "Tannhäuser", Richard Wagner)

The second piece, taken from the master tape copy "Opern-Gala", is beautiful to melt away. Perfectly sung by James Tolksdorf and brilliantly accompanied by the Bottroper Sinfoniker. The overall flow of this recording creates a pull for me.

3. Courage (from: "Winterreise", Franz Schubert, arrangement: C. Marenco)

This piece was written for solo voice, but also gives much pleasure with a choir. My verdict: tight and spicy!

4. Andante grazioso (from: "Divertimento Nr.9", KV 240, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)

This recording was made in 1992 in the "Rittersaal" of the "Haus Kemnade" in Bochum. It is taken from the master tape copy "Quintetto Sereno, Burgserenade, Haus Kemnade, Rittersaal". The interplay is very fluid, which is very well transported by this recording.

5. Toccata For Organ (Robert Prizeman)

Immerse yourself in Rainer Neuwirth's supreme discipline, the recording of the Queen of Instruments. From tape with a good balance between direct and spatial sound, masterly played by Friedrich Storfinger. Of course with the organ typical depth.

6. Baixant de la Font del Gat (Catalan folk tune)

This performance, recorded at a choral festival in Tourcoing, France, surprises with dialogue, whistling, humming, and stomping by the chorus members in addition to the singing, and offers plenty of variety. To be heard is a good stereo image with perfect widths and depths.

7. Nimbus (Russel Ferrante)

This piece is the only excursion into swing and jazz in this compilation. Well done in approach and virtuosically performed, but a bit dull and recorded with too little brilliance. Therefore a downgrade in sound*. A studio recording is already being planned.

8. Ouverture (from: "The Marriage of Figaro", W. A. Mozart)

The Bottroper Symphoniker conclude once again with this well-known overture (also from the master tape copy "Opera Gala"). Without vocals, but with gripping dynamics. A worthy conclusion to this entertainingly listenable tape.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)