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Coming to The Audiophile Society this March: Pedro Diaz's Bel Canto: Concerti For The English Horn

Coming to The Audiophile Society this March: Pedro Diaz's Bel Canto: Concerti For The English Horn

David Chesky

As the principal English horn of the Metropolitan Orchestra in New York City, multi-instrumentalist Pedro Diaz stands distinguished as one of the pre-eminent contemporary English horn performers. In Bel Canto: Concerti for English Horn, with accompaniment from Members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra (under the masterful direction of Ricardo Frizza), Pedro Diaz’ virtuosity brings life to compositions by Donizetti, Reicha, Pilotti, and Mares: four titans of the English Horn Repertoire.
 
However, Diaz’s contributions to the instrument extend beyond his performance; Concerti For The English Horn is the marvelous fruit following years of arduous academic research that has revived brought color to the instrument’s vivid history. During a pilgrimage to Bergamo (Donizetti's birthplace) and Bologna, Diaz uncovered the original - never before seen - orchestra parts for Donizetti's Concertino in F. The subsequent critical edition published by Diaz, and his performance captured in this recording have allowed audiences worldwide to finally hear Donizetti's seminal work for the English Horn as the composer originally intended.
 
Naturally, Pedro Diaz is also an Audiophile himself, you can follow his work on his Youtube Channel: de Audiofilos y Locos. The Audiophile Society has the distinct privilege of presenting Bel Canto: Concerti for the English Horn in our proprietary Mega-Dimensional™ sound. Our individualized high fidelity headphones and speaker mixes will allow you to experience these performances with more depth, clarity, and a more expansive sound stage than ever before; this immersive aural experience will place you in the best seats at an Italian concert hall more than two centuries ago, you might even try to walk down and shake hands with Donizetti himself.
 
All Audiophile Society downloads come in a choice of two audio packages: The Hi-Res PCM Package (which includes a 192/24 speaker mix, a 96/24 headphone mix, & a DSD speaker mix) or The DSD & 48/24 Package (which includes a DSD speaker mix, a DSD headphone mix, a 48/24 speaker mix, and a 48/24 headphone mix), all in Mega-Dimensional Sound™

Diaz's Discovery in Bergamo, Italy

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Excerpt from: A New Key for the Donizetti English Horn Concertino
by Natalie Lorch
 
"English horn players the world over have wondered why Donizetti wrote his Concertino for English horn and Orchestra in such a high register for the instrument. Our standard performance part, the 1966 edition by Raymond Meylan, is written in the key of G (D on the English horn.) Meylan based this edition on the G major autograph score in Paris, and he reasoned that the piece was written for an english horn pitched in G. However, as Robert Howe explained in his lecture at IDRS 2014, very few, if any, extant english horns in museums are pitched in G.
 
New evidence suggests that Donizetti actually intended the concertino to be performed in the key of F major. Last June, Pedro Díaz made an illuminating discovery in the Donizetti archives in Bologna. He found a set of orchestra parts for the concertino, dated 1816, in the key of G; an 1817 set of parts in F; and one 1816 solo part in C. Since the first performance took place on June 19th, 1817, in Bologna, the premiere most likely utilized the 1817 set of parts in F. While Donizetti may have originally conceived the piece in G, he probably transposed the parts into F specifically for the premiere. As evidenced by the lone solo part in C, Donizetti clearly intended the English horn soloist to play in the written key of C, regardless of the concert pitch of the accompaniment. For those of us accustomed to the solo part written in D, this brings the whole piece down a step and into a more comfortable register.
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Numerous pitches, rhythms, and figurations in the Bologna solo part deviate from the Meylan edition. In his lecture at IDRS, Díaz gave a preview of some of these differences. For example, the Scottish snap in measure 72 of the Meylan edition appears in the Bologna part as four straightforward sixteenth notes, a much more stylistically appropriate figure for the period. Intriguingly, numerous ornaments and a few cadenzas are written into the part. Whether these embellishments originate from Donizetti or an early performer, they constitute an excellent guide to a historically informed performance.
 
In his IDRS 2014 gala performance with the West Point Band, Pedro Díaz reproduced all original pitches, rhythms, and ornaments from the Bologna solo part. The band arrangement, originally conceived by Nora Post and arranged by SGM Douglas Richard, very effectively brought out the festive spirit of the piece. Piccolo, oboe, clarinet, and brass shimmered buoyantly through the tutti sections. The lower pitch level allowed the English horn to project more fully, and the band never overpowered Díaz’s warm, clear sound. Díaz stylized his performance with tasteful rubato, nimble dynamic changes, and graceful ornamentation.
 
For those who would like to start practicing the solo part in the written key of C, Mark Biggam’s arrangement of the piece in F for English horn and string quartet, featuring Díaz’ own opera buffa-style ornaments, is now available at TrevCo. Be on the lookout for Díaz’s new edition of the concertino, which will incorporate the most recent discoveries from the parts in Bergamo!"
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Pedro Diaz

Pedro R. Díaz has served as solo English hornist for The Metropolitan Opera since 2005, performing in hundreds of productions. Considered one of the pre-eminent players of his generation, his playing has been hailed by critics as evocative, eloquent and expressive. He is a sought-after teacher, lecturing
throughout the United States, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Leipzig, Berlin, and Italy.
 

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classical pedro diaz
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 Featuring George Vatchnadze, Norichika Iimori, and the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra Coming November 11th

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 Featuring George Vatchnadze, Norichika Iimori, and the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra Coming November 11th

Matt Rose

Coming to The Audiophile Society on November 11th and all other platforms on December 2nd. 


Pianist George Vatchnadze collaborates with conductor Norichika Iimori and the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra to bring forth a powerful performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3.Vatchnadze’s sublime, advanced playing abilities beautifully intertwine with the elegant sounds of the orchestra, creating a gem that is further enhanced by The Audiophile’s signature Mega-Dimensional Sound. This experience is brought to life, creating a sense of presence in your home, as if you were in the concert hall that he and the orchestra created this superb recording. The resulting mix does everything but disappoint the ears of audiophiles.

About George Vatchnadze

Vatchnadze has appeared with orchestras throughout the world and has performed at festivals such as the Hollywood Bowl Festival, Ravinia Festival, Stresa Festival and Rotterdam Philharmonic’s “Philips Gergiev” Festival. He has appeared on live broadcasts of the Dutch National Radio, BBC and NPR’s “Performance Today.” In 1999 Mr. Vatchnadze made his New York recital debut at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, of which critics cited: “Vatchnadze is a consummate artist, now at the height of his musical and intellectual powers. He can do absolutely anything he wants at the piano. He commands delicate pianissimi, massive diapasons and everything in between.”  His most recent engagements include appearances at the Osaka Symphony hall with Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, Great Philharmonic Hall and Mariinsky Piano festival in St. Petersburg, Stravinsky and Shostakovich Festivals in Washington DC, Woodstock Festival (NY), Stanford Stravinsky Festival, Pacific Symphony Rachmaninoff Festival, SYArts Festival in Taiwan, performances in Japan, Georgia, Italy and others. In addition to his skill as a performer, Vatchnadze is an associate professor and throughout his teaching career, his students have won top prizes at the numerous international competitions and have performed extensively throughout the world. He is also founder and artistic director of the Villa Sandra International Piano Academy in Lesa (Lago Maggiore), Italy.

About Norichika Iimori

Norichika Iimori graduated from the conducting course of the Toho Gakuen School of Music. After studying in Berlin and Munich, beginning in 1994 he held successive posts including Resident Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Guest Conductor of the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio, and Resident Conductor of the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra. In 1996 he led the European tour of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and was lauded in a newspaper which said, “Iimori will surely go on to attract international attention.” In 2006 he was awarded the “Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists” from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Iimori has been invited to conduct many world-class orchestras including the Radio Symphony Orchestra Frankfurt, Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra, Czech Philharmonic, and Prague Symphony Orchestra. In 2001 he became General Music Director of the Württemberg Philharmonic Orchestra, with which he recorded the complete Beethoven Symphonies and carried out a successful Japan tour in 2006. Currently, Norichika Iimori is Music Director of the Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo, Principal Conductor of the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, Conductor Laureate of the Yamagata Symphony Orchestra, Principal Conductor of the Izumi Sinfonietta Osaka, Principal Guest Conductor of the Württemberg Philharmonic Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Chubu Philharmonic Orchestra. In April 2023, he will become Principal Conductor of the Gunma Symphony Orchestra.

About the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra

Established in 1989 as an orchestra for Osaka, it was named the Osaka Century Symphony Orchestra after an open call from the citizens of Osaka. In 2011, the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra became independent from Osaka and in 2019 celebrated its 30th anniversary. The orchestra is actively engaged in various forms of concerts transcending genres, performing more than 200 times a year, which includes commissioned performances, chamber music concerts, and school performances. “Communicate the power of the region through excellent performances;” “Provide excitement and healing through the orchestra;” “Discover outstanding talent and contribute to the development of the next generation;” “Actively contribute to international mutual understanding and peace.” Based on these four philosophies, the orchestra hopes to spread bright dreams in the hearts of many people through their performances and aims to develop a new era for the orchestra.

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George Vatchnadze Japan Century Symphony Orchestra New Releases Norichika Iimori
Coming July 22nd: A Breathtaking New Album from Argentinian Born Vocalist and Violist De Gamba Luciana Elizondo Cantos De Amor Y De Ausencia

Coming July 22nd: A Breathtaking New Album from Argentinian Born Vocalist and Violist De Gamba Luciana Elizondo Cantos De Amor Y De Ausencia

David Chesky
Experience the Purity of Sound and Song from Italy's Hidden Gem on July 22nd, Exclusively at The Audiophile Society
 
Argentinian-born and Italy based vocalist and violist de gamba Luciana Elizondo partners with The Audiophile Society on her latest release, Cantos De Amor Y De Ausencia (Songs of Love and Absence). One of the premier viol players in the world, Luciana has played with the likes of Ensemble Elyma, Estro Cromatico, Festino Armonico, Glossarium, La Venexiana, Ensemble Européen William Byrd, and Ensemble Biscanotres while also recording a number of releases with EPSA, K617, Sony, and Arcana. In her solo music, Luciana has recovered the ancient Renaissance tradition of "cantare all viola," singing at the viol de gamba, which is  masterfully performed on this upcoming album. 

Recorded in an Italian church, the album showcases her natural musicianship and deep emotional resonance. Luciana demonstrates the purity of sound and song in a way few others can, connecting with them to create something that is hauntingly beautiful. On a selection of songs, Luciana is joined by guitarist Juan José Francione, vocalist Maximiliano Baños, and percussionist Leonardo Moreno, adding a rich orchestrational palette to her already pleasing sound. Mixed in The Audiophile Society's signature Mega-Dimensional Sound™, Cantos De Amor Y De Ausencia is brought to life, granting the listener the experience of hearing the music as if they were actually there. Ultimately, this release from master musician Luciana Elizondo is one that cannot be ignored.

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Luciana Elizondo New Releases
The Audiophile Society Presents Steven Mercurio & The Czech National Symphony Orchestra's

The Audiophile Society Presents Steven Mercurio & The Czech National Symphony Orchestra's "Strauss: Death & Transfiguration, Metamorphosen" Exclusively At The Audiophile Society on June 24th; Everywhere July 15th

David Chesky
A new standard for orchestral recordings.

Maestro Steven Mercurio and the Grammy-Award winning Czech National Symphony Orchestra celebrate their deep and meaningful musical relationship with an audiophile's dream recording that pairs Richard Strauss' symphonic tone poem, "Death and Transfiguration" with his masterpiece for strings, "Metamorphosen." Mercurio's dramatic, insightful musicianship reveals the emotional dynamism intended by Strauss while the intrinsically beautiful sound of the Czech National Symphony is mixed and fully-realized with The Audiophile Society's Mega Dimensional Sound™. The result is incomparable; one of the most realistic orchestral recordings ever made, and, a symphonic sound experience that fully envelops the listeners whether deployed through speakers or headphones.

Experience a new standard for orchestral recordings exclusively on our website on June 24th, 2022, and everywhere July 15th, 2022. 

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Getting to Know Mark Sherman & His Upcoming Album, Bright Light

Getting to Know Mark Sherman & His Upcoming Album, Bright Light

Matt Rose

Mark Sherman sat down this week with Audiophile Society Label Manager Matt Rose to discuss his new album, Bright Light, now available exclusively at TheAudiophileSociety.com. 

MR: You've done a piano record before, but of course you're most well known for your work as a vibraphonist, how did this album come to be: Mark Sherman on piano?

MS: The truth is piano was my first instrument at 8, and when I started playing drums at 13, I eventually at 16 met Kenny Kirkland, and playing drums in his trio. As a teenager when we were growing up in New York, I created the long term quest of learning the poetic language of jazz improvisation. I was always looking over Kenny’s shoulder to learn the language both rhythmically and harmonically. In my mid twenties, I also worked with the great Mike Renzi for many years with all the singers, and I was always hanging with and learning from Mike. So both of those mentors taught me much. I have always done all my writing and teaching at the piano. Learning to reharmonize like Mike Renzi has always been my quest. Anyway, I played as a sideman on piano with Larry Coryell and others for many years, but I never broke out as a leader on piano until the VENTURE band with Mike Clark and Felix Pastorius. I also played vibes in that band. My first real piano leader CD was “My Other Voice”in 2019. Basically, I love playing the piano as much as I love playing the vibes and drums. I just really am motivated by the music, development, and the spirituality of it all.

MR: How was the approach for this album different from past albums?

MS: After “My Other Voice “ which featured an amazing band in Vincent Herring, Ray Drummond, Carl Allen, and Nana Sakamoto, we got hit with the pandemic, and I wrote many new compositions during the 2 year period. I decided it was time to reunite, my band of 6 CDs, and many tours between 2004 and 2012. That would be the band on the current CD. Joe Magnarelli, Dean Johnson, and Tim Horner have always played my original music with the utmost care and purpose set forth. We are all very bonded as friends and musically after 20 years of recording and touring together. This one is different than all others as I feel I have matured a lot more as I have gotten older, and also my language and technique on the piano has grown enough to give me maybe a more solid voice on the music. For me that would be of great importance.

MR: You're joined by the fantastic Joe Magnarelli on the record. What was it like working with Joe?

MS: Joe is a gentle giant of a musician. He has always been the greatest example of mixing the old school and the new school. He is one of the most considerate musicians on the planet. Every note has a purpose. Additionally commitment is the big word. Ex: Mags came to the studio with no music for my originals. When I asked if he had everything he said yes. He memorized 6 originals for the record date. Top tier professional.. That is the way to do it. I always try to do the same. Come to the date studied. It’s a code to live by. I have the utmost respect for Joe. You just need to listen to the uplifting spiritual sound and approach he brings to the music. So deeply rooted and expressive.

MR: This record features seven original songs. What was the process like for writing them, and in particular Suddenly, which is dedicated to your friend Frank Kimbrough.

MS: My writing is what I am most proud of. I feel great when someone likes my tunes. The process is playing the piano and settling on ideas in a symmetrical and enable way. I like using many different styles of chord changes that pretty much all the masters like Parker, Coltrane, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Joe Henderson and all the other great jazz composers have used. I additionally tap into the harmony of composers like Alan Menken and Stephen Sondheim. I like that Disney sound with the Sus-chords and the Sus-add 3. For me, that sound mixed with jazz harmony reaches right into you and touches the heart. My ultimate quest is to do just that.

With “Suddenly” I have done just that with the mixture of harmonic elements used in this tune. This one is emotional for me as I one day received the call of Frank Kimbrough’s death. The title explains it all. I was saddened and in shock after spending 13 years teaching in the very next room from Frank, and playing gigs and jazz camps together. He was a unique and very special musician and person. And the tune has an off center approach which is exactly how Frank was. Always innovative and deceptive.

MR: You've said before that this is the best presentation you've ever done on piano, why do you think that's the case?

MS: I have grown on the instrument in the last 2-3 years of being deep in the shed, practicing and writing. And, I am flat out having fun doing it. It is what we do. The power of seeking your level spiritually, technically, and musically. This recording is simply documentation of how I was playing and interpreting the music on that day. For me documentation helps the growth.

MR: This record was mixed with The Audiophile Society's Meta-Dimensional Sound. Having been involved in Aayushi Karnik's recent record and now your own, how do you think this sound influences the record? How would you describe the sound?

MS: As you know Chesky Records and particularly David Chesky have been a leader in audiophile technology for many years, and have produced maybe over 1000 recordings using this “live” capturing of the authentic sounds of the instruments in real time. The Audiophile Society is using what they call Meta-Dimensional sound processing which creates additional depth and dimension for the listener. You can set the ensemble in many different settings like Carnegie Hall, Village Vanguard, Madison Square Garden etc, but the main advantage is the listener feels the front back and two side views of the music when listening. It has given a real warm quality to the instruments on this current CD “Bright Light”, Joe Magnarelli’s horn sounds like it is coming from the heavens. Very organic sounding to me. I am appreciating what David is doing with this technology. It has literally added additional dimension and appeal to the music.

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Interviews Mark Sherman New Releases
Paloma Dineli Chesky's Reimagining of Edwin Starr's

Paloma Dineli Chesky's Reimagining of Edwin Starr's "War" Hits All Platforms April 1st

David Chesky

"Paloma is a 14 year old Phenom whose music shows maturity way past her years." - LA MUSIC CRITIC

Fresh off of her debut album, Thirteen, Paloma Dineli Chesky a new fourteen-year-old vocal phenomenon with a sultry powerful voice way beyond her years will be releasing her new single "War," a reimagining of Edwin Starr's classic hit, on April 1st. Paloma is one of New York's most engaging young artists. At such a young age, Paloma has already been a guest artist at Jazz at Lincoln Center for three years, had solo shows in New York City at Zinc Jazz & the Triad Theater, and was a featured composer and soloist with the New York Philharmonic.

 

 

 

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Getting to Know David Chesky: Graffiti Jazz

Getting to Know David Chesky: Graffiti Jazz

David Chesky
Label Manager of The Audiophile Society Matt Rose talked with Audiophile Society founder, composer, and pianist David Chesky about his new album Graffiti Jazz and Meta-Dimensional Sound. 

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David Chesky Interviews New Releases
Getting to Know Aayushi Karnik

Getting to Know Aayushi Karnik

Matt Rose
The Audiophile Society's Label Manager Matt Rose sat down with Aayushi Karnik to discuss her roots, move to New York, and debut album Troublemaker. 

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Aayushi Karnik Interviews
Experience David Chesky's Newest Album Graffiti Jazz in Mega-Dimensional Sound™ on March 11th, 2022

Experience David Chesky's Newest Album Graffiti Jazz in Mega-Dimensional Sound™ on March 11th, 2022

David Chesky
David Chesky pushes jazz forward to create new sounding aural collages using virtual sounds to replace traditional jazz harmony. 

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The Next Great Blues Guitarist Is Here: Guitarist Phenomenon Aayushi Karnik Releases Debut Album Troublemaker On February 14th, 2022

The Next Great Blues Guitarist Is Here: Guitarist Phenomenon Aayushi Karnik Releases Debut Album Troublemaker On February 14th, 2022

David Chesky

Aayushi Karnik grew up in perhaps the most untraditional place for an aspiring blues guitarist: Surat, India. Yet despite that, the 26 year-old Karnik sounds like a young Stevie Ray Vaugh or Buddy Guy. On her debut album Troublemaker, the follow up to her debut EP The Summer Children, Karnik showcases her generational talent alongside two New York City veterans, Todd Turkishir (drums) and Gregory Jones (bass).

Karnik originally hails from a town called Surat in Gujarat, Western India. As she describes, “It is a dry state, so there are no night clubs to perform. I was mostly a bedroom shredder imagining that I'm playing on a stage.” Despite the limited exposure to Western music, Karnik started out playing a lot of acoustic guitar, singing, and songwriting, but her musical trajectory began to change when she attended blues festivals in Mumbai, which included acts like Buddy Guy, Derek Trucks, Eric Gales, and homegrown Indian blues artists. “My father drove me to Mumbai so that I could attend this festival when I was sixteen, and after hearing just one set of Robert Randolph playing, I knew that his is what I had to do.” Shortly after, Karnik started a classic rock band with friends in Surat. “What made me serious about the blues/rock stuff was Led Zeppelin and John Mayer. We used to drive around the town listening to all the great music by Led Zeppelin, John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughn, AC/DC, Steppenwolf, and the list goes on. Though listening to Stevie Ray was the light flip moment.”

Eventually, Karnik left Surat and moved to New York City to attend Julliard, where she continued to develop as both a guitarist and songwriter. In April of 2021, she released her debut EP The Summer Children, of which Rolling Stone India said, “In addition to agile and intricate guitar work, the singer in Karnik leaps out expressively and unfiltered.”

Troublemaker features seven new songs by Karnik, as well as classic songs such as Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful”, B.B. King’s “Every Day I Have the Blues,” and Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller’s “On Broadway.” The album showcases Karnik’s versatile and complex jazz harmony and vocabulary and places it into a blues and rock context. The next great blues guitarist is here, and her name is Aayushi Karnik.

Troublemaker was recorded at Spin Studios in New York City on January 17th, 2021. Produced by David Chesky & Mark Sherman. Recording Engineer Nicholas Prout.

 

Track Listing 

  1. Troublemaker
  2. Spoonful
  3. Solid Ground
  4. Blue for Anxious
  5. Open Eyes
  6. On Broadway
  7. Believe it
  8. Living on the Moon
  9. Raining
  10. Every Day I Have the Blues

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Aayushi New Releases