Editorial Reviews:
Synopsis
The Collector s Edition
Celebrating a groundbreaking label
51CD BOX SET the true legacy of a legendary label
Long hailed as an audiophile s label, Mercury represents an important milestone in the history of classical recordings
As The New York Times described, "One feels oneself in the living presence of the orchestra"
60 years after the landmark first recording, Mercury Living Presence: The Collector s Edition celebrates this special anniversary
Elegantly packaged, and following the highly successful format of The Decca Sound, this box set presents 50 original albums that have won accolades, and features such celebrated artists as Antal Dorati, Rafael Kubelik, Gina Bachauer, Byron Janis, Janos Starker, and Henryk Szeryng
The bonus disc contains a rare interview with Mercury legendary producer Wilma Cozart Fine
Mercury Living Presence is special in many ways - an American company, from the heyday of classical recording in the U.S., that reproduced some of the most sonically realistic recordings at the dawn of the stereo era. Precious few stereo LPs were pressed when these recordings were issued, and they became some of the rarest, most collectible classical discs ever. Mercury Living Presence continues to enjoy a special reputation as one of the most enterprising, prestigious and sonically-spectacular labels in the history of classical recording.
Some of these recording have been available on CD and on SACD. However, many are now deleted and only available 2nd-hand or through auction sellers at pemium prices. This 50-album Box Set (plus bonus interview CD with Wilma Cozart Fine, Mercury s producer) affords collectors an opportunity to acquire 50 classic recordings at a terrific price, in a box which may well become collectible itself.
