Tchaikovsky: The Three Late Symphonies, Dvořák: Orchestral Works (2026 Mastering

Description

***Product Information***
Format: SACD
Number of discs: 1
Package: -
Release Date: March 27, 2026
Record Label: Altus X TOWER RECORDS
Product Number: ALTWSA1003

***Product Description***
*World's first SACD release. SACD single layer (playable only on SACD-compatible players)
*Limited quantity release
*Latest digital mastering by Keisuke Saito of ALTUS label in 2026
*Some noise originating from the master is present in places. Please note:
*Standard jewel packaging
*Disc printing surface: Green
*New introductory commentary: Yuichi Iwano, Kazuo Emori (new track commentary), with liner notes

***Work information***
Main
Conductor: Radomil Eliška
Orchestra: Sapporo Symphony Orchestra

Other
Composers: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Antonín Dvořák

***Recorded contents***
Number of discs: 1

Edition: Remaster
[Track Listing] (Total recording time: 243 minutes)
Tchaikovsky: Three major late symphonies, Dvořák: Orchestral works
1. Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36
2. Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64
3. Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 "Pathétique"
4. Dvořák: Serenade for Strings in E major, Op. 22
5. Dvořák: Scherzo Capriccioso, Op. 66
6. Dvořák: Overture "In the Kingdom of Nature," Op. 91
7. Dvořák: Symphonic Poem "The Water Sprite," Op. 107
8. Dvořák: Symphonic Poem "The Wild Dove," Op. 110

[Performance]
Sapporo Symphony Orchestra
Radmir Eliška (Conductor)

[Recording]
April 27-28, 2012 (8), April 19-20, 2013 (6,7), April 11-12, 2014 (3), March 4-5, 2016 (1,4),
October 14-15, 2016 (2,5) Live Recording: Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara

[Original Recording]
Pastiel Label

[Remastering (DIGITAL)]
In 2026, Keisuke Saito of Altus Label performed the latest mastering from the original master and converted it to DSD.

1. [SACD]

***Product Introduction***
The final third installment! ALTUS has licensed and remastered the audio from the Eliska & Sapporo Symphony Orchestra live CD released by Pastiel Label, and it is now available on SACD for the first time. Eliska was well-versed in Tchaikovsky's music and left behind famous recordings of his three late symphonies. Along with Dvořák's captivating orchestral works, this is a disc where you can fully enjoy his masterful artistry! All 8 tracks are contained on one SACD (total playing time: 243 minutes)! Latest mastering by Mr. Saito of Altus. This is the first SACD release, exclusively at Tower Records and in strictly limited quantities! Radomil Eliška (1931-2019)'s numerous performances with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra have received high acclaim, and the series of recordings released on the Pastier label mainly feature works by his native Dvořák, Smetana, and Janáček, as well as Russian music. Eliška's conducting, with its fresh expressiveness and high musicality, has left a significant mark on Japanese fans. Eliška deepened his relationship with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra after their first collaboration in 2006 on "Scheherazade" and other works, becoming their principal guest conductor in 2008, and later receiving the title of honorary conductor in 2015. In addition to the Pastier label, his "Brahms: Complete Symphonies" and other works were released on the ALTUS label and also attracted attention, but his contributions to the Japanese music scene are significant, especially his active in featuring Czech works, which are not necessarily performed often in Japan, including by orchestras other than the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra. This time, nine titles from the Pastiel label, excluding "The Farewell Concert in Sapporo" (released in 2017), which was previously released on CD, and totaling 10 CDs' worth of audio, have been remastered by Keisuke Saito, the head of the ALTUS label, and reissued as three SACD single-layer discs. The first release, "Dvořák: Symphonies Nos. 5-9," recorded live at Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara from 2008 to 2013, will be released on January 23rd, followed by the second release, "Smetana, Janáček, and Czech Music," on March 6th. Now, as the third and final release, we are pleased to announce the release of "Tchaikovsky: The Three Late Symphonies, Dvořák: Orchestral Works." On this occasion, seven years after his passing, please enjoy the magnificent performances left behind by Eliška and the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra. (1/2)
Tower Records (February 27, 2026)

Eliška's first visit to Japan was in 2004. His later years in Japan captured the hearts of many music fans, and his 2009 performance of "Má Vlast" (My Fatherland) with the NHK Symphony Orchestra was selected as the number one "Memorable NHK Symphony Orchestra Concert" of that year. His performances of Czech works, in particular, were highly acclaimed. His inclusion of works rarely performed in Japan, as well as Dvořák's middle-period symphonies (Nos. 5 and 6), contributed to increasing Japanese audience awareness of these pieces. With his sincere approach to the works and natural musicality, Eliška can truly be called a legitimate interpreter of Czech music. Eliška excelled not only in Czech works but also in Russian music, and during his visits to Japan, while not as numerous as his performances of his homeland's works, he left behind many memorable performances. The aforementioned performances of "Scheherazade" with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra (both their first and final collaborations) and Tchaikovsky's late symphonies, included in this recording, were particularly well-received (they also have recordings of "Italian Capriccio" and "Night on Bald Mountain"). Tchaikovsky's symphonies, in particular, have been performed many times by the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, and as they are by a composer from the same northern region and are masterpieces, they are very familiar works to them, alongside Sibelius. They are also among the pieces that have been performed many times by many conductors in the past, and many memorable performances have been produced. In a sense, each performance was noteworthy for how Eliška would drive each piece, which could showcase the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra's unique style. However, as with his other works, his approach to Tchaikovsky was commendable; he did not simply focus on dynamism or tempo fluctuations, but rather based his work on a sincere attitude towards the music while drawing out the orchestra's autonomy. The natural beauty of the melodies emanating from these two musicians, who possess a deep understanding of the music, is exquisite, and this high-quality sound reproduction is sure to make an even greater impression. Furthermore, the well-regarded orchestral works by Dvořák coupled in the second half, alongside the "Symphonies Nos. 5-9" released in the first volume, are noteworthy. The two late symphonic poems, not always frequently performed in Japan, are particularly magnificent; the captivating expression woven from Dvořák's perfected structural strength in his final years, combined with the alluring melodies, will enchant the listener. One could say that one can find one of Eliška's true essences here, so please pay close attention to the performance in the second half, and also look forward to the SACD reproduction capabilities. For this SACD release, the original recordings, previously released on commercially available CDs, have been newly mastered. Taking advantage of the SACD format's characteristics, all eight tracks are included on a single SACD single layer, allowing for playback of all tracks without changing discs. The liner notes include an introductory commentary and a breakdown of the works. (2/2)
Tower Records (February 27, 2026)

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