These ever-popular works by Mendelssohn are performed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra conducted by its music director (1969-84) Sergiu Comissiona. Originally released on the Vox label in the mid-1970s these recordings have been newly remastered in high definition from the original master tapes.

This classic recording of Wagner's preludes and overtures with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Jerzy Semkow, the orchestra's music director from 1975 to 1979. Digitally mastered in high definition from the original analogue tapes.

REVIEW:

This Wagner CD is one of Jerzy Semkow's finest recordings he made with the orchestra during his tenure as its music director. The program opens with a brilliant Meistersinger Overture, heard in all its glory. The Rienzi Overture is no less inspiring. Semkow gives it verve and power, with an opulent sound at a brisk tempo. This gives the music an unusual fire. The Lohengrin Preludes and the evocative Easter Magician are also excellent. The album concludes with a sonorous Ride of the Valkyries, where the phenomenal sound engineering once again ensures a first-class listening experience. Wagner’s music shines in a thousand colors.

— Pizzicato

Leonard Slatkin’s Vox recordings of Rachmaninoff’s orchestral works revealed him to be a great advocate for this composer’s music – a position he still holds to this day. These recordings with the St. Louis Symphony achieved classic status upon release in the early 1980s. This is the seventh issue with these artists in the Vox series of Rachmaninoff’s orchestral works newly remastered from the original tapes.

The Elite Recordings for Vox by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

Maurice Abravanel’s recordings of Grieg’s orchestral music with the Utah Symphony set the benchmark for these works in the mid-1970s. Newly remastered from the original tapes, these classic Vox recordings now sound better than ever.

The Elite Recordings for Vox by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

Composed after the onset of Smetana’s incurable deafness, Má vlast (‘My Fatherland’) is an unprecedented cycle of six related symphonic poems that evoke ancient Czech legends and celebrate the majestic beauty of the country’s landscapes. Heard here in critically acclaimed performances by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Walter Susskind, this Vox Audiophile Edition recording was first released in 1975 and is newly remastered from the original tapes.

The Elite Recordings for Vox by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

Edvard Grieg’s ambitiously scaled Symphonic Dances use a compelling selection of regional melodies and jaunty rhythms to brilliant effect. Elsewhere, his music ranges from the eloquent drama of Sigurd Jorsalfar to the deeply felt intimacy of the Two Elegiac Melodies and the popular Lyric Suite. These classic Vox recordings by Maurice Abravanel and the Utah Symphony Orchestra were originally issued in 1976 and have been newly remastered from the original tapes.

The Elite Recordings for Vox by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

Stanislaw Skrowaczewski’s legendary association with the Minnesota Orchestra yielded many classic recordings – and this selection of orchestral works by Ravel is one of them. Recorded in 1974 these Vox recordings have been newly remastered from the original tapes.

REVIEW:

A Polish conductor and an American orchestra play Ravel as if they were French. The Vox recordings from 1974 have been remastered from the original tapes and sound absolutely magnificent in their new freshness as far as the sound image and transparency are concerned.

Skrowaczewski begins with an elegant and finely differentiated, incredibly colorful version of the Valses Nobles et sentimentales. He gives the ballet Ma mère l’oye a wonderfully magical, sensual and suggestive character. Drama, crackling tension, subtle excitement and lyricism mingle in a dreamlike interpretation.

The two Daphnis et Chloé suites are no less outstanding and evocative. Here, too, the Minnesota Orchestra plays at the highest level of interpretation and technique, committed and, in the finale, ecstatic, following the highly inspired conductor. The St. Olaf Choir also deserves praise.

-- Pizzicato

The long-lived Abbey Simon (1920-2019) was a pianist in the great Romantic tradition. His repertoire centered on Chopin, Schumann, Rachmaninoff, and Ravel, and he had a virtuoso technique which he employed with effortless ease coupled with a smooth, clear sound.

His recording of Chopin’s complete works for piano and orchestra has been a classic since its first release in 1973. Newly remastered from the original tapes these performances now sound better than ever. Volume 1 of Chopin’s complete works for piano and orchestra with soloist Abbey Simon can be heard on VOX-NX-3032CD.

Rudolf Firkušný was a great advocate for Dvořák’s Piano Concerto during his lifetime. He made several recordings of the work and this classic Vox recording from 1975 is still considered one of the best versions available. Ruggiero Ricci’s account of the Violin Concerto from 1974 is also an acclaimed classic.

Antonín Dvořák’s Cello Concerto is considered the finest of his concertos, and arguably the greatest of all such works for the cello. These Vox recordings from 1974 performed by Zara Nelsova in the Concerto, Silent Woods, and the Rondo, and Ruggiero Ricci in the Romance and Mazurek, with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Walter Susskind, are acclaimed classics.

REVIEW:

Zara Nelsova brings a rich, expansive tone to her warm, expressive account of the Cello Con certo’s solo part, and Susskind and his players are with her every step of the way. It is good to have the melodious Silent Woods and the spare Rondo in G minor on the program right after the concerto. Both are lovingly played here.

-- American Record Guide

Leonard Slatkin released multiple albums on the Vox label. These classic Vox recordings of Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky (sung in English) and Lieutenant Kijé have been praised as ‘powerful and compelling performances’. Produced by the legendary Elite Recordings team of Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz who made some of the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

REVIEW:

Despite having been conceived and composed as film scores, these two key works by Sergei Prokofiev stand perfectly well on their own, and are prime examples of the Russian musical landscape during the Soviet era. Written in 1939 and 1934 respectively, they are perfect entry points within Prokofiev’s output.

Alexander Nevsky is a stirring dramatic cantata of epic proportion, scored for mezzo-soprano, chorus, and orchestra. It’s a tour de force in orchestral writing, and conductor Leonard Slatkin and the Saint Louis Symphony capture and project all of its brutal magnificence.

On the other hand, Lieutenant Kijé presents Prokofiev’s lighter side, as it depicts in a tongue-in-cheek fashion, the life and times of a fictional or nonexistent army officer. It’s good to hear the rarely performed or recorded original version with voice for a change. Slatkin and the orchestra musicians fully convey a fictional life well spent, during the closing “Burial of Kijé” segment.

During the early years of stereo recordings Vox Classics, along with Mercury Living Presence, Everest, and Vanguard Records, had a notable reputation for producing audiophile quality recordings. This 1977/79 recording is one of them. This is a new 192 kHz / 24-bit high definition transfer of the original Elite Recordings analogue master tapes. The Elite Recordings for Vox by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings. In my opinion, they deliver a somewhat more tangible and realistic sound than most of the recent digital productions.

-- Classical Music Sentinel (Jean-Yves Duperron)

Learn more about this recording on the Naxos Classical Spotlight podcast!

The great American pianist Abbey Simon was an eloquent exponent of Chopin’s works, and these classic Vox recording from 1972 are a fitting testament to his artistry. Produced by the legendary Elite Recordings team of Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz who made some of the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

Learn more about Elite Recordings and the revival of their VOX Classics albums on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

The three choral masterpieces featured on this recording, conducted by Leonard Slarkin, were originally issued on the Vox label in 1982. The Bells is sung in an English translation by Fanny S. Copeland of the Russian poet Konstantin Belmont's poem. The recordings were produced by Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz whose recordings are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest available. The Russian sung texts, transliterations and English translations are included in the booklet.

REVIEW:

Leonard Slatkin is adept atmost conveying the melancholy, sunset world of Rachmaninoff; when passion is called for, the Slatkin of 44 years ago in these performances musters plenty of it. He certainly guided the St Louis Symphony to become one of the nation’s finest orchestras, and they sound resplendent here.

— American Record Guide

Learn more about Elite Recordings and the revival of their VOX Classics albums on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

Abbey Simon and Leonard Slatkin’s much-admired set of Rachmaninoff’s works for piano and orchestra makes a welcome return to the catalogue with this release of Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 4 plus the Paganini Rhapsody. These classic performances originally issued on the Vox label in the late 1970s were produced by Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz whose recordings are considered by audiophiles to be amongst the finest available. Piano Concertos Nos. 2 and 3 with Simon and Slatkin are available on VOX-NX-3014CD.

Learn more about Elite Recordings and the revival of their VOX Classics albums on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

The orchestral color and grandeur of Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 1 and Prince Rostislav is expertly captured in these naturally balanced recordings produced by the legendary Elite Recordings team of Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz. Newly remastered from the original analogue tapes in high-definition, these acclaimed recordings conducted by Leonard Slatkin were originally issued on Vox in 1977 and 1982.

Learn more about Elite Recordings and the revival of their VOX Classics albums on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast! 

Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 3 is a radiant work with warm-hearted voluptuousness, rhythmic vitality and an inventive structure, expertly captured in these naturally balanced recordings produced by the legendary Elite Recordings team of Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz. Newly remastered from the original analogue tapes in high-definition, these acclaimed recordings conducted by Leonard Slatkin were originally issued on Vox in 1979 and 1982.

REVIEW:

There are many excellent versions of these symphonies on the market; in fact, Slatkin himself later recorded an excellent set with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Still, these are excellent performances, excellently recorded, making them eminently recommendable for fans of these gorgeously tuneful symphonies.

-- Classical Candor

Originally issued on the 2LP set Nativity in 1976, this classic Vox recording is a fine example of Robert Shaw’s expertise as a choral conductor. The album features a selection of carols, choral works and orchestral Christmas favourites performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Produced by the legendary Elite Recordings team of Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz, and newly remastered from the original analogue tapes in high-definition.

No collection of the composer's orchestral works would be complete without the overtures and theater music. The Minnesota Orchestra and Stanislaw Skrowaczewski's acclaimed VoxBox set of the overtures and incidental music makes a welcome return to the catalogue. Produced by the legendary Elite Recordings team of Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz, and newly remastered from the original analogue tapes in high-definition.

REVIEW:

This set is an absolute joy. In athletic and muscular playing, the orchestra appear to strain at the leash, ready to explode with exuberance. Phyllis Bryn-Julson and the Minnesota Bach Society are an excellent match in the vocal numbers, and the recording is as vivid and rich as the performers.

-- BBC Music Magazine

Learn more about the VOX Label, the Elite Recordings production team, and the reissuing of these classic Utah Symphony recordings on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

Vox Audiophile Edition. Tchaikovsky’s unnumbered symphony Manfred is based on a poem by Byron and charts the tempestuous journey of Manfred towards the long-sought peace of death. The rousing Marche slave is a long-established concert favorite. The much-admired Tchaikovsky recordings by the Utah Symphony Orchestra and Maurice Abravanel were originally released on Vox in 1974 as quadraphonic LPs (QSVBX 5129 and QSVBX 5131). Remastered in high definition from the original source tapes.

Learn more about the VOX Label, the Elite Recordings production team, and the reissuing of these classic Utah Symphony recordings on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

Vox Audiophile Edition. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3 is his only symphony in a major key and displays echoes of Mendelssohn; Schumann and Schubert. The tragic and tempestuous symphonic poem Francesca da Rimini is based on scenes from Dante’s Divine Comedy. The much-admired Tchaikovsky recordings by the Utah Symphony Orchestra and Maurice Abravanel were originally released on Vox in 1974 as quadraphonic LPs (QSVBX 5129 and QSVBX 5131). Remastered in high definition from the original source tapes.

Learn more about the VOX Label, the Elite Recordings production team, and the reissuing of these classic Utah Symphony recordings on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

Vox Audiophile Edition. Symphony No. 6 in B minor ‘Pathétique’ is the culmination of Tchaikovsky’s symphonic canon. The fantasy-overture after Shakespeare’s Hamlet is an insightful character study. These Vox recordings by the Utah Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maurice Abravanel were originally released in 1974 as quadraphonic LPs (QSVBX 5129 and QSVBX 5131) and also appeared in 2001 as part of a complete Tchaikovsky symphonic edition on the Vox label (CD5X 3603). The Elite Recordings for Vox by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be among the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings. Remastered in high definition from the original source tapes.

REVIEW:

Along with a convincing performance of the symphony, Maurice Abravanel delivers a Hamlet that is lively and entertaining, with plenty of drama and flair. This is simply a very good, straightforward, well-played, excellently recorded example of the conductor's way with this music.

-- Classical Candor

Learn more about the VOX Label, the Elite Recordings production team, and the reissuing of these classic Utah Symphony recordings on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

Vox Audiophile Edition. Tchaikovsky composed his First Symphony just after graduating from the St Petersburg Conservatory. The Second Symphony presents an infectious cheerfulness and imaginative skill in orchestration. These Vox recordings by the Utah Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maurice Abravanel were originally released in 1974 as quadraphonic LPs (QSVBX 5129 and QSVBX 5131) and also appeared in 2001 as part of a complete Tchaikovsky symphonic edition on the Vox label (CD5X 3603). The Elite Recordings for Vox by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be among the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings. Remastered in high definition from the original source tapes.

Learn more about the VOX Label, the Elite Recordings production team, and the reissuing of these classic Utah Symphony recordings on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony is paired here with his ‘noisy festival piece’, the 1812 Overture. These Vox Audiophile Edition recordings were originally released in 1974 as quadraphonic LPs and also appeared in 2001 as part of a complete Tchaikovsky symphonic edition on the Vox label. The Elite Recordings for Vox are considered by audiophiles to be among the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

REVIEW:

Abravanel brings a startlingly fresh and very American tone to the climaxes of the first movement. The string sound is well defined and powerful, and the brass playing in the return of the ‘fate motif’ of the second movement is exhilarating. In fact, the articulation of the opening is markedly more exacting than many other discs; more than anything, it is the intensity of the high points that give this recording such an energetic character. The companion piece, 1812 Overture, is performed with appropriate gusto here, but the real highlight of this disc is the impassioned string playing and vibrant conducting.

-- Classical Music Daily

Learn more about Elite Recordings and the revival of their VOX Classics albums on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

George Gershwin’s epochal Rhapsody in Blue is heard here alongside his Concerto in F, one of the most popular American works in the genre, Second Rhapsody and Variations on ‘I Got Rhythm’. These classic Vox recordings date from 1974, with the piano material last released on a Vox Box in 1990. The Elite Recordings for Vox by legendary producers Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz are considered by audiophiles to be among the finest sounding examples of orchestral recordings.

Learn more about the VOX Label, the Elite Recordings production team, and the reissuing of these classic Utah Symphony recordings on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

Maurice Abravanel and the Utah Symphony Orchestra’s recordings of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral works, originally released on Vox in 1974, remain much admired to this day. These classic recordings of Symphony No. 4 and Romeo and Juliet make a welcome return to the catalogue, newly remastered in 192kHz / 24-bit high-definition.

REVIEWS:

These sonically remastered recordings are from Maurice Abravanel’s legendary Tchaikovsky Integrale. The remastering probably couldn’t make the violins sound much fuller and warmer, but the slight limitations as far as the Utah orchestra and the somewhat treble-emphasized recording, especially in the Fantasy Overture, can’t really detract from the quality of Abravanel’s delicate, spontaneous, elegant and tense interpretations. In the Fourth Symphony, Abravanel by no means overplays the darker side of the music, expressing fatum feelings as well as nostalgia.

-- Pizzicato

Although the Salt Lake Tabernacle was far from an ideal recording venue, its oval domed shape being highly reflective, the Elite Recordings team did their best to deaden the space. The end result is excellent, the orchestra sounding as though it is playing in a large hall, but nothing is blurred.

As for the performances, they are also excellent, Abravanel careful not to overplay the dramatic elements to the point where they start to sound hysterical. That is not to say the playing lacks energy, for it certainly does not. This is simply very good, straightforward, well-played, and excellently recorded Tchaikovsky. Good stuff.

-- Classical Candor (Karl Nehring)

Learn more about Elite Recordings and the revival of their VOX Classics albums on the Naxos Classical Spotlight Podcast!

These Vox recordings from 1974 capture Leonard Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in classic performances of Gershwin’s most popular orchestral works including An American in Paris, Catfish Row and Cuban Overture. Newly remastered in 192kHz / 24-bit high definition.