Music and Vinyl: Varèse

Edgard Varèse (1883-1965) may have only left around three hours-worth of music, but his influence on 20th Century music was a major one.

Arcana - which has been described as a symphonic poem - was composed between 1925 and 1927, with revisions a few years later. Varèse said he found motifs from a dream which would later become part of Arcana. As with many of his works, percussion plays a major role. There are six pedal timpani, and a further six percussionists are required, performing on a large variety of instruments.

This essay by Jonathan W. Bernard supplements the sleeve notes to this record.

Following on from the success of Deutsche Grammophon's Original Source series of remasters, Emil Berliner Studios have now turned their attention to the Decca and Philips catalogues for similar reissues under the banner Decca Pure Analogue. Sessions that were originally recorded with quadraphonic 4-channel release in mind (though never actually issued in this format) allow for stereo remastering with judicious application of the surround channel audio done "on-the-fly" while the signal is sent direct to the cutting lathe. This recording in particular shows what brilliant sound can be achieved from this "all analogue" signal path.

The Pure Analogue series differs from The Original Source in a few ways. The Decca records are pressed at Pallas, not Optimal - DG's OS discs had some quality control problems with the pressings. The Decca issues have a retrospective essay on the recording to complement the original sleeve notes. And lastly - though not insignificantly in my view, for a premium product - the clear sleeve protecting the album is thicker and less prone to tear while also being easier to put back over the record sleeve after use.