The Latvian conductor Andris Nelsons has recorded a complete cycle by the composer with the Vienna Philharmonic just in time for the Beethoven year 2020. Recorded live in the traditional Wiener Musikverein, the box with 5 UHQCDs will be released in time for the anniversary year. “There is so much innovation in Beethoven’s symphonies, so much depth, just everything, they grab everyone immediately and overwhelm you.” (Andris Nelsons)
UHQCD stands for Ultimate High Quality Compact Disc and is a joint development of the Japanese CD replication company Memory-Tech and the Audio Quality CD Company from Hong Kong. Unlike conventional CDs, UHQCDs are not pressed from polycarbonate, but rather cast from a photopolymer and cured with UV light. Another layer of high-purity polycarbonate is applied to protect the softer photopolymer from scratching. The combination results in a significantly reduced reflection of the laser light inside the CD and an unequaled precise edge transition between pits and lands of the CD. UHQCDs are 100% compatible with normal CD players. Musically, the result is a sound that is strongly reminiscent of analog master tapes.
