Tower Records Japan Announces Exclusive SACD Hybrid Releases Featuring The Smetana Quartet
Tokyo, Japan – August 8, 2025 – Tower Records Japan is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of two highly anticipated SACD hybrid editions featuring seminal recordings by the legendary Smetana Quartet. These exclusive releases, scheduled for September 17, 2025, will offer audiophiles and classical music enthusiasts the opportunity to experience iconic performances in exceptional sound quality.
The two SACD hybrid discs will showcase the Smetana Quartet’s masterful interpretations of works by Antonín Dvořák and Franz Schubert. Specifically, the releases are:
- “Smetana Quartet ‘America (78) & Death and the Maiden'”
- “Smetana Quartet ‘Smetana & America (80)'”
Both releases are presented in the SACD (Super Audio CD) hybrid format, meaning they contain both a standard CD layer and a high-fidelity SACD layer. This dual-layer technology ensures compatibility with both traditional CD players and SACD players, offering listeners the flexibility to enjoy these recordings regardless of their audio equipment. The SACD layer, in particular, promises an immersive and detailed listening experience, capturing the nuances and depth of the Smetana Quartet’s performances with remarkable clarity.
The first SACD hybrid, “Smetana Quartet ‘America (78) & Death and the Maiden’,” features the ensemble’s renditions of Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, commonly known as the “American” Quartet, alongside Schubert’s poignant String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D. 810, “Death and the Maiden.” The inclusion of the “American” Quartet is particularly significant, given Dvořák’s own connection to the United States and his inspiration drawn from its folk music. Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden” is a cornerstone of the string quartet repertoire, renowned for its emotional intensity and profound musicality, a challenge that the Smetana Quartet is celebrated for masterfully tackling.
The second SACD hybrid, “Smetana Quartet ‘Smetana & America (80)’,” presents the Smetana Quartet performing Bedřich Smetana’s String Quartet No. 1 in E minor, “From My Life,” and a separate recording of Dvořák’s “American” Quartet, dated 1980. Smetana’s “From My Life” is a deeply personal and autobiographical work, a staple of the Czech classical music tradition. Coupling this with another interpretation of the “American” Quartet by the same esteemed ensemble allows for an interesting comparison and highlights the Smetana Quartet’s enduring artistry.
The Smetana Quartet, active from 1931 to 1989, was one of the most celebrated and influential string quartets of the 20th century. Renowned for their impeccable technique, profound musical understanding, and passionate interpretations, they left an indelible mark on the classical music world. Their recordings have long been cherished by discerning listeners, and these new SACD hybrid releases are expected to reignite interest in their extraordinary legacy.
These exclusive SACD hybrid editions are being released through Tower Records Japan, underscoring the retailer’s commitment to providing high-quality audio experiences and celebrating significant moments in classical music history. Fans of the Smetana Quartet, and those seeking to explore the pinnacle of string quartet performance, are encouraged to mark their calendars for the September 17, 2025 release date.
Further details regarding pre-orders and availability can be found on the Tower Records Japan website.
スメタナ四重奏団『アメリカ(78年)＆死と少女』『スメタナ＆アメリカ(80年)』SACDハイブリッド タワレコ限定 2025年9月17日発売
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Tower Records Japan published ‘スメタナ四重奏団『アメリカ(78年)＆死と少女』『スメタナ＆アメリカ(80年)』SACDハイブリッド タワレコ限定 2025年9月17日発売’ at 2025-08-08 03:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.