In the previous post I cited portable players as instrumental in the increasing dominance of the audio cassette format during the early to mid 1980s. And here’s an exhibit to demonstrate just that. So great was the link between the sale of analogue cassettes and the Sony Walkman personal stereo system, that record company Polydor / Deutsche Grammophon went to the trouble and expense of licencing the Walkman brand from Sony for a series of classical tapes.
The product depicted comes from the height of the analogue cassette’s reign in the mid ‘eighties, and features pianist Wilhelm Kempff, accompanied by the Berlin Philharmonic – as conducted by Ferdinand Leitner. The recordings focus on the music of Beethoven, and incorporate Piano Concertos 3 and 4 (recorded 1962), plus the ‘Waldstein’ Piano Sonata (recorded 1965).
Although the cassette doesn’t say so, the recordings have clearly been remastered to 1980s standards of fidelity. Unlike Saturday’s Jacqueline Du Pre cassette, however, this product clearly boasts stereo reproduction, and you hear that there is definitely more than one sound source for the piano. Meaning that the original 1960s recordings were made in stereo. As you’d expect with these Deutsche Grammophon cassettes, quality is pretty much beyond reproach. Chromium dioxide tape, excellent high end definition, and hiss close to inaudible with Dolby B-type engaged. Stunning performances from Kempff, too.
The bright yellow paper label ensures that the aesthetics are just as appealing as the aural entertainment.
Tape Tardis 