Piazzolla

Scintillating, sexy, electric, elegant, sensuous, risky, robust, and just plain exciting and entertaining–those are some of the words that describe this surprising recording from Les Violons du Roy, the Quebec-based period-performance orchestra usually praised for its first-rate Bach, Handel, and Mozart. Now add Piazzolla to the list of this virtuoso ensemble’s repertoire–and “virtuoso” not only describes the orchestra’s amazing facility but particularly the artistry of violin soloist Pascale Giguère, long-time member of the group who here shines with big-star brilliance. Her alternately fluid, fanciful, fiery, and always technically assured first movement (Verano/Summer) of the opening Four Seasons of Buenos Aires tells you all you need to know regarding the high energy and artistic level of what’s to come. There’s plenty more to savor here, ranging from slow and seductive tangos to, well, fast and seductive tangos–and the playing is world-class throughout. Vibrant sound that captures the grit and fiber and sophisticated swagger of this infectious music completes an ideally entertaining–and did I say surprising? –performance. David Vernier TECHNICAL INFORMATION: 
The 2xHD Fusion Mastering System: In the constant evolution of its proprietary mastering process, 2xHD has progressed to a new phase called 2xHD FUSION, integrating the finest analog, with state-of-the-art digital technology. The Mastering chain consists of a selection of high-end vacuum tube equipment. For the recordings on this album, the original DSD master was played on a Nagra REF DAC high-end tube playback converter, wired with OCC silver cables to the 2xHD analog mastering electronic tube system, permitting 2xHD FUSION to obtain a better resolution and 3D imaging. The resulting signal is then transferred back into high-resolution formats by recording it in DXD, using a custom 2xHD technology A to D converter. All analog and digital cables used, are state-of-the-art Luna. The 2xHD FUSION MASTERING SYSTEM is powered by a super capacitor power supply, using a new technology that lowers the digital noise found in the lowest level of the spectrum.