Ultra High Fidelity Magazine | Koss 76 specification

On the other hand, he was able to hear the folk music idiom of his native land through fresh ears. Indeed “native land” in this case doesn’t mean what one might assume. To other Europe- ans “Spanish music” meant the music of Andalusia. If a number of French composers borrowed from it (Bizet is an example, as are Chabrier and Ravel), it was because the Andalusians were much influenced by the French, and so they found its forms familiar.

Albéniz is best known for piano music, drawing on the folk themes of different parts of Spain, but with a pan-European flavor. It has often been orchestrated, and this suite, by Spanish conductor Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, evokes the different regions of Spain. For anyone who thinks Spanish music is just flamenco or the dances found in Carmen, the Española suite is an ear opener. Seven of the sections (I’ll get to the eighth shortly) are named for regions of Spain, with appropriate melodies or rhythms. For Castille there is a Seguidil- las, for Austurias a Leyenda, for Aragon a Fantasia, for Cadiz a Cancion, for Seville a Sevillanas, for Granada a Serenata, and for Cataluna a Corranda. The Cancion and Corranda will probably sound less Spanish to those who know the country through travel documentaries, but for that reason they may be the most instructive.

Oh yes, the eighth section of the suite.

There, Albéniz did not draw on Spanish music at all. It is titled Cuba. I suppose that it was, in 1967, politically dangerous even for a Spanish conductor working in Britain, at least if he had any intention of ever touring in the United States, The pretext for dropping Cuba was that, alone among the movements of the suite, it was inspired by music from outside Spain. Instead of simply dropping it, which would have made for a very short LP, Frühbeck de Burgos sub- stituted a piece called Cordoba, extracted from the Cantos de España, op. 232. It is an odd choice, because it seems totally

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out of temper with the rest of the suite, at least as much as the original Cuba (which I have not heard) would surely have been.

The orchestration is entirely success-

ful. The original jacket notes (shrunk down from LP size to textured paper in the CD) outline the changes Frühbeck de Burgos made to the original piano score to make it seem appropriate for

orchestra. This FIM re-release, made by JVC in the xrcd process, sounds very good, with a natural spread of sound that was characteristic of Decca’s ffrr recordings.

ULTRA HIGH FIDELITY Magazine 75

76 specifications

The Koss 76 headphones are a notable addition to the world of audio technology, designed to offer listeners an immersive sound experience combined with comfort and convenience. Known for their exceptional sound quality, the Koss 76 headphones utilize a range of innovative features that set them apart in the competitive market of personal audio devices.

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In terms of sound performance, the Koss 76 headphones boast a rich dynamic range, producing clear highs, well-defined mids, and deep bass. This balanced sound signature ensures that all types of music, from classical to contemporary pop, can be enjoyed as the artists intended. The inclusion of high-quality drivers further enhances clarity and reduces distortion, making the Koss 76 a great choice for audiophiles looking for quality on a budget.

Moreover, Koss has integrated a durable cable into the design of the 76 headphones, featuring a convenient 3.5mm audio jack that is compatible with a wide array of devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The cord length is optimized to provide flexibility without tangling, allowing for hassle-free movement while listening.

In summary, the Koss 76 headphones exemplify a successful fusion of comfort, functionality, and superior sound quality. Their open-back design, lightweight construction, and well-balanced audio make them a compelling choice for anyone seeking an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. Whether for casual enjoyment or critical listening, the Koss 76 stands out as a reliable option in modern audio equipment.