Argenta: Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique Op. 14 - Decca SXL 2009 (WBg - ED1)

$

90

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This justly famous LP from Decca (SXL 2009, Engish pressing, black/silver WBg “Original Recording By” label – ED1, stamper numbers given below*, stereo, glossy laminated flipback jacket, original inner sleeve included) features Ataulfo Argenta’s legendary account of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique Op. 14, recorded at the Maison de la Mutualité, Paris with l'Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire during 11-13 November 1957 (producer: John Culshaw / engineer: Ken Cress).

Widely considered Ansermet’s heir-apparent, Argenta’s tragic death ended the remarkable ascent of one of the supreme conducting talents of the last century. Had he lived, he no doubt would have been a highly sought music director, any of the world’s leading orchestras at his choosing. Though not to all tastes, Argenta’s Symphonie Fantastique is not only highly atmostpheric, but is also imbued with a frisson and panache that is wholly captivating. What is more, the sound truly exemplifies the “golden age of stereo” and shows how far ahead of its rivals Decca was at this time. What a loss to music his early death was, as this LP shows.

There are excellent liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, printed in English only. The striking cover design is also uncredited.

*The stamper numbers are as follows:

Side 1: ZAL-3805-3E

Side 2: ZAL-3806-3E

CONDITION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

The gradations of condition I use are as follows: MINT, Near-Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.

The condition of the jacket is VERY GOOD. There is bumping/wear at corners, some fraying to the laminate on the rear panel, a bit of creasing and aging. However, there are no bends, seamsplits, owners’ markings, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and attractive – still a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP is EXCELLENT. Visually, there are numerous hairline marks. In terms of sound, although the surfaces are not CD silent, in general the playback is quite fine. There are no tics, but some occasional light crackling. Thus, if you must have flawless surfaces, then please do not buy this LP - overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.

PLEASE NOTE:
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