Backhaus: Mozart Piano Concerto K. 595, etc. - Spanish Decca SXL 2214 (ED1)

$

65

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This handsome LP from Spanish Decca (SXL 2214, Spanish pressing, black/silver WBg label – ED1, stereo) features pianist Wilhlem Backhaus’ sublime account of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27 in B-flat Major K. 595, made with conductor Karl Böhm and the Vienna Philharmonic in the rich acoustics of the Redoutensaal, Vienna, on 30-31 May 1955.

Filling out the disc, and set down during the same sessions, is Backhaus’ equally captivating rendition of Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major K. 331.

Reviewing Decca’s CD re-issue of this recording in its “Legends” series, which also included Backhau’s powerful account of Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (also with Bohm and the VPO), the wonderful author and critic David Hurwitz wrote for ClassicsToday:

“Wilhelm Backhaus was 83 years young when he committed this outstanding Brahms Second Concerto to disc in 1967 (the Mozart dates from 12 years earlier). Karl Böhm was merely a spry 71, and in a particularly happy stage of his long career--his exceptional recordings of Bruckner's Third and Fourth Symphonies date from the same general period, and the Vienna Philharmonic was playing with that special combination of warmth and effortless accuracy that so easily becomes slackness under a less disciplined baton. The results deserve their classic status. Backhaus plays without a trace of showmanship, but with unfailing insight. His ability to illuminate the music's inner lines and the clarity of his voice-leading in the Brahms concerto's slow movement leads the listener through this immensely lengthy work with sovereign ease. This performance really flows, as does the Mozart coupling, though here the Vienna Phil had not quite the luster it was to acquire later. Excellently remastered, this well filled CD presents the work of a master pianist placing his art completely in the service of the music. Unassuming, maybe, but so satisfying!”

This album was produced by Peter Andry and engineered by James Brown.

There are insightful liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, printed in Spanish only. The striking photo/cover design is similarly uncredited.

CONDITION:

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

The condition of the laminated jacket is VERY GOOD+. There is light wear and aging, as well as some discoloration to the rear panel. However, there are no bends, seamsplits, owners’ markings, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and attractive – overall, a very good collector’s copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Though surfaces are not perfectly silent, really this a fine copy and playback is superb, close to NM. However, if you must have a flawless or NM copy, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.

PLEASE NOTE:
This LP has been carefully cleaned using a VPI cleaning machine. All LPs are provided with a new Nagaoka (or Nagaoka-style) inner sleeve. The images I've provided are of the actual item you are potentially bidding on - these are not stock images or images I've taken from other sites. Bid with confidence!

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