Barbirolli: Brahms Syms - Electrola SMA 91755/58 (4LPs)

$

207

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This handsome and quite rare 4LP box set from EMI / Electrola (SMA 91755/58, “Angel-Series” German Electrola pressings, gold label, full-size 24-page booklet included, stereo, heavy cloth box) features Sir John Barbirolli and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's magnificent Brahms cycle, recorded in the rich acoustics of the Musikverein’s Grosser Saal during December 1967.

 

“Glorious John” brings a lifetime's wisdom and experience to these scores and the VPO were clearly inspired by their charismatic guest conductor, producing a beautifully burnished sound yet powerfully incisive when Brahms’s music demands it – the sound is warm and spacious.

 

The complete contents of the set then are:

 

Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor Op. 68

(rec. 4-8 December 1967)

 

Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D Major Op. 73

(rec. 7-9 December 1967)

 

Brahms: Symphony No. 3 in F Major Op. 90

(rec. 4-19 December 1967)

 

Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor Op. 98

(rec. 4-18 December 1967)

 

Variations on a Theme by Haydn Op. 56a “St. Anthony”

(rec. 4-18 December 1967)

 

Academic Festival Overture in C minor Op. 80

(rec. 4-18 December 1967)

 

Tragic Overture Op. 81

(rec. 18 December 1967)

 

Included with this set is a heavy-paper, full-size, 24-page booklet, replete with numerous rare archival photos taken during the actual recording sessions. There is also a tribute to Barbirolli written by EMI producer Robert Kinloch Anderson and extensive notes on the music by the great Mahler authority Henry Louis de la Grange. All texts are provided in German, French, and Italian (not English).

 

CONDITION:

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

 

The condition of the heavy cloth box is EXCELLENT. The only flaw preventing a higher grading is the shelfwear visible on the front panel. But really that is all. There are no corner breaks, seamsplits, bends, owners’ markings, or other defects and the box remains perfectly solid and very attractive in appearance – overall, an excellent collector's copy.

 

The condition of the 24-page booklet is near-MINT. It shows the very slightest evidence of handling, but that is all. The pages remain bright and crisp, the binding perfect.

 

The condition of the 4 LPs is EXCELLENT++ throughout. Although the surfaces are not completely CD silent, in general the playback is superb. The labels are free of spindle trails and the vinyl retains a high gloss. In truth, I believe that this copy has never, or at least seldom, been played. If you must have a flawless copy, however, then please do not buy this set. Overall, this rates as a truly excellent collector's copy.

PLEASE NOTE:
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PAYMENT:
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SHIPPING:
Shipping is free to anywhere in the world; this is true regardless of the number of LPs you buy, be it 1 or a 100. All LPs will be sent via standard airmail (7-10 days delivery). Note: There is no tracking number provided with standard airmail. Should you wish to have your item(s) sent via certified airmail (i.e., with a tracking number), please contact me. The fee for this $5.00 USD.

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REFUNDS:
Returns are honored, and any buyer you makes a return will be refunded in full. Please contact me before making a return.

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