Barylli Qt: Il Tramonto & Quartetto Dorico - Westminster Japan 9624, lovely copy

$

25

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ITEM DESCRIPTION:
This lovely LP – an outstanding collector's copy – from Westminster Japan (9624, Japanese pressing, original red/silver script 'Natural Balance' label, mono – no stereo edition exists, full-size Japanese language insert included) features a lovely re-issue of the Barylli Quartet’s sublim Respighi disc, pairing the composer’s Il Tramonto with his Quartetto Dorico.

The Barylli Quartet were comprised of 1st violinist Walter Barylli, 2nd violinist Otto Strasser, violist Rudolf Streng, and cellist Emanuel Brabec. In Il Tramonto they four players are joined by soprano Sena Jurinac. This recording was set down circa 1955.

Wrote the esteemed critic Irving Kolodin in the 29 October 1955 issue of The Saturday Review:

“As the ear-filling orchestrator of the Roman tone poems, Respighi has in a measure become the victim of his own success. These works have become useful if unwilling handmaidens to the self-promotion of sundry orchestral conductors, especially in these sound-conscious days, to the disadvantage of a whole category of other works by him. Indeed, the respected Italian critic Guido M. Gatti held the opinion that "his smallest works may be said to show Respighi at his best, and they will not improbably continue to be prized when his moie ambitious compositions are forgotten.

“The rare opportunity provided by this disc to savor the more intimate aspects of Respighi's art do not make Gatti's words gospel—the "Pines" and the "Fountains" still have a useful life ahead of them—but it does show his capacity to write expressive, thoughtful music within restricted musical means. "II Tramonto" is the Italian title for Percy Shelley's poem "The Sunset," which Respighi set (in an Italian translation by R. Ascoli) in 1917. Eva Gauthier has sung it in this country, and the composer included it (with the quartet enhanced by double basses) on the programs he gave with symphony orchestras here during a tour in 1927.

“Though it would be excessive to call "II Tramonto" Wagnerian, it evokes a subtle kinship with Schoenberg's "Verklarte Nacht" due, doubtless, to a common derivation from "Tristan." I would not say that Jurinac's voice has the ideal warmth and color for the vocal part—it is a mezzotint for a mezzo—but she sings with admirable intelligence, abundant feeling, and a sound understanding of the mood. Also she blends her sound beautifully with those of the strings.

“The Barylli Quartet (which we have had cause to admire in a varied repertory of works) does its work with superior musicianship both in "II Tramonto" and in the overside "Quartetto Dorico." The latter is an absorbing essay in the chamber-music style, with the customary four divisions of the classic quartet brought together within the frame of a single consecutive movement. It may be somewhat more of an intellectual, diversion than an emotional experience, but it is much worth the chambermusic enthusiast's attention. Westminster is to be congratulated not only for venturing so boldly, but also for realizing its purpose so well.”

Those not familiar with Japanese pressing would do well to investigate them. They often offer original artwork or, as is the case here, a perfect reproduction of the original jacket. The quality of the vinyl pressing itself is worthy of audiophile standards. Though this may not be the original Westminster LP, it undisputably delivers much smoother, and truer, sound.

CONDITION:

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

The condition of the jacket is near-MINT. Really, there are no flaws to speak of and the album appears virtually as new. There are no seamsplits, bends, owners' markings, or other defects and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and very striking in appearance – overall, a lovely collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is near-MINT. Although surfaces are not absolutely silent (and thus I have rated it NM vs. MINT), really this is a very fine copy and playback is truly superb. However, if you must have absolutely perfect surfaces, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this rates as a very fine collector's copy.