Chung/Lupu: Franck & Debussy Violin Sonatas - King KIJC 9177, Super Analog 180g

$

40

redgarnett Store ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This stunning audiophile LP from King Records (KIJC 9177, Japanese pressing, heavy vinyl, red/silver FFSS label, stereo, no OBI, insert included) features Kyung-Wha Chung and Radu Lupu's famous accounts of Franck's Violin Sonata in A Major M8 and Debussy's Violin Sonata in G minor, both recorded in the rich acoustics of Kingsway Hall, London in May 1977.

These Japanese “Super Analogue Disc” pressing from King Records are quite remarkable – both the jacket and LP are quite thick and highly attractive – outstanding issues in every way.

There is a warmness, purity and sparkle to Chung's playing that is utterly captivating and Lupu matches the consumate artistry of his partner, bar for bar, each inspiring the other. How refreshing to have a true partnership of equals, the two instruments perfectly balanced, the violin not overspotlit, which so often spoils such recordings.

Wrote the esteemed critic James Methuen-Campbell in the January 1989 issue of The Gramophone:

"This is in every way a remarkable [disc]. Not only are the performances fused with a poetic inspiration seldom encountered in the recording studio, but the sound-quality is uniformly first rate. Kyung Wha Chung and Radu Lupu treat the Franck in an unhurried and thoughtful manner that allows the lyricism of the work to take pride of place. In the Debussy Violin Sonata Chung's superb instrumental craft reminded me of Heifetz—her directness is disarming. Yet it is the subtlety and atmosphere of the music that make the biggest impact."

Needless to say, the recording is of Decca's finest analog quality and these performances have never sounded more beautiful than here, lacking the 'edge' their CD incarnations suffer from. Not only among Chung and Lupu's finest recordings, but among the great Franck Sonata recordings ever set down for posterity – a cherishable, wonderful set.

These sessions were produced by Christopher Raeburn and engineered by Colin Moorfoot and John Pellowe.

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 near-MINT. There is mild shelfwear, but really that is all. There are no seamsplits, bends, or owners' markings, and the album remains solid, bright, and highly attractive in appearance – overall, an outstanding collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is near-MINT. Though the surfaces are not perfectly silent (and thus I have rated it NM vs. MINT) this is a fine copy and playback is superb. If you must have perfect surfaces, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this rates as a NM 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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REFUNDS:
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Please see my other classical LP and CD auctions, and feel free to write with any questions, I'll be glad to help.