DGG Red Stereo ED1 138645 Wilhelm Kempff Mozart Piano Concertos Leitner EX+
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Description
DGG RED STEREO Original. Wilhelm Kempff performs in Mozart's Piano Concerto kv 488 & 491, accompanied by the Bamberger Symphoniker, conducted by Ferdinand Leitner. RED STEREO STICKER!
Record is EX+! Cover is EX!
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466 & Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491 – DGG Red Stereo ED1 138645 Featuring Wilhelm Kempff with Ferdinand Leitner and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
The DGG Red Stereo ED1 138645 LP showcases Wilhelm Kempff, one of the most revered pianists of the 20th century, performing two of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most dramatic piano concertos: Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466 and Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491. Conducted by Ferdinand Leitner with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, this Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft recording is celebrated for Kempff’s lyrical expressiveness and nuanced interpretation of Mozart’s darker concertos. The unique synergy between Kempff and Leitner results in a reading that balances technical precision with emotional depth, making this LP a highly valued item for collectors and Mozart enthusiasts alike.
About Wilhelm Kempff
Wilhelm Kempff (1895–1991) was a German pianist renowned for his interpretations of Classical and Romantic repertoire, especially the works of Beethoven, Schubert, and Mozart. Known for his warm, singing tone and philosophical approach, Kempff brought a rare sensitivity and depth to his performances. His interpretations of Mozart’s concertos, particularly those in minor keys, are praised for their balance of technical mastery and emotional subtlety, capturing the delicate elegance and complex moods of Mozart’s compositions.
About Ferdinand Leitner and the Berlin Philharmonic
Ferdinand Leitner (1912–1996) was a German conductor known for his nuanced and supportive approach, particularly in accompanying soloists. His collaboration with Kempff on this recording is marked by a refined and unobtrusive style that complements the pianist’s expressive playing. The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, known for its full, rich sound, provides a dynamic and sensitive accompaniment that enhances the dramatic impact of Mozart’s music without overshadowing the piano.
The LP and Its Significance
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Label and Pressing: This DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing is highly prized by collectors for its high-quality sound and pressing fidelity. As an early stereo release from Deutsche Grammophon, it captures the tonal depth of Kempff’s piano and the Berlin Philharmonic’s orchestration, making it a valuable addition to any classical collection.
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Sound Quality: The sound quality on DGG Red Stereo ED1 138645 is exceptional, with DG’s engineers capturing the clarity and warmth of Kempff’s piano tone and the rich textures of the Berlin Philharmonic. The stereo imaging creates a natural soundstage, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate interplay between piano and orchestra. This LP is particularly favored by audiophiles for its balanced and immersive acoustics.
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Collectibility: As an original DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing, 138645 is highly collectible, especially for fans of Kempff, Mozart, and historical piano recordings. Its rarity and the renowned performance quality make it a sought-after item in the classical vinyl market.
About Mozart’s Piano Concertos Nos. 20 and 24
Composed in 1785 and 1786, Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466 and Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491 are among Mozart’s few works in minor keys, marked by their dramatic intensity and expressive complexity. These concertos are celebrated for their rich harmonic language, orchestral textures, and Mozart’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions within a structured Classical form.
Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466- Allegro: The opening movement is intense and turbulent, with a dark, dramatic theme that introduces the concerto’s emotive atmosphere.
- Romanze: The second movement offers a lyrical contrast, featuring a serene melody that unfolds in the piano, creating a tender, reflective mood.
- Rondo (Allegro assai): The final movement brings back the minor key’s urgency, interweaving lively, energetic passages with a sense of resolution.
- Allegro: The first movement is bold and intense, with a sense of tragic grandeur. The orchestra and piano engage in a powerful dialogue, filled with harmonic depth and emotional complexity.
- Larghetto: The second movement is lyrical and contemplative, with a gentle, song-like theme that brings a contrast to the opening’s intensity.
- Allegretto: The finale is driven and rhythmic, featuring variations that shift between melancholy and spirited themes, concluding with a sense of poignancy.
Kempff’s interpretation of these concertos emphasizes their emotional depth, bringing out the expressive contrasts and dramatic moments in each movement.
Kempff and Leitner’s Interpretation
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Expressive Power and Lyricism: Kempff’s playing is marked by a delicate touch and lyrical sensitivity, especially in the slower movements. His interpretation of the Romanze in K. 466 and the Larghetto in K. 491 is deeply introspective, capturing the tender, reflective quality of Mozart’s music.
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Subtle, Supportive Conducting: Leitner’s conducting is sensitive to Kempff’s interpretation, providing a balanced and unobtrusive orchestral backdrop that enhances the soloist’s expressiveness. His approach brings cohesion to the ensemble, allowing Kempff’s piano lines to shine without overshadowing the orchestral textures.
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Balanced Dialogue Between Piano and Orchestra: The partnership between Kempff and Leitner results in a harmonious interaction between piano and orchestra, with dynamic control and phrasing that highlight Mozart’s melodic lines and structural complexity. The Berlin Philharmonic’s warm, resonant sound adds depth to the performance, creating an engaging and immersive listening experience.
Why This Recording is Special
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Definitive Performance: Kempff’s interpretation of Mozart’s Concertos Nos. 20 and 24 is considered one of the definitive readings, celebrated for its lyrical beauty, technical refinement, and emotional insight. His collaboration with Leitner and the Berlin Philharmonic adds another layer of depth, making this LP essential for any Mozart enthusiast.
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High Audiophile Quality: The DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing is known for its exceptional sound quality, capturing the warmth, clarity, and dynamic range of Kempff’s performance and the Berlin Philharmonic’s orchestral support. This LP is a favorite among audiophiles for its natural sound and acoustic balance.
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Collector’s Appeal: As an original DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing, 138645 is highly valued by collectors. The combination of Kempff’s authoritative interpretation, Leitner’s sensitive conducting, and the rarity of this pressing make it a prized item in the classical vinyl market.
Conclusion
The DGG Red Stereo ED1 138645 LP, featuring Wilhelm Kempff performing Mozart’s Piano Concertos Nos. 20 and 24 with Ferdinand Leitner and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, is a landmark recording of two of Mozart’s most dramatic concertos. Kempff’s expressive, nuanced playing, combined with Leitner’s supportive orchestral accompaniment and DG’s high-quality sound production, makes this LP a treasured possession for collectors and Mozart enthusiasts alike. Its historical significance, musical excellence, and collectible rarity ensure that this recording remains highly sought-after in the world of classical vinyl collecting.
Record Grading I use the following grades: M/M- Only for still sealed or certain unplayed records NM Should look very close to unplayed EX+ With very few signs of use EX Some light signs of use but nothing that should affect the listening experience VG+ A really nice LP with some signs of use and the can be the odd light click, but nothing major at all VG There are clear signs of use and there can be some recurring clicks and crackles, but not continously. G There are many marks and lines and you should expect that the listening experience will be hampered. But still playable. + and - are used for nuances. P/F Very rarely used. Only very rare records will be listed in this condition
Shipping If you win more than one of my auctions, I will of course pack it together and you will get the actual shipping cost from Sweden to the world.
Worldwide shipping rates (note that boxes counts as the number of records in the box): 1-2 LPs €18 3-5 Lps €25 6-8 Lps €30 7+ Lps €40
I have many listings, most from one collection in great condition. Most are in top condition. Decca SXL and LXT, Columbia SAX and 33CX, HMV His Master's Voice ASD and ALP, Deutsche Grammophon DGG, Philips Hi-Fi Hifi, Westminster, Proprius, MFSL Mobile Fidelity, and many more.
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