Grumiaux: Vieuxtemps No. 5, Ravel Tzigane, Chausson Poeme - Philips 802 708 LY

$

30

redgarnett Store ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This lovely gatefold LP from Philips (802 708 LY, Dutch pressing, red/silver label, stereo, heavy jacket, cloth spine) features violinist Aruthur Grumiaux and conductor Maneul Rosenthal in a triptych of remarkable concertante works for violin and orchestra. The veteran Rosenthal, a superb accompanist, leads l'Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureux throughout.

The exact program is as follows:

Henri Vieuxtemps: Violin Concerto No. 4 in D minor Op. 31

Maurice Ravel: Tzigane for Violin and Orchestra

Ernest Chausson: Poème for Violin and Orchestra in E-flat Major Op. 25

All three works were recorded in the spacious acoustics of the the Maison de la Mutualité, Paris, on 28 March 1966 (producer: Vittorio Negri Bryks).

In his review of the Decca Australian “Eloquence” CD re-issue of these performances, the wonderful author and critic David Hurwitz wrote for ClassicsToday:

“You have to be stuck playing snare drum or triangle in the Symphonie espagnole's finale, after six long rehearsals in as many days with a second-rate violinist in a third-rate university orchestra to appreciate just how quickly you can come to hate this music. I mean really, really hate it. So it's a tribute to Grumiaux's magnificent musicianship, to the ever-characterful, vivacious support of Manuel Rosenthal, and to the tangy French sonority of the Lamoureux Orchestra, that I love this performance so much. These guys know how to make the music swing, as much in the clunky opening and the often-uninspired third movement Intermezzo (what a fine, singing tone Grumiaux has!) as in the graceful, smiling "finale from percussion hell". The couplings are every bit as wonderful: unfailingly elegant Saint-Saëns, a smolderingly passionate Chausson Poème, and a Ravel Tzigane to rank with the best. Good, clean sound wraps up a treat for fans of great violin playing, French music, these artists--oh, just buy it, for Pete's sake. If I can come to love it, just imagine how much easier it will be for you.”

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And wrote the esteemed critic Rob Cowan in the November 2003 issue of The Gramophone:

"I was once told on good authority that Heifetz was a keen admirer of Grumiaux’s art, and little wonder. Like Heifetz, Grumiaux was a master of subtle shading, a disciplined stylist with a warm heart whose immaculate musicianship, silken tone and innate composure benefitted everything he played."

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There are very informative liner notes on the interior panels of the gatefold jacket by Henry Jacques, printed in French, German, and English. The lovely cover reproduces a detail from an 18th Century Indian miniature.

PLEASE NOTE:

These Philips “Lux” pressing are quite heavy – even with minimal packaging, prepared for shipping they weigh over 600 kg. This means that outside of Europe the cost for shipping is about $30 USD, and that is just for standard airmail. Certified airmail (with a tracking number) costs $33 USD. Those in doubt can visit the Spanish postal website (Correos.com), which is available in English. Although this listing states “free” shipping, it is not really free, of course. I have to pay for shipping like everyone else. Anyway, all this to say that those who feel the price is high need to take the cost of shipping into account. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to write and I will be happy to help. Thank you.

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 EXCELLENT. There is minor edgewear and mild discoloration, but really that is all. There are no seamsplits, bends, or owners' markings and the jacket remains perfectly solid, bright, and highly attractive – overall, an excellent 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) 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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