HMV ASD 561 UK Orig ED1 W/C Richter Schubert Wanderer Fantasie & Sonata EX+

$

117

UK original His Master's Voice ED1 White/Cream ASD! Sviatoslav Richter performs Schubert's Wanderer Fantasia & Sonata.
Record is EX+! Cover is EX+!

Schubert: Wanderer Fantasie & Piano Sonata in A major – HMV UK Original ED1 W/C ASD 561 Featuring Sviatoslav Richter

The HMV UK original ED1 W/C (white and gold label) pressing of ASD 561 is a legendary classical LP featuring renowned pianist Sviatoslav Richter performing two major works by Franz Schubert: the Wanderer Fantasie in C major, D. 760, and the Piano Sonata in A major, D. 664. This 1963 recording is a landmark interpretation of Schubert's piano repertoire, showcasing Richter’s immense technical skill and deep musical insight. As a first-edition pressing with the white and gold label, this LP is particularly coveted by collectors for its historical importance and exceptional sound quality.

About Sviatoslav Richter

Sviatoslav Richter (1915–1997) was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, known for his powerful technique, intellectual depth, and uncompromising artistry. Richter’s interpretations of the Romantic and Classical piano repertoire, including works by Schubert, Beethoven, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff, remain influential and revered. His performances were often marked by a unique blend of technical precision and emotional intensity, making him a master interpreter of both technically demanding and deeply expressive music.

Richter’s interpretation of Schubert’s Wanderer Fantasie and Sonata in A major is considered one of his finest recordings, displaying his ability to bring out the lyricism and structural complexity of Schubert’s compositions.

The LP and Its Significance

• Label and Pressing: Released by His Master’s Voice (HMV) in the UK, ASD 561 is part of the ASD series and features the first-edition white and gold label (W/C), which is highly prized by collectors. These early pressings are known for their superior sound quality, with the white and gold label indicating the most collectible variant of the release. The ED1 (first edition) label is synonymous with exceptional sound engineering and is particularly sought after for its rarity and fidelity.

• Sound Quality: The ED1 W/C pressing of ASD 561 is renowned for its excellent sound quality, capturing the full dynamic range and tonal color of Richter’s piano performance. The clarity of the recording allows listeners to experience the full richness of Schubert’s music, with every note and nuance beautifully rendered. The engineering ensures that the recording maintains a natural balance, preserving the power and delicacy of Richter’s playing. The sound quality of this LP, combined with Richter’s virtuosic performance, makes it a favorite among audiophiles.

• Collectibility: As a first-edition white and gold pressing, ASD 561 is highly collectible. The combination of Richter’s legendary status, the iconic nature of the repertoire, and the rarity of this pressing makes it a valuable item in the world of classical vinyl. Well-preserved copies of this LP, particularly in excellent condition, are highly sought after by collectors.

About Schubert’s Wanderer Fantasie and Piano Sonata in A major

• Wanderer Fantasie in C major, D. 760: Composed in 1822, the Wanderer Fantasie is one of Schubert’s most technically demanding and structurally complex works for solo piano. It is a single-movement fantasy divided into four sections, each of which flows seamlessly into the next. The work is known for its virtuosic demands, with rapid octave passages, powerful chords, and intricate counterpoint. The Wanderer Fantasie is both a technical tour de force and a deeply expressive piece, embodying Schubert’s ability to combine intense drama with lyrical beauty.

1. Allegro con fuoco ma non troppo
2. Adagio
3. Presto
4. Allegro

The Wanderer Fantasie is one of Schubert’s most forward-looking compositions, anticipating elements of Romanticism while maintaining a strong connection to Classical structure.

• Piano Sonata in A major, D. 664: Composed in 1819, the Piano Sonata in A major is one of Schubert’s most lyrical and charming works for piano. It is a relatively short and accessible sonata, characterized by its warmth, clarity, and melodic invention. The sonata is structured in three movements:

1. Allegro moderato: A light and graceful opening movement, full of lyrical themes and gentle rhythms.
2. Andante: A serene and reflective slow movement, with an intimate, song-like quality.
3. Allegro: A lively and playful finale, full of joy and rhythmic energy.

The Piano Sonata in A major is often praised for its simplicity and elegance, offering a contrast to the more dramatic Wanderer Fantasie while still showcasing Schubert’s melodic genius.

Richter’s Interpretation

• Power and Precision: Richter’s performance of the Wanderer Fantasie is celebrated for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. He brings a sense of grandeur and intensity to the work, while also maintaining clarity and precision in even the most demanding passages. His ability to convey the architectural complexity of the piece while preserving its lyrical qualities is a hallmark of his interpretation.

• Delicacy and Lyricism: In the Piano Sonata in A major, Richter demonstrates his ability to play with both delicacy and warmth. His phrasing and dynamics are perfectly suited to Schubert’s lyrical writing, and he brings a sense of intimacy and grace to the music. The balance between power and tenderness in Richter’s playing makes this sonata a particularly moving performance.

Why This Recording is Special

• Legendary Performance: Sviatoslav Richter’s interpretation of Schubert’s Wanderer Fantasie and Piano Sonata in A major is considered one of the definitive recordings of these works. His technical mastery, combined with his deep emotional understanding of the music, makes this recording a benchmark for Schubert’s piano repertoire.

• HMV’s Exceptional Sound Quality: The ED1 W/C pressing of ASD 561 is a product of HMV’s renowned engineering and production standards. The clarity, balance, and dynamic range of the recording allow Richter’s performance to be experienced in its full brilliance. Audiophiles appreciate the natural sound and fidelity of this pressing, which captures the nuances of Richter’s playing with remarkable accuracy.

• Collector’s Appeal: As an original ED1 W/C pressing, ASD 561 holds significant value among collectors. The rarity of the first-edition pressing, combined with Richter’s iconic status and the importance of the repertoire, makes this LP a highly desirable item. Collectors prize this recording for both its musical and historical significance.

Conclusion

The HMV UK original ED1 W/C ASD 561 LP, featuring Sviatoslav Richter performing Schubert’s Wanderer Fantasie and Piano Sonata in A major, is a masterpiece of recorded classical music. Richter’s powerful and nuanced interpretations of these works, combined with the exceptional sound quality of the first-edition HMV pressing, make this LP a treasure for both collectors and music lovers. Its historical significance, superb performance, and collectible rarity ensure that it remains one of the most sought-after recordings in the world of classical vinyl.

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.