Jean Fournier: Mozart Violin Concerti Nos. 3 & 5 - Westminster WL 5187
$
55
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
This lovely LP from Westminster (WL 5187, US pressing, red/silver script “Natural Balance” label, mono) features violinist Jean Fournier’s warm, buoyant, and supremely eloquent accounts of Mozart’s Violin Concertos No. 3 in G Major K. 216 and No. 5 in A Major K. 219.
In both works he is accompanied by conductor Milan Horvath and the Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera, in performances recorded at the Konzerthaus, Vienna, circa 1952.
Wrote the veteran critic T.H. in his review for the October 1954 issue of The Gramophone:
“It is rather surprising to find that there is only one other recording of the most often played of Mozart's violin concertos, the A major. That by Heifetz (backed by the Bruch), for all its fiddling, I find less satisfying than this new one. Its outer movements are not so serenely classical, though they are more spirited, with quicker speeds and great vivaciousness. Yet the slow movement as Heifetz plays it is outstandingly lovely. and I prefer his more flowing tempo to Fournier's rather slow conception. All the same, Fournier gives a very beautiful performance, of this movement as of all the rest.
“There are reservations, and one of them (which may well not be the soloist's fault) is that the gap between the opening tutti and the soloist's entry in the adagio is far too short. This should surely be quite long. The effect of the solo entry is then most beautiful. But after the adagio you should pitch straight into the quick movement again—Mozart marks no pause on the rest. This sounds pernickety, but in a recorded performance bad judgment of this sort can be an increasing irritation.
“I was also a little irritated by the way the soloist leads back each time to the main theme of the last movement—almost as though he felt that the conductor wasn't sure when to bring the orchestra in and was making it clear at all costs. But these things apart, this is a very musical performance.
“Likewise the G major, especially if you like unhurried speeds in Mozart—otherwise you may find it a little tedious. Stern's performance, for instance, is fresher and more pointed. The orchestra produces some admirably light playing and Horvath always gets sensitive accompaniment. The recording is excellent, with oboes and horns very well judged.”
CONDITION:
The gradations of condition I use are as follows: MINT, Near-Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.
The condition of the front jacket is VERY GOOD. There is bumping at corners, edgewear, and mild discoloration to the rear panel, but that is all. There are no seamsplits, owners’ markings, bends, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive – overall, this rates as a very good collector's copy.
The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Although the surfaces are not absolutely silent, really this is a good copy and the playback is enjoyable. Those requiring a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this is an excellent collector's copy.
PLEASE NOTE:
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!
PAYMENT:
Payment by PayPal is greatly preferred. Payment should be made within 5 days.
SHIPPING:
Shipping is free to anywhere in the world; this is true regardless of the number of LPs you buy, be it 1 or a 100. All LPs will be sent via standard airmail (7-10 days delivery). Note: There is no tracking number provided with standard airmail. Should you wish to have your item(s) sent via certified airmail (i.e., with a tracking number), please contact me. The fee for this $5.00 USD.
FEEDBACK:
I will promptly leave feedback for all buyers. Please do not leave negative, or even neutral, feedback without first giving me an opportunity to resolve any dissatisfaction you might have with an item or transaction. I do understand that, on occasion, a buyer might believe the item description to be inaccurate or that a buyer may be disappointed in some other way regarding the sale. I promise I will do my very best to resolve any unhappiness you've experienced in your buying experience with me to your complete satisfaction. Thank you.
REFUNDS:
Returns are honored, and any buyer you makes a return will be refunded in full. Please contact me before making a return.
Please see my other classical LP and CD auctions, and feel free to write with any questions, I'll be glad to help.
price rating
