Kremer: Bach Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin - Philips 6769 053 (3LP box set)

$

120

redgarnett Store ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This wonderful and rather uncommon 3LP box set – a beautiful collector's copy – from Philips (6769 053, Dutch pressing, red/white label, ADD stereo, original inner sleeves, full-size 4-page booklet included;

It should be noted that this copy includes the amazing 24-page facsimile score of Bach's original autograph manuscript, reproduced on A4-size heavy archival paper – is there another set with such a lavish bonus? It's certainly worthy of the artistry preserved here.

Although Kremer has recently redone these works – in magnificent fashion – for Manfred Eicher's ECM label, these earlier accounts remain very special, boasting a probity married to a stunning virtuosity and beauty of tone. The Gramophone's reviewer was not so kind – see below – but no matter. Even if they do not displace your favorite performances of these works, their fresh and telling insights will make one think anew, so individual and striking is the playing. They may be an acquired taste, but there's really nothing else quite like them

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Wrote the eminent critic Nalen Anthoni in his review for the October 1981 issue of The Gramophone:

"Bach's fame as an organist is apt to make us forget that he was also at least an above average violinist and viola player. The Sonatas and Partitas (BWV1001-6) are preserved in a copy which Bach himself wrote out in 1720; in it each Sonata is followed by a Partita, a distinction being that the Sonatas, cast in the baroque da chiesa mould, do not include dance movements whilst the Partitas, more in da camera style, consist of well-contrasted dance sequences. Partitas furthermore remain anchored to a constant key signature whilst the Sonatas employ two keys in each case—one for the outer movements and another for the slow middle movement.

"It is hardly necessary, perhaps, for me to remark upon the formidable technique of this artist, but formidable it certainly is. Kremer's intonation is well nigh faultless, his bowing easy and relaxed, and his phrasing graceful. His tone, furthermore, which I have not always admired, either in previous recordings or in the concert hall, sounds warmer here; certainly it is most sympathetically captured in this new Philips recording. So far, so good, but of the interpretations themselves, as opposed to the technical brilliance of the performer, I feel less wholeheartedly committed. Kremer is never less than dazzlingly efficient but he is also inclined to be too mechanical in his despatch of fast movements. Add to this a certain aggression towards double stopping, which so many violinists seem to think is obligatory in making their mark upon the music, and one arrives at a total which strikes my ears as being wide of what Bach's intentions were. The Courante and its Double from the B minor Partita is a fair example of the first point whilst the fugal Allegro of the G minor Sonata affords an example of the'second. Kremer seems unwilling to endow the dance movements with any of their inherent dance character. Sarabandes are over severe and faster dances too often sound like limbering-up exercises, though admittedly spectacular. Kremer's apparent severity serves the character of the Sonatas rather better but even so the decided lack of rhythmic nuance and flexibility is a fundamental drawback of these interpretations.

"To sum up: although in respect of technical strength and tonal brilliance this new set outstrips many of its rivals in the catalogue, the interpretative limitations, or so they strike me, somewhat devalue those virtues. Kremer's account of the great C major Sonata with its monumental fugue is undeniably impressive and nowhere more than in his dazzling account of the finale, but I do not feel that he comes any closer to the spirit of this music than Felix Ayo does in his version (also on Philips), with a less virtuoso technique. In other words, Kremer's readings, though undoubtedly containing many virtues, fall short of what we might have expected from a violinist of this stature. A stimulating and thought-provoking issue which, on balance, will cause more pleasure than disappointment, I think."

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Included is a full-size 4-page booklet with extensive notes on the music by Lothar Hoffmann-Erbrecht – provided in German, English, and French.

PLEASE NOTE:

The 24-page A4-size facsimile score of Bach's original autograph manuscript is missing from this copy.

PLEASE NOTE:

Even with minimal packaging this set will weigh over 1 kg. This means that outside of Europe the cost for shipping is about $40 USD, and that is just for standard airmail. Certified airmail (with a tracking number) costs $43 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, so please keep this in mind when making a “best offer”. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to write and I will be happy to help. Thank you.

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 box is near-MINT. Aside from 2 instances of tiny cracking (not splits) to the lower box lid, really there are no flaws to speak of and the box appears almost as new. There are no seamsplits, bends, or other owners' markings and the whole remains perfectly solid, bright, glossy, and very striking in appearance – overall, this rates as a beautiful collector's copy.

The condtion of the full-size 4-page booklet is EXCELLENT. The pages remain bright and crisp. The notes are in English, French, and German.

The condition of the 3 LPs is near-MINT throughout and playback is superb in all 3 – overall, these rate as truly fine collector's copies.

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!

PAYMENT:
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SHIPPING:
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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.