Kurtz: Prokofiev/Shostakovich Syms #1 - ASDQ 5269 (ED1)
$
35
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Description
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
This beautiful and superlative LP from Italian HMV · La Voce del Padrone (ASDQ 5269, Italian pressing, cream/gold label - ED1, stereo) features conductor Efrem Kurtz and the Philharmonia Orchestra in exhilirating and supremely polished accounts of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 1 in F Minor Op. 10 and Prokofiev's Symphony No. 1 in D Major Op. 25 "Classical", both recorded in demonstration quality sound in March 1957 - these remain gramophone classics more than fifty years on; equivalent to the UK HMV LP (ASD 263).
Wrote the distinguished critic Robert Layton of the HMV Classics for Pleasure LP release of these performances in his review for the September 1974 issue of The Gramophone: "Efrem Kurtz's reading is refreshingly faithful and unmannered and the Philharmonia Orchestra respond with playing of predictable expertise and refinement. At the time of its first appearance much was made of the fact that Kurtz had written to the composer in order to clear up some discrepancies between the tempo indications and the metronome markings in the score. Shostakovich's reply "Metronome Indications Correct, Greetings" was duly reproduced on the sleeve and is quoted here. In any event this is a beautifully shaped performance with much finer orchestral playing than we find on many of the full-price versions. The only performance that is tauter and in places more sensitive is that of the Philadelphia Orchestra under Ormandy coupled with Rostropovich's classic account of the First Cello Concerto (CBS 72081, 9/60). However this is the finer recording and has excellent presence, truthfulness both of timbre and balance, a well-defined stereo spread and firm detail ; even the strings retain their freshness and bloom. This version has always enjoyed much repute and has been admired in its various forms but this transfer reproduces more smoothly and vividly than ever before.
"Choice of fill-up is an important factor here: the Cello Concerto strengthens the claims of the Ormandy, and Aranovich should not be overlooked since he offers the only available version of Prokofiev's delightful Sinfonietta (HMV ASD2765, 4/72). Kurtz's fill-up restores his sparkling account of the Classical Symphony to circulation and though there is no lack of competition, this account is certainly one of the best played and recorded. This is an obviously desirable disc and a genuine bargain at the price."
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 bumping/wear at corners, as well as slight edgewear and mild discoloration, but that is all. There are no owners' markings, bends, seamplits, or other defects and the album remains solid, bright, and very attractive in appearance - overall, an excellent collector's copy.
The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. The surfaces are not always CD silent, but in general the playback is superb. If you must have a MINT or near-MINT copy, then you are advised to look elsewhere - this is an excellent collector's copy.
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). Again, there are no shipping charges whatsoever.
FEEDBACK:
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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.
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