Oistrakh: Beethoven Op. 61 - Columbia FCX 354 - autographed by Oistrakh

$

80

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This beautiful LP – signed by legendary violinist David Oistrakh – from Columbia (FCX 354, French pressing, blue/silver label, mono – no stereo edition exists, laminated flipback jacket) features the great Russian virtuoso’s first Western recording of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major Op. 61, made at the Stockholm Festival under the direction of Sixten Ehrling 10/11 June 1954. This disc won the Grand Prix du Disque 1956 de l’Académe Charles Cros.

Four years on, he would re-make the work in stereo with Cluytens and the Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française (SAX 2315), while at least five other broadcast performances survive.  However, along with the ‘live’ 1950 Abendroth, this early Columbia LP remains very special.  As fine a Beethoven conductor as Cluytens was, it is Ehrling who secures the better accompaniment, potent and well-proportioned, the Stockholm Festival Orchestra acquitting itself superbly. There is a greater ardor to Oistrakh’s playing here, though nearly every extant account under his bow inhabits a truly exalted plane – superb! 

The autograph, clearly signed in blue pen, measures 3 1/2” (length) by 1 1/4” (at its greatest heigth) and appears just to the left of the black bold-faced commercial printing of his name. His hand-writing is quite clear and unfaded, signed simply “David Oistrakh” (undated). The glossy laminated finish and the clearness of the signature make it suitable for framing. 

Incidentally, the liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket, provided in French only, were written by Hubert Foss.

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. The upper- and lower-left corners have both been discreetly tape repaired, which explains the small lines at 45 degree angels at the respective corners visible in the image provided. There is slight bumping/wear at corners, as well as minor creasing and some minute instances of discoloration. However, there are no seamsplits, owners' markings, or other defects and the album remains solid, bright, glossy and attractive in appearance – overall, an excellent collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is VERY GOOD. Though there is some occasional light surface noise, in general the playback is quite fine. However, those wanting a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.