Szell: Schumann Symphony No. 2 Op. 61 (rec. 1960) - Epic BC 1159, superb copy

$

30

redgarnett Store ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This handsome LP – a superb collector’s copy – from Epic (BC 1159, US pressing, blue label, stereo) features George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra's second, and finest, recording of Schumann's Symphony No. 2 in C Major Op. 61, made in the warm acoustics of Severance Hall, Cleveland on 21 October 1960, hailed by High Fidelity as "One of the most significant albums to appear this season".

A staple of his large repertoire Szell brings a composer's understanding to a score too often toyed with by other conductors. With his keen ear for balance and clarity, and his unerring rhythmic skills, Szell's is a performance to hear this work anew, and it is an interpretation that is both vibrant and warm.

In his 10/10 review for ClassicsToday, the wonderful critic and author David Hurwitz wrote:

“This is a "heads up" review. Sony has laudably decided to repackage some of its Masterworks Heritage Series in jewel cases, a less expensive and more sensible alternative to the original paper sleeves, which may have looked snazzy but which as often as not scratched up the surface of the discs pretty badly. This reissue, one of the two or three greatest sets of Schumann symphonies ever made and a cornerstone of Szell's art as a conductor, is particularly important. The performances remain as great as ever, and the remastering is a source of wonder: for example, the sound vastly improves on the recent Thielemann/Philharmonia performance of the Third Symphony on Deutsche Grammophon. If you don't own these recordings, here's a rare second chance to correct the oversight. Take advantage of it while you can.”

This album was produced by Howard Scott. On the reverse side of the jacket, there are superlative liner notes on the music by Emanuel Winternitz, as well as a small tribute to the Szell/Cleveland partnership by author Joseph Wechsberg – both printed in English only. The striking cover photo of Szell is uncredited.

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 near-MINT. There is a minor bump to the upper-right corner, but really that is all; othewise the album appears almost as new. There are no seamsplits, owners marking, bends, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, and highly attractive – overall, an outstanding collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is near-MINT. Though the surfaces are not perfectly silent (and thus I have rated it NM vs. MINT) this is a fine copy and playback is superb. If you must have perfect surfaces, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this rates as a NM collector's copy.

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!

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REFUNDS:
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