Thibaud/Long: Mozart Violin Sonatas K. 378 & K. 526 - COLH 312 (ds) - rare

$

111

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This handsome and very rare dowel spine LP from La Voix de son Maitre (COLH 312, “Les Gravures Illustres”, French EMI · Pathé Marconi pressing, gray label, mono) features vioinist Jacques Thibaud and pianist Marguerite Long’s famous accounts of Mozart’s Violin Sonatas No. 10 in B-flat Major K. 378 and No. 17 in A Major K. 526, recorded in war-time Paris at the Studio Albert on 12 July 1943.

 

Of Biddulph’s fine CD re-issue of K. 526 the eminent critic Lionel Salter wrote in his review for the November 1996 issue of The Gramophone: "That meticulous and just observer of the violin world, Carl Flesch, expressed admiration for the playing of Jacques Thibaud but felt that his recordings did not do him full justice. Listeners to these examples from the great artist are unlikely to find any cause for disappointment: from the very first notes of his entry in the A major Concerto one is seduced by the sweetness of his tone and the elegance of his phrasing. His cantabile in the Adagio is likewise compelling; and that he did not rely only on lightness of touch is demonstrated by some vigorous bowing in the finale (where the pointed phrasing of its opening is again notable). His overlong cadenzas are questionable, but the only real defects of this performance are the insensitive, overweight orchestral playing (particularly stodgy and bass-heavy in the Adagio), Munch's failure to agree with his soloist about the tempo of the first movement and his deplorable hurrying of every orchestral passage in the finale.

 

“Biddulph have unfortunately printed incorrect tempo indications for the A major Sonata, in which Thibaud is partnered by the equally admirable Marguerite Long — Allegro moderato instead of Allegro molt° for the first movement, and Allegro instead of Presto for the rondo finale. Even so, the speeds adopted by the duo for these movements are the fastest I have ever heard — which as a result dictated a lightness of approach that in itself is delicious, with rippling runs from the piano and the utmost grace from the violin. The two artists are perfectly matched in tone and phrasing, and the Andante (where alone a little surface swish intrudes) is outstanding for its tranquillity and delicacy. Thibaud's rendering of an arrangement of the famous slow movement of the C major Piano Concerto is somewhat sugary, with sentimental portamentos."

 

Incidentally, the there are insightful liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket, provided in French only, by Gabriel Bouillon.

 

CONDITION – PLEASE READ VERY CAREFULLY:

The gradations of condition I use are as follows: MINT, Near-Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.

 

The condition of the heavy cardboard jacket is EXCELLENT. There is very minor bumping at corners, slight creasing, and mild discoloration, but that is all. There are no seamsplits, bends, owners’ markings, or other defects, and the album remains solid and highly attractive – overall, this rates as an excellent collector’s copy.

 

The condition of the dowel spine is EXCELLENT. There is a bit of creasing and discoloration, but that is all. There are no seamsplits or tears, the dowel is perfectly intact, and the black lettering along the spine is bright and legible.

 

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT*. Although surfaces are not absolutely silent, really this is a fine 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:

These are relatively early (1960s) transfers of 78rpm recordings, made before CEDAR and other such noise reduction technology was available. The surface noise one hears does not reflect any undue wear to this particular copy, but stems from the original transfer. On the plus side, one can make the case that the sound heard here is more true to the 78rpm originals and is not over-processed or over-filtered.

ALSO 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.