Toscanini: Beethoven "Eroica": RCA Japan LS-2020, early Japanese Victor pressing

$

24

redgarnett Store ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This handsome and rare LP from RCA Japan (LS-2020, early Japanese pressing, plum dog label, mono) features Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra's truly electrifying account of Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major Op. 55 "Eroica", recorded in the rich acoustics of Carnegie Hall, New York on 28 November 1949, still one of the great "Eroica's" on record over 60 years later.

There is an urgency and drive here that is quite thrilling, the NBC SO producing a beautiful blended tone, yet with plenty of bite. Those wary of Toscanini, either for allegations (largely incorrect) of rushed tempi or Studio 8-H acoustics need not worry here. Toscanini's "Eroica" breathes without ever losing its revolutionary fervor and the Carnegie Hall soundstage, as well as HMV's fine pressing, capture this performance as it should be heard, much richer (i.e., truer to Toscanini's achievement here) than on CD.

Incidentally, the transfer here is first rate, with a big, open sound, well capturing the Carnegie Hall acoustics.

These early Japanese Victor pressings are quite fine, both in terms of sound transfer, and in general production standards; note the remarkable cover art, not to be found anywhere else. The LP itself is also an exceptionally fine issue, on heavy vinyl reproducing the original label.

For this issue RCA Victor Japan employed an unusal jacket design – a gatefold that opens only at the top, allowing for easy removing or stowing of the LP in its inner sleeve. The jacket is wrapped in a clear polysleeve, much like a book jacket. All titles and text are in English.

The rear panel of the jacket features a sort of artist cavalcade, with photos and catalog listings for other RCA artists. The striking cover portrait of Toscanini is credited to Fumito.

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 VERY GOOD. There is a 1” seamsplit to the lower-right corner. The top seam is completely open, but I believe that was by design. The jacket also shows aging, but remains solid and presentation worthy – overall, still a very good collector’s copy.

The condition of the LP itself is VERY GOOD. Though there is light surface noise throughout, in general the playback remains enjoyable. However, those wanting a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as a very good 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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Please see my other classical LP and CD auctions, and feel free to write with any questions, I'll be glad to help.