Beecham/ORTF: Franck Symphony in D minor - HMV ALP 1686, superb copy

$

30

redgarnett Store ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This handsome LP from His Master’s Voice (ALP 1686, English EMI pressing, red/gold semi-circle label, mono, laminated flipback jacket, original inner sleeve included) features Sir Thomas Beecham and the Orchestre national de la Radiodiffusion française’s magnificent account of Franck’s Symphony in D minor, recorded at the Salle Wagram, Paris, on 5 November 1957.

Of EMI’s CD re-issue of this performance in its “Great Artists of the Century” series, the superb critic Victor Carr Jr. wrote for ClassicsToday:

“These recordings offer an excellent opportunity to hear an authentic French orchestral sound, something increasingly rare today. Thomas Beecham puts the French National Radio Orchestra's special qualities--pungent winds, bright-toned strings, and swaggering brass (the trombones have that "singing" quality familiar from Russian orchestras)--to prodigious use in this stirring performance of Franck's D minor symphony. Clear textures and full, ripe timbres take us deeply into the score, while Beecham's emotional intensity makes for a moving experience. It's a different kind of intensity than offered by Monteux, whose fast-paced, passionate conducting practically ignites the first movement. Interestingly, Beecham's timings are similar to Monteux's, but without the latter's volatility; instead he maintains a steady pulse, building tension by focused concentration. This illuminates the beauties of Franck's slow movement, while the finale, in contrast, is as fiercely jubilant as we've ever heard it. A marvelous performance.”

There are superlative liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Kenneth Thompson, printed in English only. The striking cover photo was taken by Ken Palmer.

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 slight wear at corners and minor fraying to the laminte, but that is all. There are no seamsplits, bends, owners' markings, or other defects, and the whole remains solid, bright, and glossy, and highly attractive – overall, an excellent collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is near-MINT. Although surfaces are not absolutely 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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