Fournier/Szell: Strauss Don Quixote - Columbia SAXF 992

$

61

ITEM DESCRIPTION:
This very beautiful and exceedingly rare LP from French Columbia (SAXF 992, French pressing, blue & silver label, stereo, dowell spine) features one of the great Strauss recordings of the last century, pairing legendary conductor George Szell and that aristocrat of the cello, Pierre Fournier, in a bewitching account of Richard Strauss' Don Quixote Op. 35 – recorded with the Cleveland Orchestra on brilliant form at Severance Hall, Cleveland on 28 and 29 October 1960.

The striking album cover reproduces Honoré Daumier's (1808-1879) 'Don Quichotte', which hangs in the Bayerischen Staatsgemäldesammlungen, Munich.

Two other studio Fournier Don Quixote's bookend the present recording – a 1953 performance with Clemens Krauss and the Vienna Philharmonic for Decca and a 1965 reading with Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic for DG. Fine as those are, this middle account remains the high-water mark of Fournier's achievement, with a wit, fantasy, and in the great coda, a wistfulness that is quite moving. Szell and the magnificent Clevelanders provide wonderfully detailed support. Principals Abraham Skernick (viola) and Rafael Druian (violin) are the characterful aides-de-camp.

The recording is amazingly vivid, capturing the rich, warm timbre of Fournier's tone to perfection.

CONDITION:
The condition of the jacket is near-MINT. There is some chipping to the top edge (2 1/2" in length) as well as to the left edge (one spot measuring 1" and another 1/2") – however, these are not seamsplits, just minor chips to the box-like album's paper exterior. One can also seen in the scan a 1/4" chip to the lower front panel. The rear panel has some discoloration. However, the album is free of bends, splits, and owners' markings. In fact, I detail these small cosmetic blemishes only out of duty. In truth, I think this a very fine copy – very solid, and with the colorful artwork vividly intact.

The condition of the dowell sleeve is A-. The dowell itself is fine (the lettering bright and perfectly legible), but the paper sleeve has a 2 1/2" seamsplit to the lower edge.

The condition of the LP itself is near-MINT. Aside from some faint spindle trails, there are no flaws to speak of: the LP plays beautifully, without defect of any kind. All-in-all, very much a lovely collector's copy in demonstration quality sound (the windmill effects are simply marvellous).

All LPs are play-graded and are provided with a new clear polysleeve. 

PAYMENT:
Payment by PayPal is preferred, although I also accept payment via check, or money order (in U.S. dollars) – please do not send cash. 

SHIPPING:
U.S. buyers pay a flat $6.50 for Priority Mail, $5.00 for Parcel Post, or $2.50 for Media Mail (however, Media Mail is not advised). For each additional LP, add $1.50; for a 2LP box set add $3.00. For a larger box set, I will calculate shipping and send an invoice.

Canadian buyers pay a flat $8.00 fee for 1st Class International Mail (Airmail). For each additional LP, add $2.00; for a 2LP box set add $4.00. For a larger box set, I will calculate shipping and send an invoice.

For all other international destinations, buyers pay a flat fee of $14.00. For each additional LP, add $2.50. If a box set is purchased in addition to a single LP, shipping costs will be calculated based on weight and destination country.

Items will ship from Seattle, WA (USA). Insurance available upon request, which I will pay for.

Please see my other classical auctions and email me with any questions, I'll be glad to help.