Klemperer/PhO: Mahler Sym No. 2 - Columbia SAXF 948/949

$

181

ITEM DESCRIPTION:
This handsome and quite rare 2LP box set from French Columbia (SAXF 948/949, French pressing, blue/silver label, stereo, booklet included) features the very first French stereo pressing of Otto Klemperer's justly famous account of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 in C minor 'Resurrection', recorded in 1961 in the warm and spacioius acoustics of London's Kingsway Hall with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus (Chorus Master: Wilhelm Pitz) on resplendent form, and joined by two radiant soloists: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano) and Hilde Rössl-Majdan (mezzo-soprano). Even 47 years on, it remains a thing of wonder.

Wrote the distinguished critic Ivan March in the May 2000 issue of The Gramophone: "Klemperer's performances are perhaps less fashionable today than they were in the 1960s, but his Mahler Second is surely recommendable to any Mahlerian, particularly as it comes complete on a single CD. The reading, with the opening movement pressed forward strongly, is intense and concentrated; and the closing section of the last movement (which, incidentally, is generously cued), where Klemperer's approach is determinedly spacious, is almost overwhelming, first in its sense of mystery, then in its serenity and joy. And the Philharmonia Chorus and soloists sing transcendently. The recording is full and clear."

CONDITION:
The condition of the box is near-MINT. There is a slight flattening to box, a bit of edgewear to the top of the spine, and some minor evidence of shelfwear, but that is all. There are no seamsplits, bends, or owners' markings and the whole remains very solid and presentation worthy – overall, an excellent collector's copy.

The condition of the 16-page booklet is VERY GOOD/near-MINT. It does show slight evidence of handling, but that is all. There are no tears, bends, or owners' markings, and the pages remain bright and crisp, the binding perfect – a very good collector's copy. The notes throughout are in French only, aside from the vocal texts, which are in the German original and in French translation.

The condition of the 2 LPs is near-MINT throughout and they play without defect. There are faint spindle trails. but the surfaces remain clean and quiet – superb collector's copies.

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