MOUSSORGSKY/RAVEL Pictures At An Exhibition REINER RCA LSC-2201 Sealed

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MOUSSORGSKY/RAVEL Pictures At An Exhibition Fritz Reiner Conducts The Chicago Symphony Orchestra New & Sealed Vinyl LP
Record label/brand: Classic Records/RCA LSC-2201 upc/mpn: None year: 1958
Classic Records deluxe audiophile premium vinyl pressing of the classic "Living Stereo, Shaded Dog" LP. 200g QUIEX Super Vinyl Profile. Record is new and still sealed in it's original plastic sleeve. Perforation is completely intact. There are no flaws or imperfections... 100% MINT.
Songs:
Side One 1. Promenade 2. Gnomus 3. Promenade 4. Il vecchio castello 5. Promenade 6. Tuileries 7. Bydlo 8. Promenade 9. Ballet of the Chicks in Their Shells 10. Samuel Goldenburg and Schmuyle
Side 2 11. The Market Place at Limoges 12. Catacombae, sepulchrum romanum 13. Con mortuis in lingua mortua 14. The Hut on Fowl's Legs 15. The Great Gate at Kiev
Review: The piece consists of a series of short compositions that do not require a strong structural musical knowledge to decipher. Originally written for piano and later orchestrated by Maurice Ravel, Pictures at an Exhibition is a melodic, impressionistic sonic spectacular that one rarely tires of hearing. A "warhorse" in the true sense of the word, and when you hear this rich, sensuous recording from way back when, you'll wonder whether the art of recording has made progress, spun in circles, or gone backwards since 1957. There's nothing "old" sounding about it. 
This justly famous record shines on magnificently through the Classic Records' reissue. Much has been said and written about this performance. It's all true! The Chicago Symphony's ensemble is immaculate and the many solos are played with great distinction. This orchestra was full of stars, hired intelligently in the '50s by Rodzinski, Kubelik and Reiner. Peck, Still, Herseth, Farkas, Druzinsky, Jacobs and Brody, to name a few, play with an integrity and individual style that has seldom been matched. As such, the solos are phrased splendidly and enjoy flawless intonation.
There are many great things to enjoy, but what really jumped out at me in this recording was Ravel's astonishingly good orchestration. We've all heard the music umpteen times, and, like many comfortable things, we tend to take it for granted. Reiner and his heroes will refresh your memory of Ravel's (and Moussorgsky's) genius with unassailable playing and a rich interpretation. Like all great things, it just seems right. The magic continues with the warm recorded sound. The soundstage is wide if not deep, and imaging is similar to the hall perspective. Some audiophiles seem to think that each section of the orchestra should be imaged and separated into blocks of sound. In reality, this is incorrect. From my view, Layton and Mohr get the blend just right.
Turn the lights down and live the experience of goblins, troubadours, bustling markets, witches, caves and the squabbling of the rich and poor. It is a startling experience.
About Living Stereo: In the decade following 1953, RCA Victor made a substantial body of recordings which have come to be identified with their early stereo release label, Living Stereo. As the adoption of Stereo audio became more widespread, Living Stereo offered a wide range of music and performances in high quality sound. A majority of these records, particularly classical music, offer music, performances and audio quality which are considered definitive. Living Stereo influenced many of the recordings that followed with their recording and marketing philosophies.
SHIPPING:
Records are shipped in a protective plastic sleeve with the record on the outside of the jacket to prevent jacket-splitting. All records will be shipped in heavy duty cardboard with pads on either side for added protection.
Shipping for records within the USA is $4.00 for the first LP and $2.00 for each additional LP sent at the same time. These will be sent USPS Media rate with "Delivery Confirmation" which guarantees a tracking number. 
Shipping to Canada will be First Class Mail International. $10.00 for the first LP and $3.00 for each additional LP sent at the same time.
Rest Of The World can be shipped:
USPS International Express: This guarantees a one week or less turnaround and provides tracking information for a safe delivery. $40.00 for one or two LPs (shipped together), and $5.00 for each additional LP shipped at the same time. Please wait for invoice to be sent before payment.
First Class International: Least expensive method of international shipping. No guarantees or tracking information. $19.00 for the first LP and $3.00 for each additional shipped at the same time. This method is NOT available for records packages totaling OVER $100.00 or to the country of Italy or anywhere in South America. Please wait for invoice to be sent before payment. Those countries MUST use International Express - no exceptions!