Milstein: Goldmark Violin Concerto - Capitol P 8414 (UK EMI pressing)

$

50

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ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This beautiful LP from Capitol (P 8414, English EMI pressing, rainbow label / Capitol FDS logo at 9:00, mono, glossy laminated jacket) features Nathan Milstein's unsurpassed account of Karl Goldmark's Violin Concerto in A minor Op. 28, recorded with conductor Harry Blech and the Philharmonia Orchestra at EMI Studio No. 1, Abbey Road, London, on 2 July 1957.

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Wrote the eminent critic Lionel Salter in his review for the January 1959 issue of The Gramophone:

"Most beautiful fiddling—so tenderly lyrical and so delicate in its spectacular virtuosity that one scarcely notices the facile, rather second-hand music (which, despite the pleas of Goldmark's apologists, it is). If this kind of work is to be played at all —and there are very many compositions which are both less agreeable and less polished—then this is the kind of advocacy it needs. The Philharmonia is on its usual form (though the recorded sound of some of the tuttis is a bit woolly), Harry Blech keeps the pace moving briskly, and the balance between soloist and orchestra is a sensible one. But it is Milstein who steals the limelight by his artistry and the effortlessness of his playing. There is a snag, of course : this issue takes up two sides of a twelve-inch disc, which comes.expensive as compared to the Vox version, and these days a side of less than twelve minutes is regarded as distinctly short weight. But if you are after the Goldmark concerto, or if you collect violin playing of superlative quality, there is no question that this is the version to choose."

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And wrote the superb critic Rob Cowan in his review for the November 1995 issue of The Gramophone:

"The Goldmark A minor Concerto inspired what was surely Nathan Milstein's finest hour in the recording studio, a reading of the utmost refinement: warm, effortlessly brilliant and displaying that unmistakably suave, silken tone. The work itself -- which is perhaps just a trifle overlong — recalls both Reger and Dyadic, with wistful melodies, lilting rhythms and much busy counterpoint (principally in the outer movements). Heifetz made a distinguished acoustic 78rpm recording of the slow movement (RCA, 11/94), but for most collectors over the age of 40 this 1957 version stood alone in allowing instant access to some charming music."

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Incidentally, the striking cover art was executed by Merlen Shore. There are excellent liner notes (uncredited) on the reverses side of the jacket, printed in English only.

CONDITION:

The gradations of condition I use are as follows: MINT, Near-Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.

The condition of the laminated flipback jacket is VERY GOOD-. The only serious flaw consists of a 1" split/tear to the upper-left corner. The flipback portion on the back side directly opposite this is also torn and tape repaired. There is also slight bumping at corners and mild discoloration. However, there are no other seamsplits, owners' markings, bends, or other defects and the whole remains solid, bright, glossy, and very strking in appearance – overall, still a solid collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Although the surfaces are not absolutely silent, really this is a fine copy and the playback is enjoyable. Those requiring a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this is an excellent collector's copy.