Reiner/CSO: Also Sprach Zarathustra (rec. 1954) - RCA LSC-1806 (1S/1S SD) - NM

$

200

ITEM DESCRIPTION: This handsome and rare LP – with 1S/1S stampers – from RCA Victor (LSC-1806, US pressing, shaded dog label, stereo, original inner sleeve included) features Fritz Reiner’s justly famous account of Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra Op. 30, recorded in the rich acoustics of Orchestra Hall, Chicago on 8 March 1954 with the mighty Chicago Symphony Orchestra on resplendent form – the first truly great Strauss recording of the early stereo era and still a benchmark recording more than 55 years on –tremendous!   With Karajan and Kempe, Reiner was among the undisputed masters of Strauss’ music during the last century and this amazing performance explains why – a gramophone classic.   Of RCA’s “Fritz Reiner Collection” CD re-issue of these performances, the superb critic David Gutman wrote in his December 1992 review for The Gramophone:   “It is astonishing to reflect that this earlier of Reiner's two Chicago recordings of Also sprach Zarathustra was made on March 8th, 1954 in stereo when Toscanini was still (just) recording in low-fl in New York's Carnegie Hall".  This is the Holy Grail of Audiophile Classical LPs, and there's a good reason why this is on HP's Superdisc List.   “Reiner's 1954 Also sprach is arguably more characteristic than his 1962 RCA remake (7/88). That is to say, it is even more intense and extrovert. In his second year with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the conductor was already getting a thrilling response from the strings, although woodwind intonation could be a problem. Confident and well played as it is, the spectacular opening sunrise inevitably lacks the impact of, say, Previn's Telarc recording (the organ is particularly disappointing). Nore is there the dark solemnity of and detail in the bass familiar from Karajan's DG versions. What we have instead is a measure of raw passion and forward thrust unequalled on disc. In reflective passages, conductor and/or engineers display some reluctance to achieve a real pianissimo, but as the tempo builds Reiner invariably creates great excitement and the orchestral playing is marvellous.”   Incidentally, the striking cover photo of Reiner was taken by Robert M. Jones. There are splendid liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by R.D. Darrell, printed in English only.   CONDITION – PLEASE READ VERY CAREFULLY: 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 minor wear and discoloration along the edges, more so at corners, as well as a minor crease and shelfwear to the front panel. There is also a seam split along the central portion of the spine. However, there are no owner's markings, or other defects and the album remains pefectly solid and quite handsome in appearance – 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. There are no perfect copies of this title, but some are better than others, and this is one of the better ones, but if you must have perfect surfaces, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this rates as a NM 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. I will carefully pack this as if I were sending it to the moon! I highly recommend adding insurance.