Rubinstein: Chopin Recital - German RCA LSC-2889-B, lovely copy
$
42
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Description
redgarnett store
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
This superb LP – a gorgeous collector's copy – from RCA (LSC-2889-B, German pressing, Red Seal label, stereo) features a magical all-Chopin recital from Artur Rubinstein, including 2 works that were new to his discography, the Bolero Op. 19 and the Tarantelle Op. 43.
The exact contents are as follows:
Barcarolle in F-sharp Major Op. 60
Trois Nouvelles Etudes
No. 1 in F minor
No. 2 in A-flat Major
No. 3 in D-flat Major
Bolero in C Major Op. 19
Fantasie in F minor Op. 49
Berceuse in D-flat Major Op. 57
Tarantelle in A-flat Major Op. 43*
These works were recorded at New York's Manhattan Center in November 1962 and September 1965 (producer: Max Wilcox).
Of Rubinstein's artistry, the critic and writer Jim Sveda summed up the great virtuoso in his The Record Shelf Guide to the Classical Repertoire thus:
"Although this phenomenally popular body of music has attracted almost every important pianist of the last 150 years, its unlikely that Frédéric Chopin ever found, or will ever find, a more ideal interpreter than Artur Rubinstein... The key to Rubinstein's greatness as a Chopin interpreter was the combination of utter naturalness as a performer and his enormously sophisticated musical mind. Nothing ever seems forced or premeditated: there are no sharp edges or sudden flashes of insight. In fact,the illusion the performances create is one of the music flowing, without benefit of a human intermediary, directly from Chopin's heart to the listener's... At almost every moment in these classic recordings, Rubinstein discovers some wonder of color or phrasing, brings out a beautiful inner voice it seems we've never heard before, and in general creates the impression of a man for whom playing this often fiendishly difficult music is no more difficult than breathing or making love."
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And of Sony/BMG's "Original Jacket Collection – Artur Rubinstien Plays Chopin", the wonderful critic Jed Distler wrote for ClassicsToday:
"To several generations of music lovers, Arthur Rubinstein and Frédéric Chopin were one and the same, and it's entirely fitting for Sony/BMG to lavish "Original Jacket" treatment upon the beloved pianist's complete solo stereo Chopin recordings for RCA Victor. Rubinstein was well aware that these sessions constituted a legacy, and he took care to ensure the highest possible level of textual integrity and technical accuracy, abetted by producer Max Wilcox's sharp ears (some musicians cynically describe Wilcox's attention to detail as "The Max Factor", yet it was Rubinstein, not Wilcox, who gave final approval).
Granted, Rubinstein's stereo Chopin often lacks the fire, audacity, and athleticism of his earlier (albeit more cavalier) shellac and mono LP traversals. Yet the technical and sonic advantages speak for themselves, to say nothing of Rubinstein's thoughtful, generous artistry. His Polonaises retained their earlier swagger, but with more focus and solidity this time around. The Mazurkas took on greater breadth and reflection, with markedly different yet equally valid results in comparison to Rubinstein's two earlier cycles. As for the Ballades and Scherzos, I refer readers to my positive comments in an earlier review.
"I prefer Rubinstein's edgier late 1940s Nocturnes to his more even-handed, unruffled stereo remakes, but the stereo Waltzes remain a point of reference, along with the B minor sonata. One disc replicates a late 1980s RCA Gold Seal reissue featuring Rubinstein's atypically angular and brusque 1946 Preludes (his only complete recording of this opus) alongside contemporaneous readings of the B-flat minor sonata, Barcarolle, and Berceuse, all of which the stereo remakes supercede. Sonically speaking, the stereo items barely (if at all) differ from their Complete Rubinstein Edition counterparts. In sum, this body of work constitutes a safe, time-tested musical investment, and should Sony/BMG's "Original Jacket" packaging appeal to you, don't hesitate."
Incidentally, there are superlative liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket in English (by. John Gruen, Associate Critic of Music and Art, New York Herald Tribune), as well as in German and French (by R.P.). The memorable cover photo of Rubinstein in uncredited on the jacket.
CONDITION:
The gradations of condition I use are as follows: MINT, Near-Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.
The condition of the laminated jacket is near-MINT. There is some minor bumping/wear at corners, and an instance of two of slight creasing, but that is all. There are no seamsplits, owners' markings, bends, edgewear, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive – overall, this rates as a lovely collector's copy.
The condition of the LP itself is near-MINT. Although the surfaces are not completely silent (and thus I have rated it NM vs. MINT), really this is a very fine copy and playback is superb. However, if you must have absolutely perfect surfaces, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this rates as a lovely collector's copy.
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REFUNDS:
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