The Art of Milstein: 2 LP box set with booklet; stereo issue - Capitol SPBR 8502

$

150

redgarnett Store ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This handsome and very rare 2 LP box set from Capitol (SPBR 8502, US pressing, Capitol logo at 9 o’clock*, original inner sleeves and booklet included) entitled “The Art of Nathan Milstein” features an extraordinary tribute to the legendary Russian violinist, showcasing his remarkable talents in concertos, sonatas, and several encore pieces.

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It seems worth re-printing New York Times Music Critic’s Olin Downes tribute to Milstein:

“His career is an honor to music and to the king of instruments, the violin.”

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The exact contents are as follows:

Sides 1-2
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major Op. 35

> with William Steinberg conducting the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

(recorded at Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh on 6 April 6 1959)

Two other studio Milstein Op. 35's bookend the present recording – a 1940 performance with Frederick Stock and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and a 1972 reading with Claudio Abbado and the Vienna Philharmonic for DG. Fine as those are, this middle account remains the high-water mark of Milstein's achievement, as he seemed always to forge a brilliant partnership with Steinberg, their recordings of the Brahms and Beethoven Concerti among the finest on record.

Side 3

Ludwig van Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major Op. 24 “Spring”

> with Rudolf Firkusny, piano

(recorded at Capitol 46th Street Studio A, New York, on 22 December 1959)

Side 4

Karol Szymanowski: The Fountain of Arethuse, No. 1 from 3 Myths Op. 30

Claude Debussy (arr. Arthur Hartmann) : Minstrels, No. 12 from 12 Preludes for Piano Book I

Gabriel Farué: Après un rêve Op. 7 no 1

Ildebrando Pizzetti: Canto No. 3 (Appassionata), from 3 Canti for Violin and Piano

Pablo de Sarasate: Introduction & Tarantella Op. 43

> all with Leon Pommers, piano

(recorded at Capitol 46th Street Studio A, New York, on 18 April 1959)

At the wonderful music retailer Arkivmusic one can find the following review of an EMI CD re-issue that included these performances:

“This compilation disc of performances by violinist Nathan Milstein is a welcome addition to any collection. Digitally remastered, the sound quality is excellent and Milstein's brilliant playing is crystal clear as a result. With the exception of Debussy's Violin Sonata in G minor heard in its entirety, the disc is comprised of mainly short works, often performed as encores as the title suggests. It is fascinating to hear Milstein fly through Kreisler novelties with breathless abandon and then switch gears in lyrical and more contemplative works such as the Szymanowski Nocturne and the lovely Schumann Intermezzo. The standouts on the recording are the rhythmically complex Burlesca by Josef Suk and (as mentioned earlier) the Debussy. These two works are performed with pianist Rudolf Firkusny, and their partnership creates a sound that is both dynamic and profound. In addition, the overall diversity of repertoire on the disc will most certainly interest a broad listener base.”

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Included with this set is the original 8-page booklet (printed on art paper) with extensive notes on the music by Alfred Frankenstein (provided in English only) as well as several striking archival photos showing Milstein with Lamson, as well as solo portraits of Milstein and Firkusny.

*Note that the labels on the two LPs differ slightly, but this was as issued and both carry “The Art of Milstein” title at the top.

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 box is VERY GOOD. The only real flaw concerns discoloration along the spine and visible shelfwear. However, there are no corner breaks, seamsplits, bends, owners’ markings, or other defects and the box remains solid and highly attracitve  - overall, a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the 8-page booklet is EXCELLENT. There is mild discoloration and again, but that is all – a fine copy.

The condition of the original inner sleeves is GOOD. Both have some seamsplits and creasing. New polylined paper sleeves and Nagaoka inner sleeves have been provided.

The condition of the 2 LPs is near-MINT. Although the surfaces are not absolutely silent (and thus I have rated it NM vs. MINT) these are fine copies and playback is superb. If you must have flawless surfaces, then please do not buy this set – these rate as NM collector's copies.

PLEASE NOTE:
This LP has been carefully cleaned using a VPI cleaning machine. All LPs are provided with a new Nagaoka (or Nagaoka-style) inner sleeve. The images I've provided are of the actual item you are potentially bidding on - these are not stock images or images I've taken from other sites. Bid with confidence!

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