BERLIOZ La Damnation de Faust FOURNET Scarce COLUMBIA white label FHX 5003-05

	£		16
	$		21

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COMPOSER: BERLIOZ, HECTOR

OPERA: La Damnation de Faust

LABEL: COLUMBIA

CAT NO: 33 FHX 5003 à 5005

FORMAT: 12" x 3, LP, with individual covers, boxed with notes.

CONDITION: Cover VG, Vinyl EX 

CAST/PARTICULARS: 

FAUST: George Jouatte

MARGUERITE: Mona Laurena

MEPHISTOPHELES: Paul Cabanel

BRANDER: Andre Pactat

CONDUCTOR: Jean Fournet

Orchestre Symphonique

Chorale Emile Passani

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This recording - along with the Requiem - was the first one made of these large-scale compositions by Berlioz. It is generally under adversity that the human species arises to the occasion to produce its best possible efforts and this recording in many ways falls into that category. It was a miracle that this recording happened in the first place.

To begin with, it was recorded in Nazi-occupied France in 1942. The sound is excellent, considering that less-than-best materials likely were used for the master matrixes, because of scarcity of materials due to war. And the artistry is truly first rate.

It is a treat to hear what I believe is the type of tenor Berlioz had in mind to sing this high-range role. Almost all present-day tenors strain when they reach the high A in Faust's opening recitative. But Georges Jouatte does not; he takes the A in stride. Also, his timbre is higher than the usual tenor; the notes tell that he sang Aeneas in "Les Troyens" at the Paris Opera. Baritone Paul Cabanel and soprano Mona Laurena sing the roles of Mephistopheles and Marguerite admirably. The balance of men to women in the choir in Damnation is better here than it is in the Requiem, admittedly, due to Damnation being the earlier of the two recordings made during the war.

Highly desirable and very rare, especially in such pristine condition.

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I am selling some of my personal collection of vinyl LPs and EPs, to make space, as my collection specialises more towards particular singers and genres. All these LPs, 10"s and EPs are from my shelves, have been acquired over decades, well looked after, clean, dry and carefully played. Some are duplicates. I have 25,000 pieces of vinyl - all of it complete operas, opera arias, lieder recitals, melodies, religious and folk songs, always sung by a classically trained voice. One of the most complete private collections of its kind in Europe. If there is something in particular you are looking for, or a recording you need the label/number of, or interested in exchanges, send me a message. I will list things to order, in private buy it now auctions. Please, do not ask me for deals off Ebay.

NB. These records are intended for other knowledgeable collectors. I am a collector myself, so if you are unsure about anything or need more information, feel free to ask before bidding.

It is a real thrill to make these items available to you! Enjoy them!
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Conditions of Sale

Payment:

Please pay within 7 days of the end of the auction. I accept Paypal, as well as international money orders and bank transfers (but please ask first as there may be a charge depending on the currency).

Shipping (for standard single LPs; singles, gatefolds, 10" discs, sets, special editions, dowel spines etc. may differ):

UK - £3.40 - ADD £1.20 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL LP

EUROPE - £6.00 - ADD £2.00 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL LP - UP TO 6 LP's

WORLDWIDE - £8.50 - ADD £2.50 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL LP - UP TO 6 LP's

If you win more than 6 LPs, there are good courier deals or we can split the package to be maximally efficient. When you have completed your purchases I will write to you with options.

I use purpose-made vinyl packaging. I am always happy to combine orders or hold paid orders back, until you accumulate more to make a package efficient. Wherever in the world you are, together we'll find the safest & cheapest way to get your vinyl to you. I want your money spent on records not postage. I only charge cost.

Please resolve any shipping questions before bidding.

Condition Guide:

M: Mint; Factory sealed or unplayed (some older labels did not seal).

NM: Near Mint; Clean, Shiny, looks almost unplayed.

EX: Excellent; Only very minor wear.

VG: Very Good; A few marks, some surface noise - great for its age.

G: Good; A few more pronounced marks, some audible ticks, some surface noise, but overall serviceable.

W: Worn; Not for the purist! Marked, perhaps even will skip a couple of times. I only advertise such a record if it is extremely rare. A stop-gap copy while you look for a better one.

I award my ratings after a visual inspection, based on years of experience as a collector myself. Sometimes, for example in the case of a pressing flaw, I might listen to the record to determine whether it is audible or not.

Dust: Sometimes records recovered from estates, collections etc. are dusty. I do not clean records as a rule, unless I am about to play them. Dust is a collector's friend! It protects the grooves and preserves the vinyl in good condition.

Happy Bidding!