Beinum: Brahms Haydn Vars + Tragic & Academic FO - Philips 835 013 AY "Hi-Fi"

$

32

redgarnett Store ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This beautiful LP – with the “Hi-Fi Stereo logo on the vinyl and jacket – from Philips (835 013 AY, Dutch pressing, plum/silver “Hi-Fi Stereo” label) features conductor Eduard van Beinum and the Concertgebouw Orchestra in a magnificent all-Brahms program, recorded in the rich acoustics of the Grote Zaal, Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, during 25-27 September 1958.

The exact contents are as follows, all works by Johannes Brahms:

Variations on a Theme of Haydn Op. 56a “St. Anthony Chorale”

Academic Festival Overture Op. 80

Tragic Overture Op. 81

In reviewing a Philips “Legendary Classics” CD that included van Beinum’s recording of Brahms’s Symphony No. 1 and the Haydn Variations heard here, the eminent critic Ivan March wrote in the October 1988 issue of The Gramophone:

“Eduard van Beinum was a natural Brahmsian and the Concertgebouw players have this music in their very being. The naturally shaped string line at the introduction of the symphony shows this readily and there is tonal weight without heaviness, although the timpani stokes are somewhat submerged by the analogue balance which seeks and finds a convincing overall sound picture. The performance as a whole moves onward like a fiowing river, and this metaphor applies especially to the warmly lyrical central movements. There are moments when the current runs faster, as at the very end of the work, and there is an impulsive feeling in the pizzicato passage which leads to the great horn call in the finale, but basically this is a mellow reading not lacking overall grip, but not strong on dynamism, either. It is a satisfying view for those who like their Brahms relaxed and expansive, but apart from the remarkable way a 30-year-old recording sounds incredibly fresh, losing only some of the body of timbre in the massed violins, this is not really distinctive.

 
The Variations are mellow too, and beautifully played (as in the symphony the wind solos are most sensitively coloured). However, what does give this CD a certain claim on the collector is Aafje Heynis's movingly eloquent account of the Alto Rhapsody, the voice fresh, not too darkly timbred in its richness. This is lovely, spontaneous singing. When the chorus enter the radiant solo line is further enhanced, integrated yet free. A truly moving performance unerringly paced.”

There are informative liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, provided in English only. The lovely cover art was executed by Richez.

CONDITION:

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

The condition of the jacket is VERY GOOD. There is light ringwear, shelfwear, scuffing, and discoloration, more so to the rear panel. However, there are no seamsplits, bends, owners' markings, or other defects the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive – a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Though there is occasional light surface noise, in general the playback remains quite fine. However, those wanting a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.

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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