Milstein: Dvorak/Glazunov Cti - Capitol STK 80328 (Electrola stereo pressing)

$

95

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This handsome and rare LP from German Capitol (STK 80328 / SP 8382, German Electrola pressing, rainbow label / Capitol logo at 9:00, stereo) features Nathan Milstein's dazzling accounts of Dvorak's Violin Concerto in A minor Op. 53 and Glazunov's Violin Concerto in A minor Op. 82, both recorded in sumptuous sound at Sylvia Mosque, Pittsburgh on 16/17 April 1957 with William Steinberg and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on brilliant form – 55 years on, these remain landmarks in the discography.  

 

Milstein's feverish pizzicato playing in the finale of the Glazunov is as riveting as the magical way he spins out the beautiful second subject of Dvorak's Op. 53. Steinberg and his crack Pittsburgh players follow Milstein over hill and dale with marvelously characterized accompaniment.

 

Wrote the superb critic and writer David Hurwitz for ClassicsToday: “Nathan Milstein was without question one of the handful of truly great 20th century violinists, right up there with Heifetz, Oistrakh, Szigeti, Kreisler--you name it. Though not as flamboyant as some of his colleagues, his exceptional musicianship encompassed virtuosity of the highest order, always placed in the service of the music. These two splendid performances show what Milstein could do with material often considered less than first rate. Dvorák's lovely concerto has been making a comeback in concert and on disc, but for years it was neglected largely because of the harsh things that Brahms and Joachim had to say about its refusal to follow strict classical form. As if that matters. The piece employs a generous number of wonderful tunes, and Dvorák's decision to throw the work's musical weight into the finale makes it one of his most satisfying formal experiments. Milstein plays the concerto beautifully, with his typically aristocratic poise and a lightness of rhythm and purity of intonation (in the finale especially) that makes the music seem to float across the bar lines. As for the Glazunov: Milstein played the concerto under the composer himself, and had as firm a grip on it as anyone.”

 

There are several extant Milstein performances of these concertos, both 'live' and in the studio, but each of the present accounts, made during the 'Golden Age of Stereo', arguably represents the highwater mark of the great Russian virtuoso's achievement. His beautiful refulgent tone is heard to marvelous effect, without being over spotlit. Moreover, Steinberg and the PSO's accompaniment is perfection, matching the soloist's inspiration bar for far.

 

Capitol's sound is superb, well capturing Milstein's distinctive sound, the violin not spolit nor too closely balanced, consistent throughout.

 

Milstein's sovereign technical command and probing musicianship prove constantly illuminating, revealing the intricacies and splendor of these remarkable works from within.

 

CONDITION – PLEASE READ 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 VERY GOOD. There is a bit of scuffing and ringwear to the front panel, as well as bumping/wear at corners, and general shelfwear. However, there are no seamsplits, owners’ markings, bends, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, and highly attractive – overall, a very good collector's copy.

 

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Although the surfaces are not absolutely silent, really this is a very fine copy and the playback is superb, quite close to near-MINT. However, those requiring CD silent surfaces are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.

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