Argenta/LSO: España (Capriccio Espagnol, etc.) - German Decca SXL 2020-B
$
185
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Description
redgarnett Store
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Extraordinarily rare in any early stereo pressing, Ataulfo Argenta's legendary Decca 'España' album can be had here in a beautiful German Telefunken pressing (SXL 2020-B, black/gold label / big logo – ED1, stamper ZAL-3521-7E, stereo, original inner sleeve included).
This stunning album was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in the fabled acoustics of Kingsway Hall in December 1956 and January 1957 (Erik Smith, producer / Gordon Perry, engineer).
Side 1 features a bewitching performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio Español Op. 34, followed by an equally captivating account of Granados' Danza Española No. 5 in E minor 'Andaluza'.
Side 2 opens with Chabrier's España, before continuing with Book I Op. 12 (Nos. 1-5) of Moskowski's Spanish Dances. Justly famous, the LSO's playing throughout boasts a delicacy and panache that is simply breathtaking, the whole served up in glorious demonstration quality sound.
Released in December 1958, this celebrated recording was issued in both mono and stereo, though the latter incarnation has remained an elusive collector's item ever since. Wrote The Stereo Record Guide: "A sumptuously recorded mixture of Spanish music, mostly from the pens of non-Spaniards, which has already become a Decca best seller in the mono version. The stereo disc adds more spaciousness and separation to already excellent recording." And in their indispensable monograph Full Frequency Stereophonic Sound, authors Robert Moon and Michael Gray ranked it 2nd among the Top Rank of FFSS productions.
Incidentally, the striking cover photo shows the dancers "Isabelle y Alberto", taken by G. Wolfson. There are excellent liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Dr. Wofram Schwinger, printed in German only.
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 near-MINT. There is very minor bumping at corners, as well as slight edgewear, but that is all. However, there are no seamsplits or owners' markings, and whole remains solid, bright, and glossy – a very striking and handsome collector's copy.
The condition of the LP itself is near-MINT. Although surfaces are not absolutely silent (and thus I have rated it NM vs. MINT), really this is a very fine copy and playback is truly superb. However, if you must have absolutely perfect surfaces, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this rates as a very fine collector's copy.
PLEASE NOTE:
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!
PAYMENT:
Payment by PayPal is greatly preferred. Payment should be made within 5 days.
SHIPPING:
Shipping is free to anywhere in the world; this is true regardless of the number of LPs you buy, be it 1 or a 100. All LPs will be sent via standard airmail (7-10 days delivery). Note: There is no tracking number provided with standard airmail. Should you wish to have your item(s) sent via certified airmail (i.e., with a tracking number), please contact me. The fee for this $5.00 USD.
FEEDBACK:
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REFUNDS:
Returns are honored, and any buyer you makes a return will be refunded in full. Please contact me before making a return.
Please see my other classical LP and CD auctions, and feel free to write with any questions, I'll be glad to help.
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