Backhaus: Beethoven Moonlight, Pathetique, Appassionata - Decca SXL 21039-B

$

42

redgarnett Store

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This handsome LP from Decca (SXL 21039-B, German Teldec-Telefunken-Decca pressing, black/gold oval label, stereo) features legendary pianist Wilhlem Backhaus in a triptych of magnicent Beethoven performances, playing of unvarnished grandeur and profound poetry.

Backhaus brings a lifetime's wisdom and experience to these scores, and he is proviced superlative sound by Decca's unrivaled sound team.

Included are:

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor Op. 13 "Pathetique"

(r. Sofiensaal, Vienna, October 1958 – producer: Erik Smith / engineer: James Brown)

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor Op. 27 No. 1 "Moonlight"

(r. Sofiensaal, Vienna, October 1958 – producer: Erik Smith / engineer: James Brown)

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor Op. 57 "Appassionata"

(r. Victoria Hall, Geneva, October 1959 – producer: James Walker / engineer: Roy Wallace)

Backhaus and the Beethoven Piano Sonatas:

Of his triumphant 1954 Carnegie Hall Beethoven recital, the eminent critic Olin Downes wrote in the New York Times: "The recital given by Wilhelm Backhaus last night in Carnegie Hall, after a twenty-eight year absence, must be ranked as one of the greatest evenings of the interpretation of Beethoven's piano music heard here in as long a period.  The atmosphere of the occasion, the size of the audience that packed the auditorium and the absorbed attention to the music were extraordinary testimony to Mr. Backhaus' quality as a musician today….We may consider ourselves privileged that last night we listened to Mr. Backhaus, sitting so simply, so absorbed, at his instrument, playing Beethoven." 

The pianist Andor Foldes once remarked that Backhaus in concert was the same as Backhaus in the studio, a compliment to the solidity of his technique and concentration. In recent years, a number of Backhaus' broadcast recitals have seen release on such labels as Tahra, Orfeo d'Or, and Medici Arts, but none are quite so commanding as the performances heard here, which are the stuff of legend.

Incidentally, the striking cover photo of Backhaus was taken by Bruchmann. There are fine liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, 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 VERY GOOD. There is mild discoloration, bumping/wear to corners, and very mild ringwear to the rear panel. However, there are no seamsplits, bends, or owners marking, and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and very attractive – in all, a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Although the surfaces are not absolutely silent, this is a fine copy and the playback is quite superb. Those requiring flawless or NM surfaces are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as a truly excellent collector's copy.