Koussevitzky/BSO: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 (r. 1949) - FALP 138, stunning

$

85

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ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This handsome and rare LP from La Voix de son Maitre (FALP 138, French pressing, red/silver label, mono) features Serge Koussevitzky and the Boston Symphony Orchestra's trenchant account of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor Op. 36, recorded in the fabled acoustics of Symphony Hall, Boston, on 26 April 1949. This remains one of the great Tchaikovsky's Fourths on record, still a true landmark in the composer's discography.

 

Really, not only does this rank among the finest things Koussevitzky ever did in the studio, but it surpasses, at least for this listener, those by Mravinsky, Monteux, Szell, et al.

 

Of Pristine Audio's transfer, the erudite critic Gary Lemco wrote for Audiophile Audition:

 

"Serge Koussevitzky (1874-1951) endures as the great conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, 1924-1949, whose special sound Koussevitzky honed to a glossy perfection. "It took me twenty-five years to make that string tone," he boasted.  Always passionate–if not particularly literal–in his performances, Koussevitzky could make the music he championed–the Russians of course dominating his preferences–a visceral epic experience. Pristine here skillfully remasters the 1949 Tchaikovsky recordings made for RCA, each of which testifies to a fervent commitment and wickedly incisive orchestral discipline.

 

"The major work, the Fourth Symphony (26 April 1949) appeared–after its metamorphoses through 78s and 45 rpm–on LM 1008, among Koussevitzky's most revered inscriptions. The entire reading blazes with natural color and persuasive rhythms, the 'fate motif' often assuming the more consoling character of a sturdy dance. The brilliant string work–a BSO trademark–shines in the pizzicati of the Scherzo. What most impresses us, Koussevitzky's explosive intensity, permeates each measure of this overtly histrionic score, the two outer movements literally writhing in the throes of Romantic Agony or bombastic self-assertion."

 

There are superb liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, printed in French only.

 

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 GOOD. There are some tape repairs to the rear panel, as well as bumping/wear at corners and shelfwear. However, there are no seamsplits, owners' markings, or other defects, and the jacket remains solid and attractive – overall, still a quite decent 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. If you must have flawless or NM surfaces, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.

 

 

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