SAX 2587: Klemperer's Mozart Overtures
Mozart Overtures
Otto Klemperer, conductor
Philharmonia Orchestra
Pressing: semi-circle (1st, with factory sticker)
Condition: NM
Stampers:
YAX 1222-3G
YAX 1223-3G
Date first published: 1965
Performance: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Price Range: $30-49 on popsikeComments: It's hard to find a solid analog recording devoted to Mozart overtures. Colin Davis had an EMI green/gold release (CSD 1406) that pops up every once in a while on Ebay, but I haven't had the chance to hear it. Szell threw in overtures with his symphony recordings. This might be the only analog era recording of only Mozart overtures that I own. It's a really nice recording with clear, undistorted sound and a decent range of dynamics (it's Mozart, not Stravinsky). I have always admired Klemperer's way with maintaining clarity of wind textures without sacrificing overall orchestral balance, and these performances are no exception. Tempos may not be the fastest you've heard but they are still fleet and convincing, and the New Philharmonia delivers. Not an expensive recording to find, but one to relish.
This program was reissued in EMI's Klemperer conducts Mozart boxed set. The sound on that is also quite fine (I think Meles would prefer it), with very quiet surfaces and perhaps a "cleaner" sound.
SAX2587 Mozart Overtures ~ KLEMPERER $15 $8
ReplyDeleteAvailable notes stamp pressing with possible remaster for less dough.
A very obtainable LP given your review. No other issues I think.
I don't have a copy of this but will look out for one. I do have the Green/Gold CSD 1406 you mention though, which has enjoyable well recorded performances. I think there is a current reissue inc. original artwork.
ReplyDeleteI will look out for that CSD now that you mention it. I have liked Colin Davis' other Mozart work (not to mention his excellent Haydn). He has a number of odd releases on the Decca L'Oiseau-Lyre label, also Mozart symphonies, that are also nicely recorded. Although not in analog, his set of late Mozart symphonies with the Dresden Staatskapelle for Decca is a keeper.
DeleteOn the subject of Colin Davis, his Beethoven 7th with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on SXLP 20038 is a great recording that can be found for little money. I think it's also a 1st issue. I prefer it to the Cantelli recording.
DeleteI'll keep my eyes open for this. This would precede his cycles for Philips and then for the LSO label. The Cantelli recording is nice (I had the ASD for a while ... it's reviewed here) but I agree ... there's better out there. I think the Cantelli is prized for its relative rarity and because he passed away far too young.
DeleteThx ror the 7th recommendation. We are all about bargains these days.
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