EMI ASD 532: Efrem Kurtz's Rockin' Russian, Part 2
EMI HMV ASD 532
Rimsky-Korsakov: Le Coq D'Or, Suite
Kabalevsky: The Comedians, Suite
Philharmonia Orchestra
Efrem Kurtz, conductor
Pressing: UK, ED1, white/gold
Date first published: 1963
Stampers: 2YEA 699-1, 2YEA 700-3
Performance: 10/10
Sound: 9/10
Price range: $49-365 (mean $130) on popsike.com
Comments: My revisit of the EMI discography of Russian conductor Efrem Kurtz took me first to ASD 582 and then on to this second volume (though it was actually the first of the two to be released) of Russian warhorses. Once again, Rimsky-Korsakov takes a full side of the record, this time with the suite from Le Coq D'Or. For one reason or another, I have never quite gotten into this work as much as Rimsky-Korsakov's other orchestral suites (I find it rather slow-paced); regardless, it is a staple of Russian romantic orchestral repertoire and is given a classic performance here by Kurtz and the Philharmonia. Dmitri Kabalevsky's suite to The Comedians, on the other hand, teems with life and humor and makes for a more amusing contrast to the more serious Le Coq D'Or. The sonics on this record are excellent, with characteristics very similar to those on ASD 582.
You'll notice that the price range for this album is considerably higher than that for ASD 582, though perhaps only because it was released as a white and gold first pressing. I cannot think of another good reason, since both of these albums are quite rare on the auction and dealer markets. Music-wise, I personally prefer the content of ASD 582. EMI digitally remastered both albums when it released the 2 CD Artist Profile compilation of Efrem Kurtz's recordings (now out of print but available used). My hope is that Warner (which has taken over EMI) will soon compile all of Kurtz's EMI recordings into one of its more comprehensive "Icon" box sets.
You'll notice that the price range for this album is considerably higher than that for ASD 582, though perhaps only because it was released as a white and gold first pressing. I cannot think of another good reason, since both of these albums are quite rare on the auction and dealer markets. Music-wise, I personally prefer the content of ASD 582. EMI digitally remastered both albums when it released the 2 CD Artist Profile compilation of Efrem Kurtz's recordings (now out of print but available used). My hope is that Warner (which has taken over EMI) will soon compile all of Kurtz's EMI recordings into one of its more comprehensive "Icon" box sets.
Parts of both of these albums are available on concert classic sxlp 30076.it should be a very nice sounding album.
ReplyDeleteYes, would be interesting to hear and compare the Concert Classic to the originals. Miles -- you've done the research ... these Kurtz recordings are dated 1963-64 ... these would've still been valve recordings, yes?
ReplyDeleteOnly ever had ASD 582 - and considered it 'discoloured'/vaguely distorted..
ReplyDeleteSXLP 30076 is a very fine LP (issued 1967 - matrices 1G/1G).
"EMG Montjly Letter", I later saw, rated it as 'outstanding'.
Interesting ... do you recall what about it sounded discolored/distorted to you? A hint of warmth?
DeleteRather a characteristic of EMI's stereo mastering equipment up till 1965 (except their artificially bright transfers).
DeleteEMI's earlier mono's invariably would have 'warmth' - but without the tonal discoloration exhibited in very many of their stereos - even as late as 63/64: the nearby Barbirolli RVW Sym 5 is a particularly bad example..
However, I don't retain all that many (although acquired a few more early 'Unplayed'/Minty's EMI/Decca/DGG stereos today for about 'a quarter' each: in amongst 100 LP's/$16).
I wonder about the emi budget pressings and did they receive the same mastering attention as the main line ASD material. I see no evidence that they did not, but when I hear the ASD reissues of earlier material they seem to be different from the Concert Classics in some way.
DeleteTo my ears Concert Classics around this vintage are tube, but problematic. The Silvestri Tchaikovsky Symphonies came out around the same time and disappointing (not bad, but not great).I've got quite a few records from in sxlp30100s that have very nice sound with the later ones (1974) definitely transitioning to some solid state sound of excellent quality.
The thing that gets me on the original pressings (which I am pretty cold on at the moment) is that whenever I take them down to another audiophile's system. They all claim to prefer the original pressing and I can hear why they feel that way. My system has very good bass definition and tends to favor the later pressings.
Tin Ear, we'd be happy to take those worthless gold and creams off your hands.
My historic 'invasion from the East' mostly left behind the English Gringo conducted ASD's - but have later added some 'worth retaining' titles.
ReplyDeleteYou are incorrect re: the Krips/Philharmonia - as the other 2 titles were on ASD 654; have a newly-mastered 1968 copy: 4G/2G.
There's an excellent Brahms VC/Klemperer/Oistrakh transfer on a 1978 SXLP 30264 (5/6).
The problem here is the LP's are mainly 'rarities' (despite them -still- appearing @ auctions for a few pennies) and of a vintage where transfer-equipment frequently gets-in-the-way - with (in the case of Decca) numerous re-cuts; so it's mainly a 'hoping for the best' minefield - however nice it is to hold/covet an historic object (though you should try experimenting with some Bleach to whiten the non-chalked sleeve-rears - and Isopropanol to remove nicotine/grime from the laminated fronts/fold-over back edges..makes quite a difference if done properly!
A question-mark over, ie EMI, reissues is whether they later used Dolby'ed copy-tapes for the mastering..never seen references to that possibility..
One of the 'cheap goodies' was my first copy of Klemperer's Fidelio/Leonore overtures - a 1955 Columbia (33CX1270 - 1961/2 pressing: original matrices -2N/1N - only sampled bits so far - but very dramatic sound/performances).
Updated Brahms vc, now jubilant about Brahms PC. I always wanted the later blue back of this. The Curzon jubilee, really like it.
ReplyDelete