Barshai/Moscow CO: Vivaldi Concerti for various instruments - Philips 835 172 AY (red/silver)

Jacket VG / LP VG+ / Dutch pressing

This superb LP from Philips (835 172 AY, Dutch pressing, red/silver label [Hi-Fi Stereo logo only on the jacket only, not on the label], stereo) features 5 vital and vibrant Vivaldi Concerto performances with Rudolf Barshai leading his crack Moscow Chamber Orchestra.

Included are the following works:

Concerto in B Major for Violin, Cello, and String Orchestra RV 388 – with violinist Eugen Smirnow and cellist Alja Wasiliewa

Concerto in A minor for Two Oboes and String Orchestra RV 53 – wtih oboists Eugen Nepalo and Simeon Trubaschnik

Concerto in G Major for String Orchestra RV 143

Concerto in C Major for Oboe and String Orchestra RV 8 – with oboist Eugen Nepalo

Concerto in G Major for Two Violins and String Orchestra RV 132 – with violinists Eugen Smirnow and Andrej Abramenkow

Incidentally, the striking cover photo (uncredited) shows the Palazzo Doria in Rome. There are super liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket (also uncredited), 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 minor bumping at corners, as well as a slight crease to the top edge and minor writing to the rear panel. However, there are no bends, owners' markings, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive – overall, this rates as a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is VERY GOOD+. Visually, a polysleeve has left rubs on one side of the vinyl, but it does seem to affect play. Having said that, in terms of sound, there are a few random tics, but in general the playback is quite fine. However, those requiring flawless or near-MINT surfaces are kindly advised to look elsewhere. In all, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.