Cluytens/BPO: Schumann "Rhenish" Sym. & "Manfred" Ov. - FALP 488 (ds)

Jacket EX / LP EX / French pressing

This handsome LP from La Voix de son Maitre (FALP 488 , French Pathe-Marconi pressing, large dog red/white semi-circle label, mono – no stereo edition exists, "baguette"-style jacket, dowel spine, booklet included) features conductor André Cluytens and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra's magnificent account of Schumann's Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major Op. 97 "Rhenish" and the Overture to Manfred Op. 115, both recorded in the warm and spacious acoustics of Grünewaldkirche, Berlin in February 1957 (producer: Fritz Ganss / engineer: Horst Lindner).

Although his name does not often figure in short lists of great conductors, for this listener at least, André Cluytens remains among the true podium greats, and these powerful and poetic Schumann reveal the exalted level of his interpretative gifts, a brilliant musician capable of galvanizing any orchestra he stood before. This Schumann album is among the lesser-known entries in his large discography, but it is also among the most distinguished – superb!

Included with this copy is the 8-page booklet, so often missing from these issue, with insightful and eloquent notes by André Boucourechliev, printed in French only.

CONDITION – PLEASE READ VERY CAREFULLY:

The gradations of condition I use are as follows: MINT, Near-Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.

The condition of the heavy cardboard "baguette"-style jacket is EXCELLENT. There are two small chips to the front panel, and some slight shelfwear, but that is all. There are no bends, seamsplits, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, and highly attractive in appearance – overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.

The condition of the dowel spine is VERY GOOD. The lower edge of the paper sleeve has been tape-repaired, but the dowel is intact and legible – a very good 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.