Bohm/VSO: Beethoven Symphony No. 9 "Choral" - Fontana 698 000 CL

Jacket VG / LP EX / Dutch pressing

This handsome LP from Fontana (698 000 CL, Dutch pressing, plum/silver label, mono – no stereo edition exists) features conductor Karl Bohm’s commanding account of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor Op. 125 “Choral”, recorded in 1957 with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.

Joining Bohm and the VSO on this memorable occasion were the Chor of the Vienna State Opera and vocal soloists Teresa Stich-Randall (sorpano), Hildegard Rössl-Majdan (mezzo-soprano), Anton Dermota (tenor), and Paul Schöffler (bass-baritone).

There are excellent liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, printed in German only. The striking cover photo is similarly uncredited.

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 slight wear at corners, shelfwear, and some ringwear to the rear panel. However, there are no bends, seamsplits, or owners' markings and the album remains very solid, bright, glossy, and attractive – a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Although the surfaces are not absolutely silent, really this is a fine copy and the playback is enjoyable. Those requiring a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this is an excellent collector's copy.