Harasiewicz: Chopin Etudes Opp. 10 & 25 - Fontana 875 051 CY ("Full Stereo")

Jacket VG- / LP VG+ / Dutch pressing

This lovely LP from Philips · Fontana (875 051 CY, Dutch pressing, plum/silver "Full Stereo" label, original inner sleeve included) features the splendid Adam Harasiewicz, First Prize Winner of the 1955 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, in a masterly presentation of Chopin's complete Etudes Op. 10 and Op. 25, recorded in the warm acoustics of the Bachzaal, Amsterdam on 8 June 1961.

This lovely LP from Philips · Fontana (875 051 CY, Dutch pressing, red/silver Fontana label, stereo) features the splendid Adam Harasiewicz, First Prize Winner of the 1955 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, in a masterly presentation of Chopin's complete Etudes Op. 10 and Op. 25, recorded in the warm acoustics of the Bachzaal, Amsterdam on 8 June 1961.

Harasiewicz is totally inside Chopin's world and plays with an aristocratic refinement, and yet with such naturalness and beauty of tone, that one is completely drawn in – superb!

Incidentally, the striking cover photo of Harasiewicz was taken by Arjé Plas. The uncredited liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket are provided in German only.

CONDITION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

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

The condition of the front laminated jacket is VERY GOOD-. There is minor bumping/wear at corners, as well as discoloration and a small tear to the rear panel, but that is all. There are no seamsplits, bends, or owners' markings, and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and very attractive – overall, a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP is VERY GOOD+. Visually, there are light marks and a small catalog sticker to one label. In terms of sound, though there is light surface noise throughout, in general the playback remains quite fine. However, those wanting a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as a very good collector's copy.