Kempen/Concertgebouw: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique" - Philips A 00253 L

Jacket EX / LP EX

This handsome LP from Philips (A 00253 L, German pressing, plum/silver Minigroove label, mono) features Paul van Kempen and the Concertgebouw’s trenchant and elegiac account of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor Op. 74 “Pathetique”, made in the warm and rich acoustics of the Concertgebouw in May 1951, one of the great performances on record.

Kempen’s is an uncompromising, unflinching reading that stresses the sorrow, with a finale that is deeply moving. The Concertgebouw players respond with playing of breathtaking power and Philips has provided their finest analog sound – this is exalted conducting, and orchestral playing – by any measure and a testament to van Kempen’s considerable gifts.

The liner notes on the reverse are 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 EXCELLENT. There is a slight bumping/wear at corners, as well as minor creasing and mild discoloration to the rear panel. However, there are no seamsplits, owners' markings, or other defects and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive – overall, an excellent collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Although there is some occasional light surface noise, in general the playback is quite fine. However, those wanting a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.