Beecham/RPO: Mozart "Prague" & "Jupiter" Symphonies - Columbia FCX 235

Jacket EX / LP EX / French pressing

This lovely LP from Columbia (FCX 235, French pressing, blue/silver label, mono) features conductor Sir Thomas Beecham and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in magnificent accounts of Mozart’s Symphonies No. 38 in D Major K. 503 “Prague” and No. 41 in C Major K. 551 “Jupiter”.

Both were recorded in the fabled acoustics of London’s Kingsway Hall, the former on 18 April 1950 and the latter on 22 February 1950.

The Beecham magic is everywhere in evidence here and the RPO respond with playing of great vitality and warmth.

Wrote the wondeful author and critic David Hurwitz for ClassicsToday:

“Beecham’s recordings of Haydn and Mozart are incomparable. You may prefer different versions, or different approaches, but for life-affirming, unquenchable vitality and and impeccable stylishness that transcends scholarly notions of performance practice, these interpretations are timeless.”

Incidentally, there are superlative liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Henri Barraud, printed in French only. The striking cover design was executed by de Grunt.

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 light edgewear, as well as a small bend to the lower-left corner, but that is all. However, there are no seamsplits, owners’ markings, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, and highly attractive – overall, an exellent collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Though there is occasional light surface noise, 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 an excellent collector's copy.