Karajan/VPO: Brahms Symphony No. 1 Op. 68 (rec. 1959) - Italian RCA KVS 77

Jacket EX / LP NM

This handsome LP from Italian RCA (KVS 77, Italian pressing, plum/silver label, stereo) features Herbert von Karajan and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's resplendent account of Brahms's Symphony No. 1 in C minor Op. 68, recorded in the glowing acoustics of the Sofiensaal from 23-26 March 1959. This is a powerful and beautifully burnished performance, one whose stature only grows upon repeated listening – simply magnificent.

Those unfamiliar with Italian RCA's Victrola series would do well to investigate them – they typically come in a heavy, glossy jacket, medium-weight vinyl, original artwork. Really, they are quite nice, extremely well done in every way and a lovely addition to any collection.

The striking artwork reproduces a detail from Paul Lauters' "Le Defile de Killicrankie" in Scotland. There are brief liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, printed in Italian only.