Steinberg: Prokofiev "Classical" & Tchaikovsky String Serenade: Capitol CTL 7084

Jacket VG+ / LP VG+ / UK pressing

This handsome LP from Capitol (CTL 7084, English Decca pressing, green/gold label, mono only – no stereo edition exists, laminated flipback jacket) features conductor Willian Steinberg and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in a brilliant performances of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major Op. 25 “Classical” and Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C Major Op. 48, both recorded at Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh, on 30 November 1953.

Steinberg imbues the Prokofiev with tremendous verve and zest, nearly blitzing through it, but with no loss of sensitivity or refinement – a truly high-octane performance. The String Serenade by Tchaikovsky finds conductor and orchestra on more stately form, though there is a real slavic ardour here that is quite compellling. The sound is absolutely first rate.

There are fine liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, printed in English only. The lovely cover art 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, discoloration to the rear panel and along open edge, and aging. However, there are no seamsplits, bends, or owners' markings, and the jacket remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive – overall, a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is VERY GOOD+. There is some surface noise, more so in the String Serenade, and a few scattered tics, but the sound remains big, bold, and clear. Those wanting a flawless or NM copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as a very good collector's copy.