Ales/Collegium Musicum de Paris: Vivaldi 4 Seasons (r. 1955) - Concerteum CCX 278

Jacket VG / LP GOOD / French pressing

This interesting LP from Concerteum (CCX 278, French pressing, purple/silver label, mono, plain Guilde Européene du Microsillon ·GEM jacket) features one of the earliest recordings of Vivaldi’s 'The Four Seasons' Op. 8 Nos. 1-4, from 'The Trial of Harmony and Invention', made by violinist Georges Alès circa 1955.

Although nearly 60 years on this account seems somewhat dated, it is not without charm and Marie-Luise Girod’s organ lends the performance a depth it might not otherwise have. Also heard is cellist Jacques Weideker, with Roland Douate conducting the estimable Collegium Musicum de Paris. And while there are some clumsy edits and the Concerteum pressing lacks the quality of its rivals, the sound remains vibrant and detailed, certainly enjoyable.

CONDITION:

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

The condition of the plain GEM jacket is VERY GOOD. There is edgewear, bumping at corners, and discoloration. However, there are no seamsplits, bends, owners’ markings, or other defects, and the album remains solid and presentation worthy – overall, this rates as a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is GOOD. There is a slight warp to the LP, but this does not affect play. In addition, there is light surface noise throughout. Nonethless, the sound is quite fine and playback is still enjoyable – not a collector’s copy, but still a decent one.