Kempe/VPO: "Viennese Bon-Bons" (J. Strauss Jr. Waltzes) Spanish HMV LALP 659

Jacket VG+ / LP EX / Spanish pressing

This lovely LP from La Voz de su Amo (LALP 659, stereo, Spanish pressing, red/silver semi-circle label – ED1, mono, laminated flipback jacket) features Rudolf Kempe's marvelous 'Bonbons Viennois' allbum, recorded in 1960 Vienna, easily one of the finest albums of its kind, a landmark in the Johann Strauss Jr. (and Kempe's own) discography.

The orchestra is the Vienna Philharmonic and they have seldom been on more smiling, engaging, and beautifully lilting form, playing the music of Johann (Jr.) and Josef Strauss to the manner born, warmly recorded in the fabled acoustics of the Musikvereinsaal.

Included are:

Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald Op. 325 (Tales from the Vienna Woods Op. 325)

Leichtes Blut Poka Op. 319 (Polka Light as a Feather Op. 319)

Geheime Anziehungskrafte (Dynamiden) Op. 173*

*Note: by Josef Strauss

Intermezzo from the operetta 'Tausend und eine Nacht' (J. Strauss, Jr. arr. by Reiterer)

Im Krapfenwald'l, polka française for orchestre Op. 336

Kaiser-Walzer Op. 437 (Emperor Waltz Op. 437)

There are superlative liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Hugh Massy, printed in Spanish only. The striking cover photo is credited to Studio Kopetsky, Vienna.

These fine Spanish HMV pressings are quite rare, particularly as Spain's record industry was very much limited by the exigencies of life under the Franco dictatorship and most titles were pressed in smaller numbers than they were in the UK, France, or Germany. Moreover, these LPs (made in Barcelona) are every bit as fine as their Continental or American counterparts – an interesting acquisition for the intrepid collector, a remarkable disc in every way.

CONDITION:

The condition of the jacket is VERY GOOD+. There is some discoloration to the rear panel, as well as light shelfwear, but really that is all. There are no seamsplits, bends, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and attractive – in all, a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Although the surfaces are not absolutely silent, this is a fine copy and the playback is quite superb. Those requiring flawless or NM surfaces are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.