Furtwangler/VPO: Franck Symphony in D minor - Decca LXT 2905

Jacket VG / LP EX

This outstanding and rare LP from Decca (LXT 2905, UK pressing, orange/silver label – ED1, mono, flipback jacket) features Wilhelm Furtwangler and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s resplendent account of Franck’s Symphony in D minor, recorded in the rich acoustics of the Grosser Saal, Musikverein, Vienna, during 14/15 December 1953 (producer: Victor Olof / engineer: Cyril Windebank). Indeed, the sound is enormously vivid.

This is an especially rewarding performance of a work not readily associated with the great conductor, but one which rings with the same beauty, insight, and authority that he brought to the music of Bruckner, to all the music he conducted. This is quite easily among the finest studio recordings Furtwangler made and it remains a landmark in the Franck discography.

There are insightful liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, printed in English only. The portrait of Furtwangler gracing the jacket front 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 some scuffing to the lower flipback portion of the jacket, as well as laminate peeling and aging. On the plus side, there are no seamsplits, owners' markings, or other defects, and the jacket remains solid, bright and highly attractive – overall, still a very good collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Though surfaces are not perfectly silent, really this a fine copy and playback is superb, close to NM. However, if you must have a flawless or NM copy, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.