Casadesus: Moonlight, Appassionata, Les Adieux Piano Sonatas - Columbia ML 5233

Jacket EX / LP EX / US pressing

This handsome LP from Columbia Masterworks (ML 5233, US pressing, gray 6eye label, mono) features the great Robert Casadesus in a triptych of masterful Beethoven performances: the Piano Sonatas No. 23 in F minor Op. 57 ‘Appassionata,’ No. 14 in C sharp minor Op. 27 No. 2 ‘Moonlight,’ and No. 26 in E Flat Major Op. 81a ‘Les Adieux’ – all recorded in Paris, January 1957.

Fleet, cogent, brilliantly articulated, Casadesus’ Beethoven is a revelatory antidote to the heavier, more ‘Teutonic’ cast favored by his rivals, and widely acclaimed as authentic. Casadesus brings each work into sharp focus, imparting high drama and unfailing poetry, with some of the finest pedaling on record.

Incidentally, the striking cover photo was taken by Vic Obsatz. There are superlative liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Charles Burr, printed in English only.

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 EXCELLENT. There is some minute wear at corners, slight shelfwear, and mild discoloration to the rear panel, but that is all. There are no bends, seamsplits, owners' markings, or other defects and the album remains solid, bright, and highly attractive in appearance – overall, 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.