Leinsdorf/BSO: Beethoven Symphony No. 7 - German RCA LSC-2969 (red/silver Telefefunken pr.)

Jacket NM / LP EX / German pressing

This handsome LP from RCA (LSC-2969, German Teldec · Telefunken-Decca pressing, red/silver “Living Stereo” label, stereo, glossy laminated jacket, original inner sleeve included) features Erich Leinsdorf and the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s magisterial accounts of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major Op. 92 and the Coriolan Overture Op. 62.

Leinsdorf's large discography awaits re-discovery and renewed appreciation. His reputation as a rather dry martinet has somewhat mitigated interest in his recorded legacy, yet a closer examination of his output reveals him to be – quite often – an inspired and dynamic conductor, his performances imbued with a vitality and trajectory that is enormously compelling. This powerful Beethoven Seventh is the perfect example and deserves to be more widely known – simply outstanding.

Both performances were recorded in the fabled acoustics of Symphony Hall, Boston, on 21 November 1966 (producer: Richard Mohr / engineer: David Pilhower).

There are superlative liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, printed in German, English, and French. The striking cover photo/design is 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 near-MINT. Really, there are no flaws to speak of and the album appears almost as new. There are no seamsplits, bends, owners’ markings, or other faults, and the whole remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive – overall, a truly fine collector's copy.

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