Ormandy: Bartok Concerto for Orchestra (r. 1954) - Columbia Masterworks ML 4973

Jacket VG / LP VG

This beautiful LP from Columbia Masterworks (ML 4973, US pressing, blue label, mono – no stereo edition exists) features Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s magnificent account of Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra Sz.116, recorded at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, on 14 February 1954, one of the first great LP recordings of this work.

This was the first of three commercial recordings Ormandy would make of this work, very much a specialty of his. Comparisons with Reiner and the mighty Chicago Symphony Orchestra are not to Ormandy’s disadvantage and he and the a “Fabulous Philadelphians” bring a dynamism and chrome-plated, gleaming sound to this score that is breathtaking.

Incidentally, there are superb liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Charles Burr, printed in English only. The remarkable cover art was executed by Milton Glaser.

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. The only real flaw barring a NM grading concers a 2” split to the re is slight wear at corners, but really that is all. There are no seamsplits, owners' markings, bends, or other defects and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and attractive – overall, an excellent collector's copy.

The condition of the LP is VERY GOOD. Although there is light surface noise throughout, in general the playback remains quite fine. However, those wanting a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as a very good collector's copy.