Ormandy: Beethoven Symphony No. 5 / Mozart No. 40 - Columbia ML 5098, NM

Jacket NM / LP NM

This handsome LP – a superb collector’s copy – from Columbia Masterworks (ML 5098, US pressing, “360 Sound” label, mono – no stereo edition exists) features Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra in magnificent performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor Op. 67 and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor K. 550. 

Both works were vividly recorded in richly impressive sound at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia – the former on 23 October 1955 and the latter on 10 January 1956.

Ormandy is not readily associated with Austro-German masterworks, but his readings here boast the same architectural mastery, rhythmic vitality, and cogency that mark out his more celebrated performances of the Russian repertoire, in particular Tchaikovsky. The powerful pairing of Beethoven’s Fifth and Mozart’s Fortieth should be much better known.

There are authoritative liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Charles Burr, printed in English only. The striking cover photo was executed by Alice Beck.