Ormandy: Tannhauser Overture, music from Lohengrin, Die Miestersinger - Columbia ML 4865

Jacket EX / LP EX / US pressing

This superb LP from Columbia Masterworks (ML 4865, US pressing, gray 6eye label, mono – no stereo edition exists) entitled “A Wagner Program” features Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra in a truly resplendent album of orchestral excerpts – sumptuously recorded in the fine acoustics of the Academy of Music, Philadelphia on 1 March 1953.

Not readily associated with Wagner, Ormandy nonetheless demonstrates his customary unerring mastery here as well, imbuing these works with tremendous drama and atmosphere – a riveting aural and musical experience from first to last – unforgettable!

The exact contents are as follows:

Tannhäuser – Overture and Venusberg Music

Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III

Die Walküre: Ride of the Valkyries; Magic Fire Music

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Prelude to Act III; Dance of the Apprentices; Entrance of the Meistersingers

Incidentally, there are erudite and eloquent notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Charles Burr, printed in English only. The striking cover photo was taken by Dan Weiner.

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 a slight wear at corners, as well as mild discoloration to the rear panel, but that is all. There are no seamsplits, bends, or owners' markings, and the album remains solid, bright and highly attractive – overall, an excellent 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.