Sawallisch/VSO: Schubert Symphonies Nos. 5, 8, 9 - Philips 6701 005 (2LP set)

Jacket NM / LPs NM / German pressing

This beautiful full-color catalog issue – running to some 36 pages – from Philips (6833 063, German pressing, red/silver label, stereo) features conductor Wolfgang Sawallisch is truly fine performances of symphonies by Schubert and Mendelssohn, the former with the Staatskapelle Dresden and the latter with the New Philharmonia Orchestra .

The exact details are as follows:

Of a Philips’ re-issue of the Schubert, The Gramophone’s critic wrote in his/her June 1974 review: “Delights abound in the playing Sawallisch gets from every department of [the New Philharmonia Orchestra].”

This “catalog” issue from Philips is quite impressive. I have seen other similar-type issues, but never one with so lengthy a catalog with not only full-color illustrations of numerous other Philips titles, but also full-color (page-size) portraits of many of the label’s most important artists, including Arrau, Szeryng, Jochum, Davis, the Quartetto Italiano, etc.

The left interior panel of the gatefold jacket also contains extensive liner notes (uncredited), printed in German only. The striking cover art reproduces a detail from Matthaus Loder’s “Blick auf Wien mit der Theresienbrucke”.

PLEASE NOTE:

Even with minimal packaging, this set will weigh over 500 g when prepared for shipping. This means that outside of Europe the cost for shipping is about $26 USD, and that is just for standard airmail. Certified airmail (with a tracking number) costs closer to $30. Those in doubt can visit the Spanish postal website (Correos.com), which is available in English.

Although this listing states “free” shipping, it is not really free, of course. I have to pay for shipping like everyone else. Anyway, all this to say that those who feel the price is high need to take the cost of shipping into account. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to write and I will be happy to help. Thank you.

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. Although there is minor bumping at corners, I have no hesitation in grading this as NM. There are no bends, owners' markings, or other faults and the whole remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive – overall, an outstanding collector's copy.

The condition of the LP itself is near-MINT and the playback is outstanding – overall, a truly fine collector's copy.