Walter: Mozart "Linz" (Columbia SO) & "Jupiter" (NYPO) - Philips A 01271 L

Jacket GOOD / LP NM / Dutch pressing

This handsome LP from Philips (A 01271 L, Dutch pressing, plum/silver “Minigroove” label, mono – no stereo edition exists, original inner sleeve included) features Bruno Walter’s magnificent accounts of Mozart’s Symphonies No. 36 in C Major K. 425 “Linz” and No. 41 in C Major K. 55 “Jupiter”.

Both works were recorded at Columbia 30^th Street Studio, New York – the former with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra on 26 April 1955, and the latter with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra on 5 March 1956.

This disque was the winner of a 1956 Grand Prix du Disque. There are superb liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, printed in German only. The lovely cover art carries a reproduction of the artist’s signature in the lower-right corner, but I cannot make it out.

These are landmark recordings in the discographies of these works, with Walter and the NYPO turning in performances that are imbued with a tremendous sense of occasion. For admirers of Walter, the NYPO, Mozart, of historical recordings, this issue will prove very rewarding – outstanding from first to last.

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 GOOD. There is a small tear to the upper-right corner, as well as light staining/discoloration to the rear panel. However, there are no seamsplits, bends, owners’ markings, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive – overall, still a good collector’s copy.

The condition of the LP itself is near-MINT. Although surfaces are not absolutely silent (and thus I have rated it NM vs. MINT) this is a fine copy and playback is superb. If you must have perfect surfaces, then please do not buy this LP. Overall, this rates as a NM collector's copy.