Argenta: España (Capriccio Espagnol, et al) - Spanish Decca SXL (ED1) - stunning

$

135

redgarnett Store ITEM DESCRIPTION:

Extraordinarily rare in any early stereo pressing, Ataulfo Argenta’s legendary Decca ‘España’ album can be had here in a fine first Spanish pressing (SXL 2020, black/silver WB FFSS label – ED1, stamper ZAL-3521-7E).

 

This stunning album was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in the fabled acoustics of Kingsway Hall in December 1956 and January 1957 (Erik Smith, producer / Gordon Perry, engineer).

 

Side 1 features a bewitching performance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Español Op. 34, followed by an equally captivating account of Granados’ Danza Española No. 5 in E minor ‘Andaluza’.

 

Side 2 opens with Chabrier’s España, before continuing with Book I Op. 12 (Nos. 1-5) of Moskowski’s Spanish Dances. Justly famous, the LSO’s playing throughout boasts a delicacy and panache that is simply breathtaking, the whole served up in glorious demonstration quality sound. 

 

Released in December 1958, this celebrated recording was issued in both mono and stereo, though the latter incarnation has remained an elusive collector’s item ever since. Wrote The Stereo Record Guide:

 

“A sumptuously recorded mixture of Spanish music, mostly from the pens of non-Spaniards, which has already become a Decca best seller in the mono version. The stereo disc adds more spaciousness and separation to already excellent recording.”

 

And in their indispensable monograph Full Frequency Stereophonic Sound, authors Robert Moon and Michael Gray ranked it 2nd among the Top Rank of FFSS productions.

 

There are excellent liner notes (uncredited) on the reverse side of the jacket, printed in Spanish only. The striking cover photo is uncredited.

 

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. Really, this is close to NM. The only flaws consist of mild shelfwear and some extremely minor instances of creasing. However, there are no seamsplits, bends, or owners' markings, and whole remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive – overall,  – a striking and handsome collector's copy.

 

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Visually, there are spindle trails and some light marks. In terms of sound, while there is occasional light surface noise and some extraneous noises, in general the playback is quite fine. However, those wanting a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this rates as an excellent collector's copy.

PLEASE NOTE:
This LP has been carefully cleaned using a VPI cleaning machine. All LPs are provided with a new Nagaoka (or Nagaoka-style) inner sleeve. The images I've provided are of the actual item you are potentially bidding on - these are not stock images or images I've taken from other sites. Bid with confidence!

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