25 March 2021

24/48: Georg Solti / London Philharmonic - Kodaly. Psalmus Hungaricus -&- Peacock Variations - Decca 1954

Zoltan KodalyPsalmus Hungaricus, op.13
(with William McAlpine, Tenor  -&-  London Philharmonic Choir)

Zoltan Kodaly:  Variations on a Hungarian Folksong  “The Peacock

2 files 16/44 zip FLAC  Mega Download          2 files 24/48 zip XR FLAC  Mega Download

London Philharmonic Orchestra  conducted by  Georg Solti

Decca  LXT 2848  (original 1954 LP)  Matrices: ARL2069/2070 - 1A/3A.   Recorded: 26/30 April & 3 May 1954 - Kingsway Hall.

Sleeve-note / EMG review >>>   Excellent orchestral playing. Some choral-parts were highly-modulated.



9 comments:

  1. Thank you ! You always do such a fine job with these old pressings/cuts of musical history. I always enjoy them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do have an original/new LXT Solti/LPO Bartok:Dance/Kodaly:Galanta - but the groove is over-wide: the latter turns up on an ACL pressing c/w Hary Janos.
      But this is exceptionally vivid for a pre-1955 Decca transfer (which can sound ghastly) - though would've preferred a less time-consuming copy...typical of 'Geon' vinyl.

      Delete
  2. Thank you for posting these vintage recordings. Solti is a favorite conductor of mine. I've always enjoyed his interpretations of Bartok, so I'm looking forward to hearing this recording.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is scarcely recognisable as the LPO - really committed performances - and not hard-driven as with stereo-era Solti's (though I like his Israel PO period c.1957 discs).
    A cursory glance showed these available in a 7CD Bartok compilation: no idea how these transfers sound by comparison as 'don't do' CDs....
    The Record Guide preferred the Mercury/Dorati 'Peacock' (been on the main MP blog for a decade -with Hary Janos/Mandarin) but this is splendid, IMO..

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you - what a treasure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perhaps I should stick to uploading Treasures!

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. The next ones are probably new/original early '50's LXT Kleiber Beethoven 5/7 - or at least the 5th - fine LP's (the Concertgebouw getting much better sound than Vienna Philharmonic original LXT's).
      Though if the Weather turns nice - there may be a delay..

      Delete