Bela Bartok: Konzert für Orchester (200g / 45rpm) 2-LP

Bela Bartok (1881-1945)
Konzert für Orchester (200g / 45rpm)
Houston Symphony Orchestra, Leopold Stokowski

Label: Acoustic Sounds

One of the special achievements of the now defunct Classic Records label is the rediscovery of the majestic sound experience of the Everest 35mm magnetic film recordings via a groundbreaking series of reissues. During the early 1960s, Everest LPs were recorded in three channels on 35mm magnetic film. The use of magnetic film allowed for greater fidelity and less extraneous noise than the standard 1/4" magnetic tape. Westrex constructed special equipment to Everest's specifications to take full advantage of the possibilities.
Fast forward to the present day: Analogue Productions is resurrecting this collection through a series of reissues with 10 titles for now. Bernie Grundman had cut lacquer vinyl at both 33rpm and 45rpm for the reissues at the time - but the 45rpm versions were never released!
Each set of two LPs is housed in a Stoughton Printing gatefold sleeve with a hand-applied cover, recognizable by the signature fold, and features the original artwork including the Everest Records trademark. Both LPs are also in a clear sleeve for their protection.
Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra owes its name to the approach of treating instrumental groups within the orchestra as concertos or solos throughout the piece. This virtuosic handling is notable, for example in the fugato section of the first movement, where the winds are highlighted, and in the second movement, where pairs of instruments appear one after the other to form a brilliant passage. Stokowski's interpretation of this popular Bartok composition was recorded by Bert Whyte and team at the Houston Civic Center and released in March 1961.