UK original DECCA SXL WBg ED1. Gervase de Peyer performs in Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and Barry Tuckwell in Mozart's Horn Concerto, both accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Peter Maag.
Record is in EX! Plays near perfect with no marks, but with a thin coating. Cover is VG, Really nice with small tears on the flipbacks top and bottom (see images).

Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622 & Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-flat major, K. 495 – Decca UK Original ED1 WBg SXL 2238 Featuring Gervase de Peyer, Barry Tuckwell, and Peter Maag

The Decca UK original SXL 2238 is a highly prized classical LP featuring two of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most beloved wind concertos: the Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622 performed by Gervase de Peyer, and the Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-flat major, K. 495 performed by Barry Tuckwell, both accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Peter Maag. Released in the early 1960s as part of Decca’s SXL series with the coveted wide band grooved (WBg) label, this recording is renowned for its warm sound quality, exceptional performances, and historical importance, making it one of the most sought-after LPs for collectors and audiophiles.

About the Soloists

Gervase de Peyer (1926–2017) was one of the leading British clarinetists of his generation, celebrated for his technical brilliance, warm tone, and expressive phrasing. As the principal clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra and a founding member of the Melos Ensemble, de Peyer was particularly admired for his interpretations of Classical and Romantic repertoire, with his recording of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto considered a definitive performance.

Barry Tuckwell (1931–2020) was one of the most renowned horn players of the 20th century, acclaimed for his virtuosity, precise technique, and beautiful tone. Tuckwell’s interpretations of Mozart’s horn concertos are widely regarded as benchmarks, showcasing his mastery of the instrument and deep understanding of Mozart’s music.

About Peter Maag

Peter Maag (1919–2001) was a Swiss conductor known for his sensitive and refined interpretations, particularly of Mozart’s music. Maag had a long association with the London Symphony Orchestra, and his conducting was praised for its clarity, elegance, and attention to detail. His collaboration with de Peyer and Tuckwell on this recording is a perfect example of his ability to bring out the lyricism and structural clarity in Mozart’s works, making this recording one of his most admired.

The LP and Its Significance

Label and Pressing: Released by Decca Records in the UK, SXL 2238 is part of the SXL series, known for its exceptional stereo sound and high-quality pressings. The ED1 WBg (first edition wide band grooved) pressings, with their distinctive wide silver band around the label, are particularly prized by collectors for their superior audio fidelity. These early stereo pressings are highly sought after due to their warmth, depth, and clear sound reproduction.

Sound Quality: The sound quality of SXL 2238 is outstanding, capturing the full richness and detail of the wind instruments, while maintaining a natural balance with the orchestra. Decca’s engineers excelled at producing recordings that highlight the delicate interplay between soloist and orchestra, and this LP is no exception. The stereo separation and clarity allow the listener to fully appreciate the nuance in de Peyer’s and Tuckwell’s performances, as well as the subtle orchestral accompaniment under Maag’s direction. The recording delivers an intimate and immersive experience, making it a favorite among audiophiles.

Collectibility: As an original ED1 WBg pressing, SXL 2238 is one of the most collectible Decca LPs. The rarity of early wide band pressings, combined with the significance of the performers and the enduring popularity of Mozart’s concertos, makes this LP a valuable addition to any classical vinyl collection. Well-preserved copies in excellent condition are especially prized for their historical importance and exceptional sound quality.

About the Concertos

Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622
Composed in 1791, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto is one of his final works and one of the most beloved pieces in the clarinet repertoire. Written for the clarinetist Anton Stadler, the concerto is admired for its lyrical beauty, virtuosic demands, and seamless integration between the soloist and orchestra. The concerto is structured in three movements:

Allegro: The first movement is joyful and expansive, with flowing melodies that highlight the clarinet’s singing qualities and technical brilliance. Adagio: The second movement is one of Mozart’s most beautiful slow movements, featuring a deeply expressive, lyrical clarinet line against a simple orchestral accompaniment. Rondo (Allegro): The final movement is light and playful, with lively themes that showcase the agility of the clarinet and its ability to shift between lyrical and virtuosic passages.

De Peyer’s performance is celebrated for its warmth and lyrical phrasing, making this recording one of the most highly regarded interpretations of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto.

Mozart: Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-flat major, K. 495
Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 was composed in 1786 and is one of his most popular horn concertos, written for the great horn player Joseph Leutgeb. The concerto is full of charm, humor, and technical challenges, making it a favorite among horn players and audiences alike. It is structured in three movements:

Allegro moderato: The first movement is energetic and stately, with bold horn calls and lyrical passages that highlight the soloist’s virtuosity. Romanza (Andante): The second movement is a gentle and lyrical song-like movement, featuring the horn in a beautifully expressive role. Rondo (Allegro vivace): The final movement is a lively and playful rondo, full of energy and joyful horn melodies that bring the concerto to a spirited conclusion.

Barry Tuckwell’s performance of Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 is widely regarded as one of the definitive interpretations, showcasing his extraordinary technique and musical sensitivity.

Why This Recording is Special

Definitive Performances: The performances of Gervase de Peyer and Barry Tuckwell on this LP are considered among the finest interpretations of Mozart’s wind concertos. Their mastery of the clarinet and horn, combined with Peter Maag’s sensitive conducting, results in performances that are both technically flawless and deeply expressive. These recordings set a high standard for future interpretations of Mozart’s concertos.

Decca’s Audiophile Quality: Decca’s SXL series is renowned for its superior sound quality, and SXL 2238 exemplifies this tradition. The clarity, warmth, and balance of the recording allow the full beauty of the solo instruments to shine, making it a favorite among audiophiles. The wide dynamic range and natural acoustic capture the intimacy and elegance of Mozart’s music.

Collector’s Appeal: As an original ED1 WBg pressing, SXL 2238 is highly valued by collectors. The combination of iconic performances, superb sound quality, and the rarity of the first edition pressings makes this LP a highly sought-after item in the classical vinyl market.

Conclusion

The Decca UK original SXL 2238 LP, featuring Gervase de Peyer and Barry Tuckwell performing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and Horn Concerto No. 4 with the London Symphony Orchestra under Peter Maag, is a landmark recording of two of the most beloved works in the wind concerto repertoire. The exceptional performances, combined with Decca’s outstanding sound quality, make this LP a prized possession for collectors and classical music enthusiasts alike. Its historical significance, musical excellence, and collectible rarity ensure that this recording remains highly sought-after in the world of classical vinyl.

Record Grading I use the following grades: M/M- Only for still sealed or certain unplayed records NM    Should look very close to unplayed EX+   With very few signs of use EX     Some light signs of use but nothing that should affect the    listening experience VG+   A really nice LP with some signs of use and the can be the odd light click, but nothing major at all VG    There are clear signs of use and there can be some recurring clicks and crackles, but not continously.  G       There are many marks and lines and you should expect that the listening experience will be hampered. But still playable. + and - are used for nuances. P/F    Very rarely used. Only very rare records will be listed in this condition
Shipping If you win more than one of my auctions, I will of course pack it together and you will get the actual shipping cost from Sweden to the world.
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I have many listings, most from one collection in great condition. Most are in top condition. Decca SXL and LXT, Columbia SAX and 33CX, HMV His Master's Voice ASD and ALP, Deutsche Grammophon DGG, Philips Hi-Fi Hifi, Westminster, Proprius, MFSL Mobile Fidelity, and many more.