NL original DECCA 2LP Box. Bernard Haitink conducts the London Symphony Orchestra in Shostakovich 7th Symphony "Leningrad". With booklet.
Records are EX+! Box is EX+!

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 60 “Leningrad” – Decca Original 2LP Box D213D2 Featuring Bernard Haitink and the Concertgebouw Orchestra

The Decca Original 2LP Box D213D2 features Bernard Haitink conducting the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in a powerful interpretation of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 60, known as the “Leningrad” Symphony. Released in the 1970s, this recording is one of the definitive versions of Shostakovich’s monumental wartime symphony and is celebrated for its emotional depth, technical brilliance, and superior audio fidelity. The album’s release as a 2LP box set on Decca enhances its collectible value, with Haitink’s masterful direction and the Concertgebouw Orchestra’s precision and power capturing the full scope of Shostakovich’s dramatic composition.

About Bernard Haitink

Bernard Haitink (1929–2019) was a Dutch conductor known for his clear, precise interpretations, particularly in the symphonies of composers like Beethoven, Mahler, Bruckner, and Shostakovich. As the principal conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Haitink had a long-standing relationship with the ensemble, producing numerous highly regarded recordings for Decca. His interpretation of Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony is noted for its emotional restraint, clarity, and structural integrity, allowing the music’s inherent power to shine through without excessive dramatization.

About the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is renowned for its warm, rich sound and precise ensemble playing, making it one of the world’s leading orchestras. Known for their disciplined yet expressive approach, the Concertgebouw musicians were particularly well-suited to Haitink’s style. Their interpretation of Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony under Haitink’s direction highlights the orchestra’s dynamic range, tonal depth, and capacity for both subtlety and power.

The LP Box Set and Its Significance

Label and Pressing: Released by Decca Records as a 2LP box set, it is part of Decca’s highly regarded classical catalog, known for superior stereo sound quality. Decca’s pressings from this period are especially prized by collectors and audiophiles for their full, clear sound and high production standards. The original pressing captures the scale and power of Shostakovich’s symphony, allowing the listener to experience the intricate textures and sweeping dynamics of the Concertgebouw Orchestra with exceptional fidelity.

Sound Quality: The sound quality of the records are outstanding, with Decca’s engineers expertly capturing the expansive dynamic range and complex orchestration of Shostakovich’s symphony. The spacious stereo imaging allows the listener to appreciate the interplay between sections of the orchestra, from the tension-building strings to the powerful brass and percussion sections. This clarity and depth make the box set a favorite among audiophiles, as it reproduces the full force of Shostakovich’s music with remarkable fidelity.

Collectibility: As an original 2LP box set, this is highly collectible, particularly among fans of Shostakovich’s symphonies and Haitink’s interpretations. The rarity of this pressing, combined with the exceptional performance and sound quality, makes it a valuable addition to any classical music collection. Copies in excellent condition are especially sought after by collectors who appreciate both the historical and musical significance of this recording.

About Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 “Leningrad” in C major, Op. 60

Shostakovich composed his Seventh Symphony during the early years of World War II, as Nazi forces besieged his hometown, Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). The symphony became a symbol of Soviet resilience and resistance, and it remains one of Shostakovich’s most celebrated works. Structured in four movements, the symphony is monumental in both scale and emotional impact, embodying themes of war, suffering, and eventual triumph.

Allegretto: The first movement is perhaps the most famous, featuring the "invasion theme," a repetitive, gradually intensifying motif that symbolizes the relentless advance of the invading forces. This section builds to a climactic, overpowering crescendo, which has become one of the most iconic moments in the symphony.

Moderato (Poco allegretto): The second movement provides a lyrical contrast, with melancholic, reflective themes that express a more introspective response to the devastation of war. This movement features delicate orchestration, with woodwind solos and soft string passages creating a sense of sorrow and nostalgia.

Adagio: The third movement is the emotional heart of the symphony, featuring mournful melodies and dark, brooding harmonies. The music here captures a profound sense of loss and suffering, with Shostakovich’s orchestration evoking the desolate landscapes of war-torn Leningrad.

Allegro non troppo: The final movement is triumphant yet ambiguous, reflecting the complexities of victory and survival. Shostakovich combines themes from the earlier movements, ultimately leading to a powerful, resolute conclusion.

Haitink’s Interpretation

Precision and Restraint: Haitink’s interpretation of Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony is noted for its precision and emotional restraint, allowing the inherent drama of the music to unfold without exaggeration. This approach brings a sense of dignity and gravity to the performance, emphasizing the symphony’s themes of resilience and endurance.

Structural Clarity: Haitink’s ability to maintain structural clarity throughout this sprawling symphony is one of the recording’s strengths. He carefully shapes each movement, maintaining a cohesive arc that keeps the listener engaged. His attention to phrasing, dynamics, and pacing highlights the contrasts between the symphony’s intense and lyrical sections.

Concertgebouw’s Ensemble Excellence: The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra’s performance under Haitink is marked by precision, warmth, and a rich tonal palette. The strings provide a strong foundation for the “invasion theme,” while the brass and woodwinds add texture and depth. The percussion section, crucial in Shostakovich’s orchestration, is powerful and well-defined, giving the symphony’s climaxes their full impact.

Why This Recording is Special

Definitive Performance: Haitink’s reading of Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony is widely regarded as one of the definitive interpretations, combining structural integrity with emotional depth. His approach to the work emphasizes the resilience and humanity within Shostakovich’s music, making it an essential interpretation for anyone interested in the composer’s symphonic output.

Decca’s Audiophile Quality: The 2LP box set format allows Decca to showcase the full dynamic range of the recording, with ample space for the complex orchestration and dramatic contrasts. The sound quality captures the balance and tonal warmth of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, making this LP a favorite among audiophiles.

Collector’s Appeal: As an original Decca box set, this recording is highly collectible. The combination of Haitink’s interpretation, the Concertgebouw’s performance, and Decca’s high production standards makes this LP a valuable item in the classical vinyl market. Well-preserved copies of this box set are especially prized by collectors for their musical and historical significance.

Conclusion

The Decca Original 2LP Box D213D2 set, featuring Bernard Haitink and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra performing Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony “Leningrad”, is a landmark recording of one of the composer’s most profound and impactful works. Haitink’s meticulous, restrained interpretation, combined with the Concertgebouw’s rich sound and Decca’s superior audio quality, makes this box set a treasured 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 collecting.

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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