DGG RED STEREO Original. Pierre Fournier and Friedrich Gulda performs Beethoven's Cello Sonatas and Mozart's Variations on "Bei Männern...". RED STEREO STICKER!
Record is EX+! Cover is VG+! Nice with some edgewear. 

Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69 & Mozart: Cello Sonata in B-flat major, K. 292 – DGG Red Stereo ED1 138082 Featuring Pierre Fournier and Friedrich Gulda

The DGG Red Stereo ED1 138082 LP presents cellist Pierre Fournier and pianist Friedrich Gulda in a celebrated recording of Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69 and Mozart’s Sonata in B-flat major, K. 292. Released by Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft (DGG), this LP is renowned for its clarity, warmth, and the synergy between Fournier’s lyrical playing and Gulda’s articulate, expressive accompaniment. These two exceptional musicians bring out the melodic beauty, structural depth, and contrasting styles of Beethoven and Mozart, making this LP a treasured piece for collectors and enthusiasts of classical chamber music.

About Pierre Fournier and Friedrich Gulda

Pierre Fournier (1906–1986) was a French cellist often referred to as the “Aristocrat of Cellists,” celebrated for his refined tone, technical mastery, and elegant phrasing. His interpretations of Beethoven and other Romantic repertoire are highly esteemed for their depth and expressiveness. Friedrich Gulda (1930–2000), an Austrian pianist known for his versatility, excelled in both classical and jazz music. His collaborative style was marked by precision, rhythmic vitality, and sensitivity, which made him a perfect partner for Fournier in these nuanced works.

The LP and Its Significance

Label and Pressing: The DGG Red Stereo ED1 is a highly prized pressing among collectors for its sound quality and rarity. This early Deutsche Grammophon stereo release captures the tonal depth and balance between Fournier’s cello and Gulda’s piano, making it a valuable piece for classical collectors.

Sound Quality: The sound quality on DGG Red Stereo ED1 138082 is exceptional, with DG’s engineers capturing the warmth of Fournier’s cello and the clarity of Gulda’s piano. The stereo imaging allows for a balanced soundstage, giving listeners a sense of proximity and intimacy with the performers. This LP is well-regarded by audiophiles for its faithful reproduction of the duo’s intricate phrasing and dynamic range.

Collectibility: As an original DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing, 138082 is highly collectible, especially for fans of Fournier, Gulda, and chamber music. Its rarity, coupled with the extraordinary performance, makes it a sought-after item in the classical vinyl market.

About Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69

Composed in 1808, Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major is one of Beethoven’s most beloved works for cello and piano, known for its lyrical beauty and structural complexity. The sonata’s three movements allow for a rich dialogue between the cello and piano:

Allegro, ma non tanto: The first movement opens with a lyrical melody introduced by the cello, setting a tone of both introspection and grandeur. The interplay between instruments is sophisticated, with both cello and piano sharing and developing the main themes.

Scherzo: Allegro molto: The second movement is a playful and rhythmic scherzo, featuring syncopated rhythms and lively exchanges. It provides a contrast to the first movement’s more lyrical tone.

Adagio cantabile – Allegro vivace: The final movement begins with a brief, lyrical Adagio before moving into a spirited Allegro vivace. This lively conclusion showcases Beethoven’s characteristic blend of melodic richness and rhythmic drive.

In this recording, Fournier’s warm, expressive tone and Gulda’s precise yet lyrical accompaniment bring out the sonata’s contrasting moods, highlighting the intimate dialogue Beethoven crafted between the cello and piano.

About Mozart’s Sonata in B-flat major, K. 292

Mozart’s Sonata in B-flat major, K. 292 was originally written for bassoon and keyboard, but it is frequently performed on cello, as in this recording. Known for its elegance and light-hearted character, the sonata reflects Mozart’s early Classical style, filled with charm and wit.

Allegro: The first movement is bright and lively, with a graceful main theme that is both playful and expressive.

Andante: The second movement is more reflective, with a song-like quality that provides an emotional depth to the piece.

Rondo: Allegro: The final movement is a lively rondo, bringing the sonata to a cheerful and satisfying close.

Fournier and Gulda’s interpretation of the Mozart sonata emphasizes its Classical clarity and elegance, with Fournier’s lyrical phrasing matched by Gulda’s light and articulate accompaniment.

Fournier and Gulda’s Interpretation

Expressive Lyricism and Technical Precision: Fournier’s warm, singing tone and lyrical phrasing bring depth to both sonatas, especially in Beethoven’s more introspective first movement. Gulda’s clear, precise accompaniment complements Fournier, providing a grounded yet expressive foundation.

Balanced Dialogue and Synergy: The partnership between Fournier and Gulda is marked by a strong sense of dialogue and balance, with neither instrument dominating. Their mutual sensitivity to phrasing and dynamics allows them to capture the nuanced interplay in both Beethoven and Mozart’s works.

Stylistic Clarity: The duo’s interpretation reflects the stylistic demands of each composer, with Beethoven’s sonata rendered with emotional depth and complexity, while Mozart’s is treated with grace and lightness. This clarity of style highlights the versatility and technical skill of both musicians.

Why This Recording is Special

Definitive Performance: Fournier and Gulda’s reading of Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 3 is regarded as one of the definitive interpretations, celebrated for its expressive depth and technical mastery. Their performance of Mozart’s sonata is similarly esteemed, capturing its charm and elegance.

High Audiophile Quality: The DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing is known for its excellent sound quality, capturing the warmth, clarity, and dynamic range of the performance. Audiophiles appreciate this LP for its natural sound and balanced acoustics.

Collector’s Appeal: As an original DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing, 138082 is highly valued by collectors. The combination of Fournier and Gulda’s renowned interpretation, the rarity of this pressing, and the high production standards of DG make it a prized item in the classical vinyl market.

Conclusion

The DGG Red Stereo ED1 138082 LP, featuring Pierre Fournier and Friedrich Gulda performing Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 3 and Mozart’s Sonata in B-flat major, is a landmark recording of two masterful chamber works. Fournier’s expressive, refined playing and Gulda’s sensitive accompaniment, combined with DG’s high-quality production, make this LP a treasured possession for collectors and chamber 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
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