UK original DECCA SXL NB. Kyung-Wha Chung and Radu Lupu performs sonatas by Franck and Debussy.
Record is in EX+! Cover is EX+!

Franck: Violin Sonata in A major & Debussy: Violin Sonata in G minor – Decca UK Original NB SXL 6944 Featuring Kyung-Wha Chung and Radu Lupu

The Decca UK Original NB SXL 6944 is a highly acclaimed classical LP featuring violinist Kyung-Wha Chung and pianist Radu Lupu performing César Franck’s Violin Sonata in A major and Claude Debussy’s Violin Sonata in G minor. Released in the 1970s as part of Decca’s SXL series, this narrow band (NB) pressing is revered for its exceptional sound quality and the profound musical partnership between Chung and Lupu. The recording brings together two iconic Romantic and Impressionist works for violin and piano, interpreted by two of the most highly regarded musicians of their generation.

About Kyung-Wha Chung

Kyung-Wha Chung (b. 1948) is a South Korean violinist known for her virtuosic technique, powerful tone, and intense emotional expressiveness. A child prodigy, Chung moved to New York to study at the Juilliard School, where she quickly gained a reputation for her remarkable talent. Her 1970s recordings, particularly for Decca, solidified her status as one of the foremost violinists of her time. Known for her passion and commitment, Chung’s performances are characterized by their precision, warmth, and deep interpretive insight, making her an ideal interpreter of both Franck and Debussy.

About Radu Lupu

Radu Lupu (1945–2022) was a Romanian pianist celebrated for his poetic approach to music, often marked by a profound sensitivity and lyrical touch. His interpretations of Romantic and Impressionist composers like Schubert, Brahms, and Debussy are particularly admired, and his playing is noted for its depth, nuance, and intimacy. Lupu’s ability to shape phrases with care and his masterful control over dynamics made him a perfect chamber partner for Chung, and together they created a timeless interpretation of these works.

The LP and Its Significance

Label and Pressing: Released by Decca Records in the UK, SXL 6944 is part of Decca’s celebrated SXL series, known for its superb stereo recordings and high-quality pressings. This NB (narrow band) pressing, while a later edition in the SXL series, is still highly prized by collectors and audiophiles for its clarity, dynamic range, and faithful sound reproduction.

Sound Quality: The sound quality of SXL 6944 is exceptional, capturing the full spectrum of tonal colors from both instruments. Decca’s engineers expertly balanced Chung’s violin and Lupu’s piano, allowing each instrument to shine individually while blending seamlessly as an ensemble. The recording highlights the warmth and brilliance of Chung’s violin, alongside the nuanced, lyrical qualities of Lupu’s piano, making this LP a favorite among audiophiles.

Collectibility: As an original NB SXL pressing, SXL 6944 is highly collectible, particularly for those who appreciate high-caliber violin and piano chamber music recordings. The reputation of Chung and Lupu, along with the rarity of this pressing, makes it a valuable addition to any classical vinyl collection. Well-preserved copies are especially sought after due to the combination of masterful performances and high-quality sound.

About the Works: Franck’s Violin Sonata in A major and Debussy’s Violin Sonata in G minor

This LP brings together two of the most celebrated violin sonatas from the late Romantic and early Impressionist periods, each presenting a unique blend of emotional depth and technical challenges.

César Franck: Violin Sonata in A major
Composed in 1886 as a wedding gift for the violinist Eugène Ysa e, Franck’s Violin Sonata in A major is one of the most beloved pieces in the violin repertoire. The work is noted for its cyclic form, where themes introduced in one movement reappear in different forms throughout the sonata. This sonata is comprised of four movements:

Allegretto ben moderato: A serene and lyrical opening movement, marked by its graceful, flowing melody and intimate mood. Allegro: The second movement is more intense and passionate, featuring dramatic contrasts and virtuosic passages for both violin and piano. Recitativo-Fantasia: This movement is meditative and free-form, with a quasi-improvisatory feel that allows both performers to explore emotional depth. Allegretto poco mosso: The final movement is joyous and features a canon between the violin and piano, bringing the sonata to an exuberant close.

Chung’s interpretation of Franck’s sonata is widely praised for its lyrical beauty and emotional intensity. Her dynamic control and expressiveness bring out the sonata’s romantic and poetic qualities, while Lupu’s pianistic sensitivity provides a perfect counterpoint, enhancing the dialogue between the two instruments.

Claude Debussy: Violin Sonata in G minor
Composed in 1917, Debussy’s Violin Sonata was one of his final works and reflects his late Impressionist style, filled with subtle colors, rhythmic fluidity, and unexpected harmonies. The sonata is in three movements:

Allegro vivo: The first movement opens with an enigmatic theme and is marked by contrasts between light and shadow, with quicksilver changes in mood and texture. Intermède (Fantasque et léger): This movement is playful, filled with lively, delicate exchanges between the violin and piano. Finale (Très animé): The last movement is animated and spirited, with rhythmic vitality and a sense of spontaneity that captures Debussy’s late style.

Chung’s approach to Debussy’s sonata captures its ethereal, otherworldly qualities, with her ability to shift colors and textures in her playing. Lupu’s piano accompaniment complements her perfectly, adding layers of subtlety and complexity to the performance, creating an interpretation that is widely regarded as one of the finest recordings of Debussy’s sonata.

Why This Recording is Special

Masterful Collaboration: The collaboration between Kyung-Wha Chung and Radu Lupu on this LP is widely regarded as one of the most successful partnerships in chamber music recordings. Their interpretation of both Franck and Debussy’s sonatas showcases a perfect balance between technical mastery and emotional depth, with each performer enhancing the other’s strengths.

Decca’s Audiophile Quality: The SXL series by Decca is known for its superior sound quality, and SXL 6944 is no exception. The clarity, warmth, and natural balance of the recording allow listeners to fully appreciate the nuances of Chung and Lupu’s performance. For audiophiles, this LP remains a favorite due to its faithful and immersive sound reproduction.

Collector’s Appeal: As an original NB SXL pressing, SXL 6944 is highly prized by collectors, particularly those who appreciate high-quality violin and piano recordings. The combination of renowned performers, exceptional sound quality, and the rarity of the pressing makes this LP a valuable item in the classical vinyl market.

Conclusion

The Decca UK original SXL 6944 LP, featuring Kyung-Wha Chung and Radu Lupu performing Franck’s Violin Sonata in A major and Debussy’s Violin Sonata in G minor, is a landmark recording in the world of violin and piano chamber music. Chung and Lupu’s insightful and technically brilliant interpretations, combined with Decca’s exceptional sound quality, make this LP 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.
Worldwide shipping rates (note that boxes counts as the number of records in the box): 1-2 LPs €18 3-5 Lps €25 6-8 Lps €30 7+ Lps €40
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.