UK original COLUMBIA 33CX. David Oistrakh and Vladimir Jampolskij perform Franck's and Szymanowski's Sonatas.
Record is in EX+! Cover is EX+!

Franck: Violin Sonata in A major & Szymanowski: Violin Sonata in D minor, Op. 9 – Columbia UK Original 33CX 1201 Featuring David Oistrakh and Vladimir Yampolsky

The Columbia UK Original 33CX 1201 LP features the renowned violinist David Oistrakh and pianist Vladimir Yampolsky performing two significant works in the violin and piano repertoire: César Franck’s Violin Sonata in A major and Karol Szymanowski’s Violin Sonata in D minor, Op. 9. Released in the early 1950s as part of Columbia's esteemed 33CX series, this LP is highly valued for both the quality of its performances and its collectible nature. Oistrakh’s expressive depth and technical mastery, paired with Yampolsky’s insightful accompaniment, make this recording an essential for enthusiasts of violin music.

About David Oistrakh

David Oistrakh (1908–1974) was one of the 20th century's most revered violinists, known for his warm tone, impeccable technique, and emotional depth. A Soviet artist of international fame, Oistrakh was celebrated for his interpretations of both Romantic and 20th-century repertoire. His recordings remain iconic, and his interpretation of Franck’s Violin Sonata in A major is considered a benchmark for the work. His collaborations with pianist Vladimir Yampolsky were marked by a unique synergy, as both musicians shared a similar depth of interpretative insight and attention to detail.

About Vladimir Yampolsky

Vladimir Yampolsky (1905–1972) was a distinguished Soviet pianist known for his sensitive and expressive accompaniment. As a close collaborator of many of the USSR’s most prominent instrumentalists, Yampolsky was respected for his ability to support the soloist while bringing depth and nuance to the music. His partnership with Oistrakh was particularly admired, and their collaboration on 33CX 1201 showcases Yampolsky’s subtle, yet powerful, musical contributions.

The LP and Its Significance

Label and Pressing: Released by Columbia Records in the UK, 33CX 1201 is part of the 33CX series, known for its high-quality mono recordings. These early pressings are highly prized by collectors for their exceptional sound quality, especially in chamber music, where the balance between instruments is crucial. The 33CX series is known for capturing the warmth and detail of live performances, making this LP especially appealing to audiophiles and collectors.

Sound Quality: Despite being a mono recording, the sound quality on 33CX 1201 is outstanding. Columbia’s engineers managed to capture the rich tonal qualities of Oistrakh’s violin and Yampolsky’s piano with remarkable clarity and warmth. The recording allows each phrase and dynamic shift to shine, highlighting the interpretive depth and chemistry between the two artists. The balance is particularly well-suited for Franck’s lush sonorities and Szymanowski’s complex textures, making this LP a rewarding listening experience.

Collectibility: As an original Columbia 33CX pressing, 33CX 1201 is highly collectible. David Oistrakh’s recordings are widely sought after, and this LP is especially rare, as it features both a popular Romantic piece by Franck and a lesser-known work by Szymanowski. Well-preserved copies are prized for their historical significance and exceptional sound quality, often commanding high prices among collectors.

About the Works: Franck’s Violin Sonata in A major and Szymanowski’s Violin Sonata in D minor, Op. 9

The program on this LP combines two contrasting works: Franck’s lyrical and cyclic sonata and Szymanowski’s passionate, complex early composition. Together, they showcase both the beauty of late Romanticism and the intensity of early 20th-century music.

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. It exemplifies Franck’s use of cyclic form, where themes recur and develop across movements, creating a cohesive emotional journey. The sonata has four movements:

Allegretto ben moderato: A serene and lyrical opening, marked by its flowing melody and understated beauty. Allegro: The second movement is intense and dramatic, with contrasting themes that showcase both virtuosity and lyrical expressiveness. Recitativo-Fantasia: The third movement is reflective and improvisational in character, allowing the violin and piano to engage in a deeply personal dialogue. Allegretto poco mosso: The final movement, a joyful canon, brings the sonata to an uplifting conclusion.

Oistrakh’s performance of the Franck Sonata is celebrated for its warmth and passion. His powerful, nuanced interpretation captures the romanticism and lyricism of Franck’s music, while Yampolsky’s refined accompaniment provides a balanced and complementary support.

Karol Szymanowski: Violin Sonata in D minor, Op. 9
Composed in 1904, Szymanowski’s Violin Sonata in D minor, Op. 9 reflects the young composer’s fascination with the Romantic idiom. This sonata is rich in melodic invention, harmonic complexity, and dramatic contrasts, showcasing Szymanowski’s early voice before he developed the unique, nationalistic style that would later define his work. The sonata has three movements:

Allegro moderato: The first movement is passionate and lyrical, with a dark, introspective quality that foreshadows Szymanowski’s later works. Andantino tranquillo e dolce: The second movement is more lyrical and intimate, offering a beautiful contrast to the intensity of the opening. Finale (Allegro molto, quasi presto): The final movement is vigorous and energetic, showcasing virtuosic demands on both the violin and piano.

Oistrakh’s interpretation of Szymanowski’s sonata highlights the emotional intensity and virtuosity of the work, while Yampolsky’s accompaniment brings out the piece’s harmonic depth and rhythmic drive. Their performance is considered one of the definitive recordings of this lesser-known gem, bringing Szymanowski’s expressive power and lyrical richness to life.

Why This Recording is Special

Masterful Interpretation: David Oistrakh’s interpretations of both Franck and Szymanowski’s sonatas are marked by a rare combination of technical mastery and emotional expressiveness. His collaboration with Yampolsky allows each piece to be heard in its full complexity and beauty, with each musician enhancing the other’s strengths. Their shared musical understanding makes this recording particularly compelling.

Historical Significance: This LP represents a unique moment in 20th-century classical music, capturing two great Soviet musicians performing Western Romantic and early modern repertoire at a time when cross-cultural exchange was limited. The recording showcases Oistrakh’s role as an ambassador of great violin playing and contributes to the global appreciation of composers like Szymanowski.

Columbia’s Audiophile Quality: The 33CX series is known for its high fidelity and warm, detailed mono sound. 33CX 1201 is a prime example, allowing listeners to fully experience the tonal beauty of Oistrakh’s violin and Yampolsky’s piano. This LP remains a favorite among audiophiles, as it offers an intimate, natural sound quality that complements the Romantic and Impressionistic qualities of the works.

Collector’s Appeal: As an original 33CX pressing, 33CX 1201 is a prized item for collectors of both Oistrakh’s work and rare chamber music recordings. The combination of the Franck and Szymanowski sonatas, as well as the high quality of the pressing, makes this LP a valuable and sought-after item in the classical vinyl market.

Conclusion

The Columbia UK original 33CX 1201 LP, featuring David Oistrakh and Vladimir Yampolsky performing Franck’s Violin Sonata in A major and Szymanowski’s Violin Sonata in D minor, is a landmark recording of two important works in the violin repertoire. Oistrakh’s emotive, technically superb playing, combined with Yampolsky’s thoughtful accompaniment, creates a recording that is both musically and historically significant. Its rarity, exceptional sound quality, and collectible value ensure that this LP remains highly sought-after among collectors and classical music enthusiasts alike.

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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