Karajan – Smetana and Liszt: Sealed LP vinyl

Description

Karajan: Smetana and Liszt on vinyl LP

This LP from Círculo de Lectores brings together four orchestral works by Bedřich Smetana and Franz Liszt, conducted by Herbert von Karajan with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. The back cover identifies the edition with the reference 52217. No year of publication is visible in the available images, so no date can be attributed, and this club edition should not be confused with other Karajan recordings containing similar repertoire.

The copy retains its original seal and is listed as new. Because it is sealed, the disc surface has not been examined, nor has it been play tested. The front and back cover photographs allow you to verify the design, composers' names, track selection, and liner notes. The following list reproduces the titles printed on each side.

Side A: Bedřich Smetana

1. The Moldau (Vltava)
2. Vyšehrad

Side A comprises two symphonic poems linked to the cycle Má vlast (My Homeland). «The Moldau,» also known by its Czech name Vltava, evokes the river's course; «Vyšehrad» takes its name from the historic fortress in Prague. The Czech National Museum documents both pieces as part of Smetana's cycle of six symphonic poems. They are presented here in the order indicated on the back cover, without adding any clues not included in this edition.

Side B: Franz Liszt

1. The Preludes (Les Préludes)
2. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 4

The B-side shifts to Liszt's repertoire with "Les Préludes" and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 4. Les Préludes is one of Liszt's symphonic poems; his catalogue of works includes the piece within that orchestral genre. The combination of two composers and four titles makes this release easily distinguishable from other compilations of Smetana, Liszt, or Karajan.

Herbert von Karajan was the conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic for decades; the orchestra's website contains a biographical sketch of his career. Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884) occupies a central place in Czech music, and his song cycle Má vlast is one of his best-known orchestral works. Franz Liszt (1811–1886), pianist and composer, developed the symphonic poem as a single-movement orchestral form. This information helps to contextualize the repertoire without making pronouncements about the sound or condition of this particular recording. For further information, please consult the Czech National Museum page about Má vlast, he catalogue of Liszt's symphonic works and the Karajan's biography at the Berlin Philharmonic. Look at the photos to assess the sealed case and confirm reference 52217.

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