Guiomar Novaes: Chopin Waltzes (Complete)

Vox STPL 58.170

My knowledge of classical music is limited, but I enjoy listening to different interpretations of Chopin's piano works. Guiomar Novaes is a well-regarded pianist, but her recording of Chopin's waltzes is not on CD. I don't know who makes these decisions or how they are decided, but it seems anyone with an interest in classical music would have to have a turntable to hear the majority of classical recordings.

This record was a thrift shop find (99¢), a bit worn but still in listenable condition. Sources indicate that the recording was made "around 1954." I was too lazy to photograph the cover this time, which looks just like in the photo above.

From Music magazine: "Novaes plays her 15 waltzes with steely brilliance, non-dogmatic control and a healthy dash of playfulness and thus provides an excellent alternate view of these works."

Op. 34 No. 2 in A Minor

Op. 64 No. 1 in D-flat Major (Minute Waltz)

Op. 64 No. 2 in C-sharp Minor

Op. 69 No. 1 in A-flat Major

Op. 69 No. 2 in B Minor

The Waverly Consort: Spanish Music In The Age of Exploration (1981)

CBS 37208

I found this LP new and sealed at the thrift shop. I find that unopened older LPs can sometimes be quite noisy (crackly). Presumably some process takes place in the years since it was pressed that is detrimental to the record surface. This LP sounds better than most, but not perfect. The cover photo had to be taken at an angle to avoid the glare from the shrink wrap.

This record is not on CD, though it is available on cassette from the Waverly Consort website. Associated equipment: Technics SL-7/Ortofon X1-MCP. 

Una matica de ruda (Sephardic song)

Nicholas Gombert: Dezilde al cavallero

Paul Parrish: Songs (1971)

Warner Brothers 1930

I had never heard of Paul Parrish when I picked this LP up at the thrift shop for 99 cents. One reason I shop for records at the thrift shop is they are inexpensive enough that I can buy them just to see if I like them or not. If not, I donate them back to the store. Another reason is I'm cheap.

This record is a little bit too sunshiny for me at times, but there are some nice songs on here, and the production is good. The record is a good condition. It is not on CD. Associated equipment: Technics SL-7/Ortofon X1-MCP.

I Once Had a Dog

Jaynie

Pink Limousine

Mark O'Connor: Pickin' in the Wind (1976)

Rounder 0068

I picked this LP up at a thrift shop ($1) because John Hartford plays and/or sings on five tracks. This was Mark O'Connor's second album, recorded when he was fourteen years old. It is not on CD.

The record is in good shape, the cover only fair. Update: I cleaned this LP with the VPI record cleaner, and it sounds excellent now. I re-digitized Faded Love and Lonesome Fiddle Blues and updated their links below.

Associated equipment: Technics SL-7/Ortofon X1-MCP.

Faded Love (John Hartford, lead vocal)

Lonesome Fiddle Blues

Midnight on the Water

Dixie Hoedown

Mark's Waltz

Vozes De Raparigas: Portuguese Girls Sing

Request RLP 8087

This was a thrift shop find (99¢), in good shape, still in the shrink wrap. The original recording, however, is only of fair quality. The title is probably a mistranslation, as the group sounds like a women's choir.

The song samples were made using the Technics SL-7/Ortofon X1-MCP combo described in the previous post.

From the LP:
"Coro Feminino Da Emissora Nacional De Radiodifusão
Conductor: Fernando de Carvalho"


Esquiva (Sullen Girl)

Era Ainda Pequenina (I Was Still a Child)

Alcachofra (The Thistle)

O Mar Alto (The Deep Sea)