Nothing new or rare here, but LP mavens wishing these performances in state-of-the-art analog transfers on super thick, extra virgin vinyl should investigate this boxed set. The Argerich Ravel G major and Prokofiev Third Concertos sound marginally less detailed than in DG’s 20-bit CD incarnations. On vinyl, Pollini’s piano has more “ping” in the overtones but less mid-range information than the CD version of his justly famous Chopin Etudes. Some may find the Michelangeli/Giulini Beethoven First Concerto overly studied and self-concious in its sobriety of spirit. I, however, always have been drawn to both conductor and pianist’s scrupulous concentration and broad elegance. The LP transfer masks some of the residual hall ambience as well as audience noises. For ordering information, contact Speakers Corner Records, Kronsberg 13, D-24161 Altenholz, Germany (www.speakerscorner.de).
