Milstein Masterpieces for Violin and Orchestra. - Greatest Violin Records!

[@jeffwhitehead6268]

Thanks, Scott! It’s gonna be a stressful 3-6 months trying to grab favorite classical LPs from AP before they disappear forever. We’re lucky to have you in our corner, leading us in the right direction!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much, Jeff. I'm working hard to get the production values up - better camera, consistent lighting, and better sound, and this will go right towards that end. I'll be covering the whole classical reissue situation in subsequent videos, and alerting you to those that are worth your time and money. Thanks again for your support and encouragement!

[@roncronovich9095]

Hi Scott, A music professor friend of mine turned me on to Milstein a couple years ago. I streamed some of his works on TIDAL and immediately fell in love with his playing. I bought the AP/QRP reissue of Milstein's Masterpieces that you review here, a NM copy of his 3-LP Bach Sonatas & Partitas on DG, and a few others. I'm still partial to Heifetz (who as you know is featured on some wonderful RCA LS titles, plus the Lark which you reviewed a year or so ago which is also quite amazing). But Milstein is fantastic; I'm grateful to know about him. You're doing your community of subscribers a real service by introducing them to such a brilliant player and a very reasonably priced, superb sounding collection while it's still available. I didn't know that original pressings of M's Masterpieces were so pricey, but I can see why. As usual, we are lucky that AP/QRP has given the white glove treatment to another wonderful recording, and made it available at a very reasonable price. Thanks for the video, which I enjoyed and appreciated very much.

[@ThePressingMatters]

What a wonderful comment, I loved hearing about your first exposure to Milstein, Th er other records you've heard. Its interesting the contrast with Heifetz. Both wonderful of course.

[@trevorbartram5473]

Scott, your approach to sleuthing AP/QRP releases echoes my 50s/60s jazz searches. About five years ago I checked out used CDs from the lesser labels & found some gems. A few weeks ago I did a more thorough search, this time using the Discogs database for: Mode/VSOP, Bethlehem & Savoy releases & found a few more gems. I believe I've exhausted what's available. Cheers!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I’m a big fan of those labels too, so thanks for sharing!

[@trevorbartram5473]

Scott, it's been a Milstein day here, so thanks for the influence. Masterpieces is not available on Amz Music Unlimited so I had to turn to a YT LP transcription, very nice. I looked for alternate sources such as EMI CD boxset streams of The Art of Milstein & Milstein: Aristocrat Of The Violin but no luck. AMU does have EMI's Milstein Bach Partitas & Beethoven/Brahms violin concertos, all great. Enjoy!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Sound like it was a great day of music! Thanks for watching and commenting! Always good to hear from you, my friend.

[@Orchestra101]

Well done Scott! Yes original has that MAGIC… ❤ I still recommend the reissue as well. Happy listening!!

[@ThePressingMatters]

It's hard to resist an original, especially when it's a Milstein! I suppose the original was tube mastered, hence a bit more magic. Good to hear you've heard both! Thanks for watching!

[@danijelsan81]

That Milstein Tchaikovsky concerto on Cisco is still in stock at AP. Great stuff as always. All the best.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for double checking, Daniel. That's great news. I thought that one of them might be still available.

[@AndrewBell]

Good choice! This is one of the better Analogue Productions records

[@ThePressingMatters]

I agree, absolutely beautiful.

[@musiconrecord6724]

This is hands down my favorite AP classical reissue. Stunning on every level, and the perfect classical record for the newbie. Everyone should have this in their collection. So distressing that Chad is letting these titles go OOP - several of which I had wanted.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm going to try to cover as much as I can so people can have a heads up on how they fare next to originals and various reissues. I had a feeling you might be a fan of this one! Thanks for watching, my friend!

[@musiconrecord6724]

@@ThePressingMatters Two of my most prized records are with Milstein: UK OGs of Beethoven Violin Concerto with Leinsdorf (1962), and Mozart Violin Concertos with the Philharmonia (1965). Gorgeous Columbia sound and his playing is ravishing. All those records you showed of his are brilliant.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Ravishing is an apt description of his style of playing!

[@mcgjohn22]

Nice review. You are correct this is a nice re-issue worth picking up. I don't have an OG Capitol pressing, but another worthwhile comparison may be the OG EMI UK pressing. Both were all done with tube electonics. EMI in the UK issued most of the Capitol recorded titles for the UK market. One of the reasons there are very few audiophile Capitol US pressings is the poor mastering, plating and pressing performed by all the Capitol pressing plants from that era. The main (largest and highest volume) Capitol pressing plant was Scranton, PA, with smaller plants in Jacksonville, IL and LA, CA. When the workers at the Scranton plant decided to unionize in the early 1960s, Capitol moved to search for a new plant and built the non-union Winchester, VA plant, By the early 1970s Capitol was shifting as much production as possible out of Scranton and moving it towards the Winchester Plant. Most of the great EMI UK recordings were mastered and pressed by the Capitol plants under the Angel label for the US market. Sonically most were not very good. During this time frame, the British EMI conglomerate was huge and owned a controlling chunk of Capitol US as well as Toshiba Musical Industries in Japan (the two largest global music markets). Toshiba eventually became Toshiba-EMI. I do not know if the Milstein Masterpieces was ever released in Japan. If anyone really wants to hear what the late 1950s and early 1960s Capitol classical recordings sound like, pick up a few of their tapes. The half tracks are extremely good. The 1/4 tracks are a notch down but also quite good.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Great comment, so much detailed information!! I think you hit a point about the tube mastering of the originals. It does add a certain character that is hard to describe, but it is magical and suits this recording very well. Kevin Gray did not use his tube system on this, so there is less of the glow and more clarity and refinement. I'm thrilled to have both! I'd be even more thrilled to have a UK Capitol, but they rarely made it to these shores. I'm sure its quite rare even in the Uzk.

[@sspe]

Just got home and am spinning the Analogue Productions reissue now. I wish I had the original to compare it to.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Great! Sure it's fun to compare, but instead, just let go of any expectations and focus on the playing. That is where the beauty really lies. The original was mastered with tube equipment and has some pleasant coloration. I think the AP is cleaner, more precise and quieter. Its most likely closer to the master tape.

[@audiophileman7047]

Watching your channel is a real education, Scott. You always come up with titles that I don't know about. I'm a fan of violin classical music, so the Milstein Masterpieces title is something that I'd seriously consider buying. Are you familiar with HIlary Hahn? She is a young contemporary violinist who is considered to be the best violinist of her generation. I have a D2D vinyl pressing of her Retrospective album. It sounds really really good. Anyhow, thanks for this really good review; now I have another artist and title to seek out. 👍👍👍

[@ThePressingMatters]

That comment is important to me. That is part of my goal, to introduce people to things that may be new to them. This is a rather obscure record, saved for future generations of vinyl lovers by Analogue Productions. We've been talking about Hillary in the Everything Classical Music live stream. It's on Wednesday nights at 8pm on the Audiophilia channel. I co-host with Anthony Kershaw. Its a great time!

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters Good to hear that Chad has recognized the importance of this record and has saved it. Hilary, as you know, is superb. I seek out artists like her across genres. I like to support young talent in music, and I can go see them perform live, the ultimate audiophile experience. 👍👍👍

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters I've been remiss in watching Anthony's channel. I would like to, but I have too many things going. When I get settled and there's more time, I will join the Audiophilia fun. I did watch his last two shorter videos. Don't think that he cared for my comment about his audiophile products of 2024 list. You and I have discussed these super expensive products, so you know how I feel about them.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think Anthony understands the frustrations we all have with seeing uber expensive equipment. But, part of his work is covering the state of the art. I felt the same in the days of Absolute Sound and Stereophile. Loved reading about things I might never be able to afford. I expect that as I am now writing for Audiophilia, I might be covering what might be considered more affordable products. The two I have had published were The Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC1 Mini ($1500 USD) and the VPI Analogue Drive System ($950 USD) I'll be talking about this development and may do some video reviews for my channel in conjunction with the written reviews. I must say I enjoy writing just as much as I do making videos! www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2024/11/15/vpi-ads www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2024/11/11/the-sweetvinyl-sugarcube-sc-1-mini Thanks for your comments on this video!

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters Your articles on the VPI ADS and the Sugarcube SC1 Mini units are interesting. My turntable employs a Quartz direct drive which produces pretty good stability. I'm happy with it. Now the Pop and Click Removal SC1 Mini is something to consider. I'm doubtful that you're not going to experience some loss when converting from analog to digital and then back to analog. In science, it's something we call propagation error. Regardless, it may be good enough to revitalize a noisy record. Do other manufacturers make these pop and click removal devices?

[@methimpikehose]

Yeah, I ordered a handful of AP’s Living Stereos too after I saw your other video. Only titles that I musically care for though. So still no Pines of Rome or Faust for me. I considered the Milstein too, but again the program doesn’t really thrill me. That’s just me though. Thank YOU for your always interesting takes on the records. Keep on!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Great comment. I agree, no sense in being a completist if you're not really into the music I just pick my next favorite and go from there. I'll try to report on as many as I can throughout the next year. Thanks for watching and supporting the classical videos!

[@NotedArchived]

Fabulous release. I still need both of those Cisco Capitol reissues! You've inspired me to break this 'Masterpieces' out today. Thanks! Also, fyi, as he was Russian-born, I believe his name is pronounced 'Nah-Tann Mil-Styne' - as opposed to 'Nay-thun Mil-Steen'. Cheers as always for your thoughtful takes and insights.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I had a feeling I might have improved my pronunciation of the artist! Thanks for the tip and for watching this video!

[@ThePressingMatters]

One of those reissues may be a Testament. Check Acoustic Sounds for the Tchaikovsky

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes you are correct.

[@NotedArchived]

@@ThePressingMatters One random question: entering the Holiday season - I was curious if you had the Motettkör 'Cantate Domino' recording from the late 70s. Would love to hear your thoughts / shoot-out on the variants of that title if so. I've head the AudioNautes is the vinyl way to go - now, seemingly out of reach for most. Though, there seems to be a couple other AAA reissues on vinyl as well as a couple reel-to-reel versions. And moreover, if there are any other winter or holiday-themed vinyl titles you would recommend for stellar sound quality...

[@paulmacdowell4010]

This is one of the last Milstein albums released on Capitol. As you mentioned, the playing is absolutely stunning and is a perfect introduction to Mistein's playing. Some of his other Capitol of this time have been reissued wonderfully on Analogphonic talent but these seem to have dried up also. Testament released a remake of Capitol SP 8414 which is his recording of the Goldmark concerto and if you ever see one don't hesitate. I too lament the seeming demise of the classical remastering business and hope that Impex will expand their activities. Your advocacy on their behalf is most welcome.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Paul, Great to hear from you! On your recommendation, I just ordered a copy, and was happy it was still available. We all need to share what we know about these releases. Now you know how I feel when someone buys in my recommendation lol. I pray they will love it😀 And I’m sure I will. That's a rare one. I think I've only seen it once in my life. Not familiar with the Goldmark.

[@edroskott5651]

I just did order it. 82 Euro, But I think it is worth it. I am a big fan of Milstein,

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think you'll love it. Please let me know!

[@mr.classicalmusic5607]

Beautiful recording and cover. I only have the AP Hi-Res download of this one but it sounds great. I once had Milstein's Four Italian Sonatas stereo LP released 1959 on Capitol. Someone offered me $550.00 so I sold it. Thank goodness I made a hi-res digital copy of it.

[@ThePressingMatters]

They are all pretty rare and expensive. I'm going to try out the Testament Goldmark with Milstein on Capitol.

[@mr.classicalmusic5607]

@@ThePressingMatters I had the Goldmark original pressing some years ago but sold it. Unfortunately, I didn't make a digital copy. I didn't know Testament reissued it...need to check it out.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm previewing it on streaming tonight.

[@mr.classicalmusic5607]

@@ThePressingMattersLet me know what you think of it.

[@mr.classicalmusic5607]

@@ThePressingMatters Maybe you can do a video on the Testament Goldmark.

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

Looking forward to that Scott !

[@ThePressingMatters]

Have you an early pressing of this?

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

@@ThePressingMattersonly others by Milstein, I actually quite like some Capital records

[@raywelsh5335]

Mate! Your costing me a fortune 😅. I got the Rubenstein/Reiner recently and you were dead right. So, I guess, Merry Christmas to me...Again! Happy Holidays Scott.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Rey, A happy holiday indeed! That's a fantastic record and you'll be extra happy that you grabbed it when you did. That you love it makes me happy!

[@brucehanon8945]

Scott; I don't understand the numbers on this album. My nuber on 3 originals I have is SP-8528. Also my Analogphonic is also SP-8528. How does this fit in with your original which shows SP-8518? Thank-you Bruce H West-Bloomfield Mi.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Bruce, In what section do you see that number. I quickly reviewed the shot of the label and it is correct.

[@brucehanon8945]

@@ThePressingMatters Hi Scott; When you showed the label during the review, the label showed SP 8518. my labels are all SP 8528. Maybe I should look again. Sorry if I was incorrect. Bruce

[@ThePressingMatters]

@brucehanon8945 Yes, I think you might have been mistaken. I watched it a few times( (I'll check the LP tonight)

[@scottwheeler2679]

Analogphonic also did a reissue of this title

[@ThePressingMatters]

I've never heard one of their releases, do you like them?

[@scottwheeler2679]

@@ThePressingMatters Yes. They are the real deal. Their records are mastered by Rainer Maillard at Emil Berliner Studios.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I see they are all out of stock these days. Did they cease operations?

[@scottwheeler2679]

@@ThePressingMatters I don't think so. Their webpage is still active. But I think the Millstein is out of print. But it looks like they have a couple others that are still in print

[@sspe]

Great video Scott. Have you found any other Capitol Classical music records that sound good?

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm going to survey what I have and I'll have more information soon. Thanks for your interest in this topic!

[@sspe]

@@ThePressingMatters Most of mine are disappointing but the ones I like tend to be the rainbow labels

[@ThePressingMatters]

I don't really recall many exceptional ones, but many are still desirable for unusual repertoire or certain artists. I think the violin records they did were special, if not quite at the same level sonically as the best labels.

[@chrislj2890]

I just ordered it from Acoustic Sounds, along with six other LPs. At least the others were eligible for the 10% discount. Stop cajoling me into spending money, lol.

[@ThePressingMatters]

It would be nice to get a discount on AP releases in these sales. But I must say, I am very confident recommending titles like this because the quality is there. I'm sure you'll love the Milstein! Think of it as the Christmas present no one else would think to give you!

[@chrislj2890]

@@ThePressingMatters I must admit, I'm much better at picking out gifts for myself. 😉

[@ThePressingMatters]

@chrislj2890 Oh, me too. I tell my friends and family not to bother :-)

[@chrislj2890]

@@ThePressingMatters That's what I like about Music Direct, usually their 10% or 15% sales cover most everything. Last week I got 12 LPs at 15% off and then I ordered those six Beatles mono records at 15% off which should come this week. I usually have my wish lists stocked up in anticipation of sales. Looking forward to that Milstein to see how he stacks up to Jascha Heifetz.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Let me know what you think!

[@Cheech36ful]

Sorely disappointed with the record which has to be a flawed pressing. Quiet but distortion on highs and collapsed soundstage with violin and orchestra pushed into the right channel. AP is apparently sending a replacement to my vendor.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Wow, I'm sorry you experienced that. You're description sounds nothing like what I have here. Its faithful to the original and while not an audiophile recording, its very good early stereo, with some of the limitations. However you should not be hearing distortion on the violin at all. The orchestral sound is not like a Decca Wilkinson, but is quite good. I hope you get a better copy, but if it doesn't grow in you, it will be a desirable record to someone else. I hope you get it sorted out.

[@ergloo6660]

Informative, thank you

[@ThePressingMatters]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@celtic-audiophile]

I bought this earlier this year, it’s wonderful, had a warp unfortunately and returning to the US is expensive, so I solved it enough to play fine with my flattener 🫶

[@ThePressingMatters]

Oh, perhaps it happened on the long journey to you. It is a wonderful record, and I'm so glad to have both. I haven't yet tried a flattener, may I ask which you used?

[@celtic-audiophile]

@ hi Scott, Sorry I responded last week but didn’t press send. The one I bought is a US made model, extremely good value compared to the Japanese one that AS sell and they have a thanksgiving sale just closing with a discount and free US shipping, I had to cop for shipping and UK duties. So much value already in saved vinyl They are lovely helpful people, tell Jenn her U.K. customer recommended her please. If you go ahead the give extremely useful tips and works on an app on your phone, so it can be cooking and you can stop it from anywhere or let the timer do its job