BEETHOVEN / Cliburn - "Les Adieux Sonata" - RCA 1966 unplayed 'White Dog' Promo!

"Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 26 in E flat major ("Les Adieux"), Op. 81a, would seem to be a programmatic or semi-programmatic piece of music, but there is some disagreement over the authenticity of that program — or at least over the degree to which Beethoven desired that program to be publicly known. In the spring of 1809, the French army attacked Vienna, and Beethoven's friend, patron, and pupil Archduke Rudolph was forced to flee the city for many months. It is known that on May 21, 1809, Beethoven inscribed the words "On the departure of His Majesty the revered Archduke Rudolph" (originally in French) at the head of the score of his latest project, Op. 81a; but the first published edition of the sonata (1811) goes a step further, assigning to the sonata's three movements the titles "Les adieux," "l'absence," "et le retour" (the farewell, the absence, and the return), respectively. According to some, this assignment of a movement-by-movement program was at Beethoven's express directions; but other sources maintain that Beethoven was absolutely beside himself with fury that his publisher took such a liberty with his music. Whatever the case may be, there can be no doubt that Les Adieux is real and touching evidence of one friend's care for another, and it comes as no real surprise that the piece is far better known for its titles than for its superb music." - AMG.

This is a unplayed, "Promotional Copy" (stamped on the back of the Jacket) RCA Living Stereo 'White Dog' recording from 1966. The jacket was opened just to verify the label. The record has not been removed from it's jacket.

The RCA "Dogs" are considered to be of true Audiophile quality and the "Promotional Copy" issues are the rarest and most sought-after of the lot.

This is an extremely rare find - perfect for the Collector or as a valued addition.

NOTE! Purchase any 3 or more of my LP's together and get 10% off the order as well as savings on shipping! Just click on "More From This Seller" to see a full listing!

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