Some folks on google groups classical recordings were looking for this record and, well I happened to have it. This, I believe, is the first of the "first chair" albums issued in Philadelphia and the success of it would yield additional Philly installments, as well as versions featuring other orchestras in the United States.
No doubt that Eugene Ormandy had, in 1952, fantastic principal players. Some like William Kinkaid on flute, had been around for decades and had not dropped a beat. Ormandy was a shrewd man and recognized that highlighting his orchestral leaders in an album such as this would be good for the orchestra, the players, sales and Eugene Ormandy. Thus we have this fine sampler featuring works of the baroque up through the modern day, deftly handled by those fabulous Philadelphians.
Sound is pretty good here though there are a couple clicks due to a less than pristine lp. This is a great chance to hear some of the best orchestral players of the day, up close and under spotlight.
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