That's get it over with...that first record jacket looks like something out of a 70's all girl porn flick. I wonder if this reissue experienced record (pardon the pun)sales??!!! Westminster Gold, the brainchild reissue label of ABC, certainly was known more for their quirky record jackets then for the poor quality, cheap vinyl in which they pressed, often classic performances, onto. Here is an example: two rather fine Wagner compilations, originally recorded by Enoch Light's Command Classics during the early to mid 1960's.
Hans Wilhelm Steinberg was like millions of European immigrants who came to the United States during the first half of the last century; essentially he was born anew and he became in many ways more American then someone native born. Not only did he change his name to William, but he referred to himself as "Buffalo Bill" during his years as music director in that city. Steinberg took great interest in American music, sports and culture and was widely admired for his devotion to the audiences during his tenures in Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Boston. A man of courtly mannerisms, but authoritative nonetheless, Steinberg's interpretations were noted for their clarity, freedom from excess, and above all honesty - no gimmicks.
These two Wagner compilations are yet another example of a Jewish musician who, though driven from his homeland and noting the way that the Nazi's exploited Wagner, chose to recognize the music's genius above the creator's apparent faults. This is above all musical Wagner and Steinberg's beloved Pittsburgh orchestra matches his vision every step of the way. The fault in these recordings lies in the pressings; Wetsminster Gold was a budget shop and their pressings had all the very worst characteristics of a budget label. I do hope that you, the listener, can overlook the less the stellar transfers and just enjoy the music presented in an honest, straightforward, unsentimental manner, as only William Steinberg could do.
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