Name: Westminster Stereotapes WTC-129 Mendelssohn & Bruch Violin Concertos – Julian Olevsky – 4 Track 7 1/2 IPS Reel to Reel
Brand: ReelHifi
Price: 65.00 CAD
Availability: InStock

Westminster Stereotapes WTC-129 Mendelssohn & Bruch Violin Concertos – Julian Olevsky – 4 Track 7 1/2 IPS Reel to Reel

$65.00

Condition:

An outstanding early stereo classical release from Westminster Stereotapes featuring two of the most beloved violin concertos in the repertoire, performed by Julian Olevsky with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra conducted by Julius Rudel.

This is original vintage stock. We do not sell reproductions.

Album Overview
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26

Julian Olevsky delivers a lyrical and expressive performance, beautifully supported by the Vienna State Opera Orchestra. The Mendelssohn is refined and fluid with a graceful, singing second movement and a light, energetic finale. The Bruch brings deeper Romantic weight, with a warm, soaring Adagio and a dramatic, full-bodied orchestral presence.

Westminster’s “Natural Stereo” sound is spacious and well balanced, with excellent violin tone and convincing orchestral depth. A superb demonstration of late 1950s/early 1960s stereo recording.

Tape Details
Label: Westminster Stereotapes
Catalog Number: WTC-129
Format: 4 Track Stereo Reel to Reel
Speed: 7 1/2 IPS
Country: Made in U.S.A.

Playback Condition
Fully playtested.
Plays strong and stable with no issues.
No dropouts or audible defects noted during testing.
Excellent clarity, smooth top end, and natural midrange body.
A very enjoyable listen and a strong performer on a properly serviced deck.

Physical Condition

Reel
Very clean vintage reel.
Labels are bright and fully legible.
Tape winds evenly and performed properly during playback.

Box
Original Westminster box included.
Front cover shows visible surface wear and age-related scuffing consistent with vintage handling.
Edge wear present but structurally solid and fully intact.
Inner box is clean with light age toning.

Overall Condition
A strong vintage copy with excellent playback performance and honest cosmetic wear to the outer box. A very nice example of an early Westminster stereo classical release.

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Duplicator: Westminster

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Reel: 7 inch Tape,

Side 1
Mendelssohn – Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64
Allegro molto appassionato
Andante
Allegretto non troppo – Allegro molto vivace

Side 2
Bruch – Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26
Vorspiel (Allegro moderato)
Adagio
Finale (Allegro energico)

This Westminster Stereotapes release pairs two cornerstone Romantic violin concertos: Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26. Julian Olevsky is front and center with a lyrical, expressive tone that suits both works beautifully, backed by the Vienna State Opera Orchestra under Julius Rudel.

Mendelssohn’s concerto is elegant and flowing, with that unmistakable soaring opening theme delivered with warmth and control. The slow movement is especially well shaped here, intimate and refined, while the finale has the light, dancing character that makes this piece such an enduring favorite.

Bruch’s First Concerto brings a richer, more romantic weight. Olevsky leans into the dramatic phrasing and sweeping melodic lines, giving the Adagio a singing, almost vocal quality. The orchestral backing is balanced and natural, typical of Westminster’s spacious stereo presentation from this era.

This is classic late-50s/early-60s stereo done right—wide soundstage, realistic instrumental placement, and excellent tonal body on the violin.

Tape Review and Playback Notes

This 4-track 7 1/2 IPS stereo tape has been fully playtested. Playback is strong and stable with no issues. No dropouts, no audible defects, and no transport problems during testing. The sound is excellent—clear high frequencies, solid midrange body on the violin, and a smooth, natural orchestral presentation. A very enjoyable listen and a great demonstration piece for a well-sorted vintage deck.

Condition Notes

Reel: Very clean overall. Labels are bright and fully legible. Tape winds evenly and played without issue during testing.

Box: Original Westminster box included. The front cover shows visible surface wear and age-related scuffing, consistent with a vintage tape of this era. Edges show some wear. Structurally solid and fully intact. The inner box is clean with light age toning but no major damage.

Overall: A strong vintage copy with excellent playback performance and honest cosmetic wear to the outer box.

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