SXL 2274 *BEETHOVEN - SYMPHONY No. 9 - RARE UNRELEASED

$

721

BEETHOVEN - SYMPHONY No. 9 You will probably remember that I put these up for auction about four months ago with incomplete details of their origin ... well, thanks to further research and help from invaluable resources (including MM, David Mead & Decca archives) we now have the full picture. These discs are of the classic Ansermet & OSR recording made in Victoria Hall, Geneva on April 21st, 23rd, 25th & 26th 1959.

This really is a very rare item. I have spent many years trying to discover all the facts surrounding these test pressings. What we have is the original master test pressings of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony over three sides of vinyl. This is how the set was intended to be released an SXL set with two discs (like all the great Beethoven Ninth sets). This set got remastered onto one lp, two sides of vinyl, [SXL 2274 with stamper numbers ZAL-4604] as was the fad in the early sixties and the recording never saw the light of day as it was first planned. You can now experience this set without the butchered third movement. What is truly unique about this auction is that we have two full versions of the same performance. One set is the first Stereo 1E stampers, the second is 2E and a mono 1A. A very small reserve has been placed on this set (well two sets) given the rarity, and probable uniqueness. I could certainly make more money selling the two sets separately but these discs are of museum/archive importance and so should remain together.

All six test pressings are grooved Decca one-sided lps. No catalogue numbers in this auction folks, just stamper numbers.
I'm also including in this sale a copy of the recording as it was eventually released - this is a wide band grooved 1st UK edition. This is a freebie and is NOT in great condition - but demonstrates well the difference in mastering and squashing onto two sides. The vinyl is marked but playable and the sleeve is cut along the top seam - don't bid on this record it is just an extra. Of course if the winner already owns this lp I will happily keep hold of it.

STAMPER. NOS:
Set One = ZAL 4491-1E + ZAL 4492-1E + ZAL 4493-1E
Set Two = ZAL 4491-2E + ZAL 4492-2E + ARL 4493-1A

Grading the vinyl fairly conservatively there are a few small marks on a couple of sides. Other than that there is some minor surface noise, more on some sides than others.
For international bidders I accept PAYPAL. For U.K bidders I also accept personal cheques but y'all know how long they take to clear. All monies must be received within 10 days. I am not responsible for lost or damaged parcels if they are sent uninsured but I do always send with proof of postage. Large shipments upto 50kg available. Any more questions just email me.
Postage within the UK for 1LP is $5.50, Europe is $7.50 and the Rest of the World is $11.00 Postage for more than 1LP is calculated at exact cost by weight - I do not make money out of postage.
Check my other auctions this week for more obscure and rare classical records.

Don't be shy bid today