Serge Koussevitzky - Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (1947) [2011]

Koussevitzky's only commercial recording of the 9th

Incredible sound quality extracted from previously unplayed vinyl 78rpm pressings

This transfer is unusual in that it came from a largely unplayed set of clear red vinyl-like 78s issued by RCA Victor under the "Red Seal De Luxe" label in the second half of the 1940s. Although pressed from the same masters as their shellac equivalents, they cost twice as much and were advertised as much for their unbreakability as their much quieter and cleaner surfaces. It was a format which was soon superseded by microgroove LPs and 45s, pressed onto very similar plastic.


Tracks:

BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 9 "Choral"

Personnel:

Frances Yeend soprano
Eunice Alberts contralto
David Lloyd tenor
James Pease bass
Berkshire Music Festival Chorus
Serge Koussevitzky, conductor
Boston Symphony Orchestra