HMV ASD 317-318 UK Orig ED1 W/C 2LP Liszt A Faust Symphony Beecham EX+
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Description
UK original His Master's Voice ED1 White/Cream ASD! Sir Thomas Beecham conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Liszt's A Faust Symphony.
Records are EX+! Covers are EX!
Liszt: A Faust Symphony – Conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – HMV ASD 317-318 (UK Orig ED1, White and Gold Label, 2LP Set)
This HMV UK original ED1 release (catalog numbers ASD 317-318) features Sir Thomas Beecham conducting Franz Liszt’s A Faust Symphony, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This 2-LP set on the White and Gold (W/C) label is highly valued among collectors for both its superior audio quality and Beecham’s renowned interpretation of Liszt’s ambitious work. Released in the early 1960s, this pressing captures the drama, passion, and depth of Liszt’s symphonic depiction of Goethe’s Faust.
About the Recording
- Conductor: Sir Thomas Beecham (1879–1961) was a legendary British conductor known for his expressive and nuanced interpretations, particularly of Romantic repertoire. His approach to A Faust Symphony brings out the work’s vivid emotional contrasts and complex orchestration, highlighting the essence of Liszt’s Romantic vision.
- Orchestra: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the UK’s premier ensembles, performs with intensity and precision, complementing Beecham’s direction and bringing depth to Liszt’s thematic exploration of Faust, Gretchen, and Mephistopheles.
Album Details
- Label: HMV (His Master’s Voice) UK
- Catalog Numbers: ASD 317-318
- Format: 2 × Vinyl LP, Stereo
- Country: United Kingdom
- Release Year: Early 1960s
- Label Design: Original ED1 White and Gold (W/C) label, the earliest and most collectible edition of this release
Tracklist
Franz Liszt: A Faust Symphony
- Faust
- Gretchen
- Mephistopheles
Each movement of A Faust Symphony is dedicated to one of the main characters in Goethe’s Faust, with Liszt’s innovative orchestration and thematic development capturing the philosophical and emotional essence of each figure.
Sound Quality and Collectibility
The ED1 W/C pressing of HMV ASD 317-318 is highly regarded for its warm, full-bodied sound quality, capturing the rich textures of Liszt’s orchestration and the dynamic contrasts within Beecham’s interpretation. The White and Gold label adds to its collectibility, marking it as a first edition sought after by vinyl enthusiasts and classical collectors for both its historical value and exceptional audio fidelity.
Why This Recording is Special
- Definitive Interpretation: Beecham’s reading of A Faust Symphony is considered one of the definitive interpretations, praised for its balance of intellectual rigor and emotional intensity.
- Collector’s Edition: The ED1 White and Gold label pressing in a 2-LP format enhances its desirability among collectors, representing a milestone in both performance and recording history.
Conclusion
The HMV UK Orig ED1 W/C ASD 317-318 release of Liszt’s A Faust Symphony, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, is a distinguished recording that showcases the grandeur and complexity of Liszt’s work. This 2-LP set, with its first pressing White and Gold label, is a prized addition for fans of Romantic music and collectors of rare classical vinyl, offering an exceptional listening experience of one of Liszt’s most profound compositions.
Shipping If you win more than one of my auctions, I will of course pack it together and you will get the actual shipping cost from Sweden to the world.
Worldwide shipping rates (note that boxes counts as the number of records in the box): 1-2 LPs €18 3-5 Lps €25 6-8 Lps €30 7+ Lps €40
I have many listings, most from one collection in great condition. Most are in top condition. Decca SXL and LXT, Columbia SAX and 33CX, HMV His Master's Voice ASD and ALP, Deutsche Grammophon DGG, Philips Hi-Fi Hifi, Westminster, Proprius, MFSL Mobile Fidelity, and many more.
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