Rinaldo Grassi 14" (35cm) VERTICAL CUT DISQUE PATHE ETCHED LABEL 86170/1 Opera

$

103

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Description for DISCQUE PATHE 14" 78 RPM RECORD

Artist:  Italian tenor RINALDO GRASSI sings in Italian on both sides, with piano accompaniment.** 

86170:  AIDA (Verdi):  "Morir si pura e bella"

86071:  RIGOLETTO (Verdi):  "E il sol dell'anima"

Remarks:   These are the first matrixes Grassi -- who would have a very successful career in Europe and America -- ever recorded.  They were recorded by Pathe in Milan sometime in 1905 . . . maybe.  Both discographies I consulted had a question mark after the year.  If it is 1905 (or anytime before 1907), this is the oldest Disque Pathe I've listed.  Grassi began recording for Fonotipia in 1908.  In all, I could find no evidence he recorded more that just sixteen matrixes.

Condition:  There are a few very light scuffs, one small scratch, and a couple of micro-blisters. 

Sound:  I have no way to test this record, both for it's size and it being vertically cut. 

Label:  Etched in a yellow white paint, which has faded slightly in some spots.  **Usually Disque Pathe mentions if there is orchestra accompaniment.  They never mention what language the song is sung in; I'm going by the (Italian) titles here.   I could be wrong on both counts.

Sleeve:  There is no sleeve for this record.

Because of the extra large box and packing material this record requires, there is a $4 handling fee.

Records are graded using eBays’s grading scale, based mostly on the record’s surface appearance.  Grading is conservative but subjective.  Records are only moderately cleaned for photos and testing. Sound conditions are detailed above, and only very poor (or very good) sound may affect grading.  Labels and sleeves are not graded; see photos for those details.  Records are tested on an inexpensive, but modern, Crosely portable phonograph.  *Sometimes a small weight (1.5g) is added to the tone arm to enhance playback and tracking.

MINT:  A new record, sealed, or possibly never played.                  

NEAR MINT:  A used record that looks new -- shiny -- with negligible wear.

EXCELLENT:  May have some light scuffs and/or scratches, but still has most of its shine.

VERY GOOD PLUS:  Has some wear and may appear a little cloudy with light scuffs or scratches, but still has some shine.

VERY GOOD:  Record is quite cloudy, and/or has a few deeper scratches.

GOOD PLUS:  Record looks very cloudy, and has a deep scratches or other flaws.                      

GOOD:  Record is very worn and gray, scratched, or flawed, but is still playable.

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