UK original COLUMBIA ED1 Blue/silver SAX. 2 LP. Otto Klemperer conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra in Beethoven's 9th Symphony.
Records are EX+! Covers are EX+!

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 "Choral" – Columbia UK Original ED1 B/S SAX 2276-2277 (2LP Set) Conducted by Otto Klemperer

The Columbia UK original ED1 B/S (blue and silver label) pressing of SAX 2276-2277 is a legendary 2LP set featuring Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, also known as the "Choral Symphony." Conducted by the great Otto Klemperer and performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus, this recording is widely regarded as one of the definitive interpretations of Beethoven’s monumental symphony. Released in the early 1960s, this first-edition blue and silver label pressing is highly sought after by collectors and audiophiles for its exceptional sound quality and historical significance.

About Otto Klemperer

Otto Klemperer (1885–1973) was one of the most distinguished conductors of the 20th century, known for his authoritative interpretations of the Classical and Romantic repertoire. His conducting style was characterized by precision, clarity, and a deep respect for the structural integrity of the music. Klemperer’s interpretations of Beethoven’s symphonies, in particular, are considered benchmarks in the history of recorded music. His approach to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony highlights the grandeur and power of the work while maintaining a strong sense of balance and control.

The LP and Its Significance

Label and Pressing: Issued by Columbia Records in the UK, this 2LP set (SAX 2276-2277) is part of the prestigious SAX series, known for its high-quality classical recordings. The first-edition blue and silver (B/S) label pressings are particularly valuable due to their superior sound quality and limited production. The ED1 designation refers to the first pressing of this set, making it highly desirable among collectors of classical vinyl.

Sound Quality: The ED1 B/S pressing is renowned for its exceptional sound engineering. The clarity and dynamic range of the recording allow listeners to fully appreciate the scale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The voices of the soloists and chorus are captured with natural warmth and precision, while the orchestra's wide dynamic contrasts are faithfully reproduced. The balance between the different sections of the orchestra and chorus is superb, creating an immersive listening experience that brings out the power and beauty of Beethoven’s score.

Collectibility: As an original blue and silver pressing, SAX 2276-2277 is highly prized by collectors. The rarity of the first-edition B/S label, combined with Klemperer’s iconic interpretation of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, makes this 2LP set a valuable item in the classical vinyl market. Well-preserved copies of this set, especially in near-mint condition, can command premium prices due to their historical and musical significance.

About Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 "Choral"

Composed between 1822 and 1824, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, is one of the greatest and most iconic works in the Western classical music canon. The Ninth Symphony is famous for its final movement, which features a choral setting of Friedrich Schiller’s poem "Ode to Joy". This was the first time a major symphony had included vocal soloists and a chorus, making the Ninth a groundbreaking work that expanded the boundaries of the symphonic form.

The symphony is structured in four movements:

Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso: The first movement begins with a mysterious and slow introduction before launching into a powerful and dramatic allegro. The movement is characterized by its bold themes and intense orchestral development.

Molto vivace: The second movement is a lively and energetic scherzo, marked by rhythmic complexity and contrasting lyrical sections. The driving rhythm of the timpani and the boldness of the orchestral writing create a sense of exhilaration.

Adagio molto e cantabile: The third movement is a serene and expansive adagio, providing a moment of calm and introspection before the grandeur of the final movement. The slow, lyrical melodies are some of the most beautiful in all of Beethoven’s symphonic output.

Finale: Presto – Allegro assai: The final movement begins with a dramatic outburst and introduces the famous "Ode to Joy" theme, first in the cellos and basses, and then taken up by the chorus and soloists. The movement unfolds as a celebration of universal brotherhood, culminating in a triumphant and uplifting conclusion.

Klemperer’s Interpretation

Majestic and Profound: Otto Klemperer’s interpretation of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is often described as majestic and profound. His conducting style emphasizes the structural clarity of the symphony while allowing the emotional intensity of the music to shine through. Klemperer’s slower tempos in certain sections add weight and grandeur to the work, particularly in the final movement, where the Ode to Joy is given a sense of reverence and triumph.

Orchestral Precision: The Philharmonia Orchestra, under Klemperer’s direction, delivers a performance of remarkable precision and power. The orchestra’s brass and strings are particularly impressive, with the brass providing the necessary brilliance and grandeur, and the strings offering warmth and depth. Klemperer’s attention to detail ensures that the complex orchestral textures of Beethoven’s symphony are presented with clarity and balance.

Vocal Excellence: The Philharmonia Chorus and the four soloists (including celebrated singers of the time) provide a stirring and emotionally charged performance in the final movement. The chorus sings with both power and precision, bringing Beethoven’s message of universal brotherhood to life. Klemperer’s careful pacing of the vocal lines ensures that the Ode to Joy unfolds with dignity and emotional impact.

Why This Recording is Special

Definitive Performance: Otto Klemperer’s interpretation of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is widely regarded as one of the definitive recordings of the work. His approach balances the intellectual rigor and emotional intensity that are central to Beethoven’s music, making this recording a benchmark for future performances.

Historical and Musical Importance: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is one of the most significant works in the history of classical music, and this recording captures one of the most revered interpretations by one of the 20th century’s greatest conductors. Klemperer’s leadership of the Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus in this performance adds to the historical importance of the recording.

Collector’s Appeal: As an original blue and silver ED1 pressing, SAX 2276-2277 is a highly collectible item. The combination of Klemperer’s iconic performance, the superior sound quality of the first pressing, and the rarity of the set make it a valuable addition to any classical music collection.

Conclusion

The Columbia UK original ED1 B/S SAX 2276-2277 2LP set, featuring Otto Klemperer conducting Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, is a landmark recording of one of the most important works in the classical repertoire. Klemperer’s authoritative and majestic interpretation, combined with the exceptional sound quality of the blue and silver label pressing, makes this set a prized possession for collectors and audiophiles alike. Its historical significance, musical excellence, and rarity ensure that it remains one of the most sought-after recordings in the world of classical vinyl.

Record Grading I use the following grades: M/M- Only for still sealed or certain unplayed records NM    Should look very close to unplayed EX+   With very few signs of use EX     Some light signs of use but nothing that should affect the    listening experience VG+   A really nice LP with some signs of use and the can be the odd light click, but nothing major at all VG    There are clear signs of use and there can be some recurring clicks and crackles, but not continously.  G       There are many marks and lines and you should expect that the listening experience will be hampered. But still playable. + and - are used for nuances. P/F    Very rarely used. Only very rare records will be listed in this condition
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
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