UK original His Master's Voice ED1 White/Cream ASD! Sir Thomas Beecham conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Schubert's 3rd and 5th Symphonies.
Record is EX+! Cover is EX+!

Schubert Symphonies Nos. 3 & 5 – HMV UK Original ED1 W/C ASD 345 Featuring Sir Thomas Beecham

The HMV UK original ED1 W/C (white and gold label) pressing of ASD 345 is a highly valued classical LP featuring Franz Schubert's Symphonies Nos. 3 in D major and 5 in B-flat major, conducted by the legendary Sir Thomas Beecham with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This recording, made in the late 1950s, is one of Beecham's finest interpretations of Schubert's early symphonies, and it continues to be cherished by collectors and classical music enthusiasts for both its historical significance and its outstanding sonic quality. The original white and gold label of the HMV ASD series further enhances its value, making it one of the most sought-after first-edition pressings.

About Sir Thomas Beecham

Sir Thomas Beecham (1879–1961) was one of Britain’s most renowned and influential conductors, known for his charismatic personality, brilliant interpretations, and exceptional ability to bring out the best in the orchestras he conducted. Beecham’s work with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which he founded in 1946, is especially noteworthy, as he shaped the ensemble into one of the finest orchestras in the world. Beecham’s interpretations of Classical and Romantic repertoire were highly acclaimed for their liveliness, clarity, and emotional depth. His approach to Schubert’s symphonies reflects his deep understanding of the Classical tradition, with an emphasis on elegance, lightness, and rhythmic vitality.

The LP and Its Significance

Label and Pressing: Issued by His Master’s Voice (HMV) in the UK, ASD 345 is part of the iconic ASD series and features the ED1 W/C (white and gold label) pressing, which is the first edition and most collectible variant of this release. These early pressings are revered for their superior sound quality and are highly sought after by collectors due to their limited availability and historical importance. The white and gold label, particularly for the ASD series, represents a golden era of vinyl production for HMV, known for its meticulous attention to sound engineering and high-quality pressing techniques.

Sound Quality: The ED1 W/C pressing of ASD 345 is renowned for its warm, clear, and well-balanced sound. The recording captures the full richness of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Beecham’s leadership, with excellent stereo imaging and dynamic range. Schubert’s orchestral textures are presented with clarity and depth, allowing the listener to appreciate the nuances of the wind and string sections. The sound quality of this pressing, combined with Beecham’s nuanced interpretation, makes it a favorite among audiophiles and collectors alike.

Collectibility: As an ED1 W/C (white and gold label) pressing, ASD 345 holds significant value in the classical vinyl collectors' market. The rarity of these first-edition pressings, coupled with Beecham’s reputation and the excellent sound quality of the recording, makes it a highly desirable item. Well-preserved copies of this LP, especially in near-mint condition, are highly sought after and can command premium prices due to their collectible status.

About Schubert’s Symphonies Nos. 3 & 5

Franz Schubert (1797–1828) composed his Symphonies Nos. 3 and 5 during his early years, and they reflect the youthful energy and melodic inventiveness that would characterize much of his later work. Both symphonies belong to the Classical tradition, following the influence of Mozart and Haydn, while already displaying Schubert’s own distinct voice, especially in his lyrical writing and harmonic innovations.

Symphony No. 3 in D major, D. 200: Composed in 1815, when Schubert was just 18 years old, the Third Symphony is an exuberant work full of charm and vitality. Its four movements include:

Adagio maestoso – Allegro con brio: A stately opening leading into a lively allegro. Allegretto: A graceful and flowing second movement. Menuetto – Vivace: A vigorous, dance-like minuet. Presto vivace: A fast-paced and energetic finale.

Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, D. 485: Composed in 1816, the Fifth Symphony is perhaps Schubert’s most Mozartian symphony, with its light textures, elegance, and balanced structure. Its four movements are:

Allegro: A joyful and flowing opening movement. Andante con moto: A lyrical and introspective second movement. Menuetto – Allegro molto: A spirited and lively minuet. Allegro vivace: A brisk and cheerful finale.

The Fifth Symphony is especially beloved for its clarity and warmth, and it is often cited as one of Schubert’s most perfect symphonic works, showcasing his mastery of melody and form.

Beecham’s Interpretation

Lively and Elegant: Sir Thomas Beecham’s interpretations of Schubert’s early symphonies are known for their lively, graceful character. He brings out the natural elegance and charm of Schubert’s music, with a focus on clear phrasing and rhythmic precision. Beecham’s conducting highlights the Classical roots of Schubert’s symphonies, while also allowing the lyricism and freshness of the music to shine through.

Royal Philharmonic’s Performance: Under Beecham’s direction, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra delivers a vibrant and polished performance. The ensemble’s precision and dynamic contrasts bring out the playful and lyrical qualities of the symphonies, while Beecham’s attention to detail ensures that every section of the orchestra is given room to shine. The woodwinds, in particular, are showcased beautifully in the Fifth Symphony, while the strings provide a light and energetic foundation throughout both works.

Why This Recording is Special

Legendary Collaboration: Sir Thomas Beecham’s collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in these recordings is a landmark in the history of Schubert’s symphonies. Beecham’s mastery of the Classical repertoire, combined with the superb playing of the orchestra, creates a performance that is both historically significant and musically satisfying.

HMV’s Audiophile Quality: The ASD 345 pressing is a product of HMV’s commitment to high-quality recordings during the 1950s and 1960s. The white and gold label edition is particularly noted for its excellent sound engineering, which captures the full dynamic range of the orchestra with warmth and clarity. For audiophiles, this pressing represents the best of HMV’s stereo recording legacy.

Collector’s Appeal: As a rare ED1 W/C pressing, ASD 345 is highly collectible. The combination of Beecham’s iconic interpretation, the performance of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the rarity of the first-edition pressing make this LP a valuable addition to any classical music collection.

Conclusion

The HMV UK original ED1 W/C ASD 345 LP, featuring Sir Thomas Beecham conducting Schubert’s Symphonies Nos. 3 and 5 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, is a masterpiece of recorded classical music. Beecham’s elegant and lively interpretation, combined with the superior sound quality of the white and gold label pressing, ensures that this LP remains a highly sought-after collector’s item. Whether for its musical brilliance or its collectible value, this recording holds a special place 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
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.