UK
1933- Label and catalog number
- His Master's Voice D.B.2023His Master's Voice D.B.2024
- Format
- Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album
- Runout / matrix
2B5240Side G
2B5241Side H
Frédéric ChopinFour Ballades
Vinyl pressings
Four Ballades
by Frédéric Chopin · 1933
20 pressings6 countriesRomanticClassical
Four Ballades was first pressed on vinyl in 1933. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Four Ballades
2 pressings came out in 1933, the album's first year. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
UK
1933- Label and catalog number
- His Master's Voice D.B. 7589His Master's Voice D.B. 7590
- Format
- Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album
- Runout / matrix
2B5234□II P2 32-3874D.B. 7589 Side A
2B5241□III C1 32-3881D.B. 7589 Side B
2B5240□I C1 32-3875D.B. 7590 Side A
2B5235□I P2 32-3874D.B. 7590 Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 20 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1930s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 | UK | His Master's Voice D.B.2023 / His Master's Voice D.B.2024First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album |
| 1933 | UK | His Master's Voice D.B. 7589 / His Master's Voice D.B. 7590First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album |
1940s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | US | Victor Red Seal DM-399Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, Repress | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, Repress |
| 1947 | Italy | La Voce Del Padrone DB 2023 / La Voce Del Padrone DB 2024Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, Repress | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, Repress |
1960s5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Italy | La Voce Del Padrone QBLP 5064LP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1962 | France | La Voix De Son Maître COLH 91LP | LP |
| 1963 | USSR | Аккорд Д 11437—1143810", Mono · Mono | 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1965 | Italy | La Voce Del Padrone COLH 91LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| 1968 | USSR | Мелодия 33Д—11437 / Мелодия 33Д—1143810", Repress, Mono · Mono | 10", Repress, Mono · Mono |
Year unknown11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Pathé Marconi EMI COLH 91LP | LP |
| ? | Italy | La Voce Del Padrone DB 2023 / La Voce Del Padrone DB 2024Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album |
| ? | Italy | La Voce Del Padrone 3C 053-00909 / La Voce Del Padrone 3 C 053 - 00909LP | LP |
| ? | Japan | Angel Records GR-2054LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Japan | Angel Records GR-70024LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Japan | Angel Records GR-54LP, Mono · Mono, Colored vinyl | LP, Mono · Mono, Colored vinyl |
| ? | USSR | Мелодия 33Д 11437—38LP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| ? | USSR | Мелодия 33Д-11437 / Мелодия 33Д-11438LP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| ? | USSR | Мелодия Д-11437 / Мелодия Д-11438LP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| ? | USSR | Апрелевский Завод 33Д—11437 / Апрелевский Завод 33Д—1143810", Mono · Mono | 10", Mono · Mono |
| ? | USSR | Мелодия 33Д 11437—38LP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
Tracklist
- Four Ballades
- ABallad No. 1 In G Minor O.P 23 Part 1
- BBallad No. 1 In G Minor O.P 23 Conclusion
- CBallad No. 2 In F Major O.P 38 Part 1
- DBallad No. 2 in F Major O.P 38 Conclusion
- EBallad No. 3 in A Flat Major O.P 47 Conclusion
- FBallad No. 3 In A Flat Major O.P 47 Part 1
- GBallad No. 4 In F Minor O.P 52 Conclusion
- HBallad No. 4 In F Minor O.P 52 Part 2
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Four Ballades are there?
20 vinyl pressings of Four Ballades are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1933 and 1968.
When was Four Ballades first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1933, in UK. One of them is His Master's Voice D.B.2023.
How do I tell if my copy of Four Ballades is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use D.B.2023, D.B. 7589) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2B5240 and 2B5241. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Four Ballades on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
