UK
1972- Label and catalog number
- Stereo Gold Award MER 368Stereo Gold Award MER368
- Format
- LP, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
MER-368-A1 BIHand Etched Runout, Side A
MER-368-B.1 I BZHand Etched Runout, Side B
Georg Friedrich HändelMessiah
Vinyl pressings
Messiah
by Georg Friedrich Händel · 1972
13 pressings6 countriesBaroqueOratorioClassical
Messiah was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. 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 Messiah
6 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 3 countries. 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
1972- Label and catalog number
- Stereo Gold Award MER 368Stereo Gold Award MER368
- Format
- LP · Blue Labels
- Runout / matrix
MER-368-A1 BIHand Etched Runout, Side A
MER-368-B.1 I BZHand Etched Runout, Side B
UK
1972- Label and catalog number
- Stereo Gold Award MER 368Stereo Gold Award MER368
- Format
- LP, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
MER-368-A1Hand Etched Runout, Side A
MER-368-B.1Hand Etched Runout, Side B
UK & US
September 1972- Label and catalog number
- Stereo Gold Award Classics MER 368
- Format
- LP
- Runout / matrix
MER 368 - A21
MER 368 - B22
UK & US
September 1972- Label and catalog number
- Stereo Gold Award Classics MER 368
- Format
- LP
- Runout / matrix
MER 368 - A21
MER 368 - B12
New Zealand
1972- Label and catalog number
- Stereo Gold Award MER 368Stereo Gold Award MER368
- Format
- LP, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
MER-368-A1Hand Etched Runout, Side A
MER-368-B.1Hand Etched Runout, Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 13 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s9 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | New Zealand | Stereo Gold Award MER 368 / Stereo Gold Award MER368First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1972 | UK | Stereo Gold Award MER 368 / Stereo Gold Award MER368First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1972 | UK | Stereo Gold Award MER 368 / Stereo Gold Award MER368First yearLP | LP |
| 1972 | UK | Stereo Gold Award MER 368 / Stereo Gold Award MER368First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1972 | UK & US | Stereo Gold Award Classics MER 368First yearLP | LP |
| 1972 | UK & US | Stereo Gold Award Classics MER 368First yearLP | LP |
| 1975 | Germany | Europa Klassik 1237LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1975 | Germany | Europa Klassik 1237LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1978 | Germany | Europa Klassik 114.028.0LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
1980s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | US | Audio Award AA-213LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
Year unknown3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Rainbow RGA 7841 / Rainbow RGA-7841LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Europa Klassik 114.028.0 / Europa Klassik 1237LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Europa Klassik 114 028.0 / Europa Klassik 1237LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
Tracklist
- Favourite Choruses And Arias From "The Messiah"
- A1Overture3:15
- A2Comfort Ye My People - Ev'ry Valley7:35
- A3And The Glory Of The Lord3:06
- A4For Unto Us A Child Is Born4:06
- B1Hallelujah!4:10
- B2I Know That My Redeemer Liveth7:25
- B3Worthy Is The Lamb That Was Slain - Amen7:00
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Messiah are there?
13 vinyl pressings of Messiah are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1972 and 1982.
When was Messiah first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in UK, UK & US, New Zealand. One of them is Stereo Gold Award MER 368.
How do I tell if my copy of Messiah is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MER 368) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MER-368-A1 BI and MER-368-B.1 I BZ. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Messiah 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.
