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Johann Sebastian BachGoldberg Variations

Vinyl pressings

Goldberg Variations

by Johann Sebastian Bach · 1945

30 pressings12 countriesBaroqueTheme With VariationsHarpsichordSolo

Goldberg Variations was first pressed on vinyl in 1945. 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 Goldberg Variations

1 pressing came out in 1945, 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.

Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.

All 30 vinyl pressings

By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.

1940s2 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1945CanadaVictor DM 1022First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM, AlbumShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album
1946USRCA Victor Red Seal DM 1022Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, RepressShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, Repress
1950s6 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1950USRCA Victor Red Seal LM 1080 / RCA Victor Red Seal LM-1080LP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
1950USRCA Victor Red Seal LM 1080 / RCA Victor LM 1080LP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
1950USRCA Victor Red Seal WDM 10227", 45 RPM, Mono, Box Set, Album, Reissue · Mono, Colored vinyl7", 45 RPM, Mono, Box Set, Album, Reissue · Mono, Colored vinyl
1954UKHis Master's Voice ALP 1139LP, Reissue, Mono · MonoLP, Reissue, Mono · Mono
1954UKHis Master's Voice ALP 1139LP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
1958USRCA Victor Red Seal LM 1080 / RCA Victor Red Seal LM-1080LP, Reissue, Mono · MonoLP, Reissue, Mono · Mono
1970s4 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1970JapanAngel Records GR-2209LP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
1972ItalyRCA Victrola MCV 900LPLP
1972UKRCA Victrola VIC-1650LP, Reissue, Mono · MonoLP, Reissue, Mono · Mono
1972USRCA Victrola VIC-1650LP, Reissue, Mono · MonoLP, Reissue, Mono · Mono
1980s5 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1980FranceRCA Musique GM 43358LP, Reissue, Mono · MonoLP, Reissue, Mono · Mono
1983ItalyEMI 1433711 MLP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
1984USRCA Gold Seal AGM1-5251LP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
1985ItalyRCA GL 85251LPLP
1985South KoreaRCA Gold Seal AGM1-5251LP, Reissue, Mono · MonoLP, Reissue, Mono · Mono
Year unknown13 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
?ArgentinaRCA Victrola VICS 1650LP, StereoLP, Stereo
?AustraliaRCA Victrola VIC-1650LP, Reissue, Mono · MonoLP, Reissue, Mono · Mono
?CanadaRCA Victor Red Seal LM-1080LP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
?FranceRCA 630.576 / RCA LM. 1080LP, Album, Mono · MonoLP, Album, Mono · Mono
?FranceLa Voix De Son Maître FALP 137 / La Voix De Son Maître FALP. 137LP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
?GermanyRCA LM-1080-CLP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
?GermanyRCA LM-1080-CLP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
?IsraelRCA Victor Red Seal LM 1080LP, Album, Mono · MonoLP, Album, Mono · Mono
?JapanAngel Records GR-70091LP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
?SpainRCA Victor LM 1080LP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
?USRCA Victor Red Seal LM 1080 / RCA Victor Red Seal LM-1080LP, Album, Reissue, Mono · MonoLP, Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono
?USRCA Victor Red Seal LM 1080LP, Album, Reissue, Mono · MonoLP, Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono
?USRCA Victor Red Seal DM 1022Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, RepressShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, Repress

Tracklist

  1. Goldberg Variations

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of Goldberg Variations are there?

30 vinyl pressings of Goldberg Variations are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1945 and 1985.

When was Goldberg Variations first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1945, in Canada. One of them is Victor DM 1022, released December 1945.

How do I tell if my copy of Goldberg Variations is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DM 1022) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is Goldberg Variations 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.

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