Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1975
Missa Solemnis was first pressed on vinyl in 1975. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1975, the album's first year, in 6 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.
2YRA.9312Label - side A, in parentheses
2YRA.9313Label - side B, in parentheses
2YRA.9314Label - side C, in parentheses
2YRA.9315Label - side D, in parentheses
02581A-2Runout side A
02581B-1Runout side B
02582A-1Runout side C
02582B-1Runout side D
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | France | La Voix De Son Maître 1025813LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| 1975 | France | La Voix De Son Maître 2C 167-02581/2First yearLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1975 | Germany | Die Stimme Seines Herrn 1 C 157-02 581/82 / EMI Electrola 1 C 157-02 581/82LP, Reissue, Repress, Box Set | LP, Reissue, Repress, Box Set |
| 1975 | Germany | EMI Electrola 1C 193-02581/82 / Die Stimme Seines Herrn 1C 193-02 581/82First yearLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1975 | Japan | Angel Records EAC-77060~61First yearLP, Album, Box Set | LP, Album, Box Set |
| 1975 | Sweden | His Master's Voice 7C 157-02581/2First yearLP | LP |
| 1975 | US | Angel Records SB-3821First yearLP | LP |
| 1975 | UK | His Master's Voice SLS 979 / His Master's Voice 0C 163 ○ 02581-2First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | UK | Classics For Pleasure CFP 41 4420 1 / Classics For Pleasure CFP 4420LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1984 | Australia | World Record Club R 11104LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Brazil | Angel Records 31C 167 02581/2LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| ? | France | La Voix De Son Maître 2 C 167-02581/2 / La Voix De Son Maître 2C 167-02581-2LP, Repress, Box Set | LP, Repress, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | His Master's Voice 10 2581 3LP, Reissue, Repress | LP, Reissue, Repress |
| ? | Italy | La Voce Del Padrone 3C165-02581/82LP | LP |
| ? | UK & Europe | His Master's Voice 7 69246 1LP, Reissue, Remastered, Box Set | LP, Reissue, Remastered, Box Set |
15 vinyl pressings of Missa Solemnis are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1975 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1975, in UK, US, France, Germany and more. One of them is His Master's Voice SLS 979, released June 1975.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SLS 979, SB-3821, 2C 167-02581/2, 1C 193-02581/82) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2YRA.9312 and 2YRA.9313. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
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.
