Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1973
Missa Solemnis D-dur Op. 123 was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
1 pressing came out in 1973, 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.
8 26 337 - 1A G73 W NTRunout A side
8 26 337 - 2A G73 W NTRunout B side
8 26 338 - 3A G73 W NTRunout C side
8 26 338 - 4A G73 W NTRunout D side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Germany | Eurodisc 61 740LP, Club Edition, Special Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Club Edition, Special Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| 1973 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 8 26 337-338First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1973 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | Not On Label 8 26 337-338LP, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | LP, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1974 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 8 26 337-338LP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
| 1976 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 8 26 337-338LP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
| 1976 | Germany | Eurodisc 61 740 / Eurodisc S 85 758LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1979 | Italy | RCA S.P.A. GL 32549 (2)LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Germany | Berlin Classics 0300525BC / ETERNA 8 26 337-338LP, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo · Limited, Numbered | LP, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo · Limited, Numbered |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 8 26 337-338LP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
| ? | UK | RCA Red Seal LRL2 5045LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
10 vinyl pressings of Missa Solemnis D-dur Op. 123 are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1972 and 2013.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in German Democratic Republic (GDR). One of them is ETERNA 8 26 337-338.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 8 26 337-338) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 8 26 337 - 1A G73 W NT and 8 26 337 - 2A G73 W NT. 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.
