UK
September 5, 1958- Label and catalog number
- Columbia SEL 1583
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
7TCA 902 - 1NRunout Stamp Side A
7TCA 903 - 2NRunout Stamp Side B
Ludwig van BeethovenMoonlight Sonata
Vinyl pressings
Moonlight Sonata
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1958
13 pressings4 countriesSonataPianoRomanticClassical
Moonlight Sonata was first pressed on vinyl in 1958. 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 Moonlight Sonata
4 pressings came out in 1958, 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
September 5, 1958- Label and catalog number
- Columbia SEL 1583
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
7TCA 902 - 1N ETU XT PRunout Stamp Side A
7TCA 903 - 2N ET XT 2 ORunout Stamp Side B
Australia
September 5, 1958- Label and catalog number
- Columbia SELO-1583
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono
- Runout / matrix
7TCA 902 - 1NRunout Stamp Side A
7TCA 903 - 2NRunout Stamp Side B
Italy
December 1958- Label and catalog number
- Columbia SEBQ 182
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
7TCA 902Label side A
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.
1950s5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Australia | Columbia SELO-1583First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | UK | Columbia SEL 1583First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1958 | UK | Columbia SEL 1583First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1958 | Italy | Columbia SEBQ 182First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1959 | Italy | Columbia SEBQ 1827", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue |
1960s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Italy | Columbia SEBQ 1827", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue |
| 1962 | Italy | Columbia SEBQ 1827", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue |
Year unknown6 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Columbia C 50499 / Columbia SELW 15837", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| ? | Italy | Columbia SCBQ 30587", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| ? | Italy | Columbia SCBQ 30587", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| ? | Italy | La Voce Del Padrone 3C 005-00872 M7", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| ? | UK | Columbia ESL 62537", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Columbia SEL 15837", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue |
Tracklist
- Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 (Moonlight)
- AFirst Movement : Adagio Sostenuto
- B1Second Movement : Allegretto
- B2Third Movement : Presto Agitato - Adagio - Presto Agitato
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Moonlight Sonata are there?
13 vinyl pressings of Moonlight Sonata are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1958 and 1962.
When was Moonlight Sonata first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1958, in UK, Australia, Italy. One of them is Columbia SEL 1583, released September 5, 1958.
How do I tell if my copy of Moonlight Sonata is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SEL 1583, SELO-1583, SEBQ 182) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 7TCA 902 - 1N and 7TCA 903 - 2N. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Moonlight Sonata 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.
