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Vladimir HorowitzMoonlight Sonata / Impromptus

Vinyl pressings

Moonlight Sonata / Impromptus

by Vladimir Horowitz · 1973

11 pressings7 countriesClassicalRomanticClassical

Moonlight Sonata / Impromptus 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.

How to spot a first pressing of Moonlight Sonata / Impromptus

5 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 4 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.

US

1973
Label and catalog number
Columbia Masterworks M 32342
Format
LP, Album, Stereo
Runout / matrix

MAL32342-1AASide A runout, stamped

MBL32342-1CSide B runout, stamped

MAL32342-1AASide A runout, stamped

MBL32342-1FSide B runout, stamped

Full details of this pressing

US

1973
Label and catalog number
Columbia Masterworks M 32342
Format
LP, Album, Stereo
Runout / matrix

MAL32342-1L 1Side A runout

MBL32342-1D BSide B runout

AL 32342Side A label

BL 32342Side B label

Full details of this pressing

Australia

1973
Label and catalog number
CBS Masterworks SBR-235597
Format
LP, Album
Runout / matrix

A MX170008 SBR235597-1Runout, A-side, stamped

A MX170009 SBR235597-2Runout, B-side, stamped

Full details of this pressing

France

1973
Label and catalog number
CBS CBS 76175CBS CBS 76 175
Format
LP, Album, Stereo
Runout / matrix

CBS 76175 LPL 3844 1Y 380 CIDIS DU1Side A runout, stamped

CBS 76175 LPL 3844 2Y 380 DU1 CIDISSide B runout, stamped

Full details of this pressing

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

All 11 vinyl pressings

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

1970s8 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1973AustraliaCBS Masterworks SBR-235597First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1973FranceCBS CBS 76175 / CBS CBS 76 175First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1973JapanCBS/Sony SOCL 1152First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1973USColumbia Masterworks M 32342First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1973USColumbia Masterworks M 32342First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1974GermanyCBS 73 175LP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1974GermanyCBS CBS 73 175LP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1977Italycbs CBS 73175LP, AlbumLP, Album
1980s1 pressing
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1980USCBS Masterworks M 32342LP, Album, Repress, StereoLP, Album, Repress, Stereo
Year unknown2 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
?ArgentinaCBS 5564LP, StereoLP, Stereo
?GermanyCBS CBS 73 175LPLP

Tracklist

  1. Sonata In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, "Moonlight"
  2. A4Impromptu In A-Flat Major, Op. 90, No. 47:32
  3. B1Impromptu In F Minor, Op. 142, No. 110:12
  4. B2Impromptu In A-Flat Major, Op. 142, No. 26:45
  5. B3Impromptu In E-Flat Major, Op. 90, No. 24:48

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of Moonlight Sonata / Impromptus are there?

11 vinyl pressings of Moonlight Sonata / Impromptus are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1973 and 1980.

When was Moonlight Sonata / Impromptus first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Australia, France, Japan. One of them is Columbia Masterworks M 32342.

How do I tell if my copy of Moonlight Sonata / Impromptus is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use M 32342, SBR-235597, CBS 76175, SOCL 1152) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MAL32342-1AA and MBL32342-1C. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is Moonlight Sonata / Impromptus 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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