UK
1962- Label and catalog number
- Decca SWL 8500
- Format
- 10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
ZTL-1130-1W B 1Runout Side 1
ZTL-1131-1W U 1Runout Side 2
Wilhelm BackhausBeethoven Sonatas: No. 30 In E; No. 32 In C Minor
Vinyl pressings
Beethoven Sonatas: No. 30 In E; No. 32 In C Minor
by Wilhelm Backhaus · 1962
11 pressings5 countriesClassicalRomanticClassical
Beethoven Sonatas was first pressed on vinyl in 1962. 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 Beethoven Sonatas
3 pressings came out in 1962, the album's first year, in 2 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.
Germany
1962- Label and catalog number
- Decca SLW 50197
- Format
- LP, 10", Stereo
- Runout / matrix
21 (21 = sideways) S I.I ZTL-1130-1W Manufactured in GermanyRunout side A
21 (21 = sideways) S I.I ZTL-1131-1W Manufactured in GermanyRunout side B
ZTL 1130Label side A
ZTL 1131Label side B
Germany
1962- Label and catalog number
- Decca LW 50197
- Format
- LP, 10", Mono
- Runout / matrix
41H (sideways) TRL-1130XR Manufactured in GermanyRunout side A
41H (sideways) TRL-1131XR Manufactured in GermanyRunout side B
TRL 1130Label side A
TRL 1131Label side B
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.
1960s5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Germany | Decca SLW 50197First yearLP, 10", Stereo | LP, 10", Stereo |
| 1962 | Germany | Decca LW 50197First yearLP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1962 | UK | Decca SWL 8500First year10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1963 | UK | Decca BR 850010", Repress, Mono · Mono | 10", Repress, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | US | London Records CM 9315 / London Records CM-9315LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
1980s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Japan | London Records 360R 56011LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
Year unknown5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | London Records CM 9389LP | LP |
| ? | Germany | Decca SXL 21117-BLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Japan | London Records SLC 1278LP, Repress, Mono · Mono | LP, Repress, Mono · Mono |
| ? | US | London Records CS 6246 / London Records CS-6246LP | LP |
| ? | US | London Records CS 6246 / London Records CS-6246LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
Tracklist
- Sonata No. 30 In E Major, Op. 109
- Sonata No. 32 In C Minor, Op. 111
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Beethoven Sonatas are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Beethoven Sonatas are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1962 and 1989.
When was Beethoven Sonatas first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1962, in UK, Germany. One of them is Decca SWL 8500.
How do I tell if my copy of Beethoven Sonatas is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SWL 8500, SLW 50197, LW 50197) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZTL-1130-1W B 1 and ZTL-1131-1W U 1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Beethoven Sonatas 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.
