Overseas shipping costs have increased substantially. Please contact me before purchase to combine records and reduce shipping costs to your country. Please note that the minimum possible international postage rate already covers parcels up to 2kg, so combining several records is usually the most cost-effective option.

André Cluytens – conductor
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Beethoven: Symphony No.6 in F major Op.68 “Pastorale”

mega rare UK first press white-label test pressing of ED1 HMV ASD 433 issued 1961. Note this is a 2LP one-sided test press set, produced in very small quantities exclusively for internal HMV quality control before commercial release. A true museum-level rarity.

Edition Details
• Label: His Master’s Voice (HMV)
• Catalog No.: ASD 433
• Year: 1961
• Country: UK
• Pressing: ED1 White Label Test Pressing
• Matrix: 2YRA 1655 21 / 2YRA 1656 21B
• Format: 2 × LP one-sided test press, stereo
• Genre: Classical / Romantic / Symphony
• Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic
• Conductor: André Cluytens

Condition
• Vinyl – NEARMINT / MINT :  both one-sided discs glossy, pristine, unplayed look.
• Sleeves – NEARMINT :  original HMV test press sleeves with handwritten engineering notes and dated stamp (24 JUL 1961).
A uniquely preserved and historically important copy.

Performance & Sound
This 1961 HMV stereo production is widely admired for:
• its luminous early-stereo spaciousness
• natural orchestral color
• superb Berlin Philharmonic ensemble clarity
Cluytens conducts a gentle, beautifully sculpted Pastorale, considered one of the most refined interpretations in the early stereo LP era.

For collectors of HMV test pressings and early stereo rarities, ASD 433 white-label copies are exceptionally scarce and highly desirable.

Shipping & Packaging
All records are professionally packed in rigid four-lax LP mailers to prevent corner or seam damage.
Worldwide tracked shipping via DHL Paket. Combined shipping available.

EU countries:
$24.90 USD – up to 5 kg
$34.90 USD – up to 10 kg

Non-EU (US / Canada / Asia / Japan / Korea / China / Australia):
$39.90 USD – up to 1 kg (1–3 LPs)
$44.90 USD – up to 2 kg (4–6 LPs)
$59.90 USD – up to 5 kg (≈ 20 LPs)
$89.90 USD – up to 10 kg (≈ 40 LPs)

UK / Norway:
$39.90 USD – up to 5 kg
$54.90 USD – up to 10 kg.

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