🎵 Berlioz – Requiem, Op. 5 (Grande Messe des Morts) – Charles Munch, Boston Symphony Orchestra – RCA Victor Soria Series 1960 – 2LP Deluxe Box Set – First Pressing
Description:
Own the definitive edition of one of the most spectacular works in the classical repertoire — Hector Berlioz's Grande Messe des Morts — in RCA Victor's legendary Soria Series deluxe presentation. This first pressing from 1960 represents the pinnacle of mid-century classical recording: reference-quality sound in a luxurious package that has become a collector's holy grail.
Conducted by the incomparable
Charles Munch leading the
Boston Symphony Orchestra, the
New England Conservatory Chorus, and tenor soloist
Leopold Simoneau, this recording captures the terrifying grandeur and spiritual transcendence of Berlioz's vision. Recorded April 26-27, 1959, in Boston's Symphony Hall using RCA's pioneering
Living Stereo three-channel technology
.
The Soria Series was RCA's premium line — the "creme de la creme" of their classical catalog — featuring:
Dowel spine construction — Solid, book-style binding that opens flat
Deluxe clothbound box — Heavy-duty presentation case
Soria booklet — 32-page illustrated libretto with Albert Skira artwork
"Shaded Dog" labels — The iconic RCA Living Stereo logo
🎶 The Grande Messe des Morts (2 LPs - 10 Movements):
LP 1 — Side A:
LP 1 — Side B:
LP 2 — Side A:
Quid Sum Miser — Tenor solo (Simoneau)
Rex Tremendae — The awesome King of Tremendous Majesty
Quaerens Me — Intimate, searching music
Lacrymosa — The weeping day, of extraordinary tenderness
LP 2 — Side B:
Offertorium — The offering, with exquisite solo violin
Hostias — Brief, intense
Sanctus — The heavenly sanctification, with tenor solo
Agnus Dei — The final "Lamb of God," building to an overwhelming conclusion
💽
Label: RCA Victor Red Seal —
Soria Series (Premium Line)
🎼
Genre: Classical / Romantic / Choral-Orchestral / Requiem
📀
Format: 2× Vinyl LP, 12", 33⅓ RPM,
Living Stereo (3-Channel Recording)
📦
Packaging: Soria Series Deluxe Box Set — Clothbound with
dowel spine,
32-page Soria booklet with Albert Skira artwork, original inner sleeves
📅
Year: 1960 (recorded April 26-27, 1959)
🌎
Origin: USA📊
Catalog #: LDS-6077 (Stereo);
LD-6077 (Mono)
🎨
Art Direction: Albert Skira illustrations
Condition:
Box: Near Mint — Soria clothbound box with dowel spine intact, minimal shelf wear, corners sharp
Booklet: Excellent — 32-page Soria booklet present with Skira artwork, pages crisp
Vinyl: Near Mint — First pressing with "Shaded Dog" Living Stereo labels, minimal surface noise, well cared for
Sleeves: Original Soria inner sleeves included
Stored in protective sleeves
✨
The reference recording in the ultimate presentation. This Soria edition is
"financially the most daring, artistically the most radical, and commercially the most successful" recording of its era
. The four brass choirs positioned around Symphony Hall create the famous spatial effects that make this work unique in the repertoire.
Munch's interpretation emphasizes the French tradition of clarity and color while unleashing the work's terrifying dynamic range. The Boston Symphony Orchestra plays with precision and commitment that has never been surpassed.
🎼 Fast, secure shipping! Add this cornerstone of classical recording history to your collection — the Soria Series edition that represents the golden age of the LP.
Tags / Keywords:
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