Title: ORFF Carmina Burana Jochum Janowitz 139362 SPEAKERS CORNER TEST PRESSING LP

Description:

Up for auction is an absolute masterpiece and an investment-grade holy grail for classical vinyl purists: a hyper-rare, audiophile-grade 180g Test Pressing of Carl Orff's monumental "Carmina Burana," conducted by the legendary Eugen Jochum leading the Choir and Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin. This definitive performance features an all-star vocal lineup: Gundula Janowitz, Gerhard Stolze, and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau.

Originally recorded by Deutsche Grammophon in October 1967 at the Ufa-Studio in Berlin, this specific recording was personally authorized and praised by the composer Carl Orff himself. Celebrated for its thunderous dynamics, thunderous choral sections, and astonishing transient response (the ultimate stereo system-tester), this premium, pure-analogue reissue was meticulously prepared by Germany’s renowned Speakers Corner Records (Catalog: SLPM 139 362) in June 1995.

Test pressings from Speakers Corner are produced in minuscule quantities (often just 5 to 20 copies) for technical evaluation at the Pallas pressing plant and are virtually impossible to acquire on the open market.

This rare collector's item includes the authentic factory production insert printed in English, detailing the engineering history, original tape cutting specs, and historical context of the recording session. The record features the iconic blank white factory test-pressing labels.

TRACKLIST:

- Carl Orff: Carmina Burana (Cantiones profanae)

  Side 1: Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi / I. Primo vere / Uf dem anger

  Side 2: II. In taberna / III. Cour d'amours / Blanzifleur et Helena / Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi

CONDITION DETAILS:

- Vinyl: NM (Near Mint) – Exceptional audiophile condition. The heavy 180g virgin vinyl retains a brilliant, clean factory luster with no scuffs, scratches, or visible surface imperfections. Appears unplayed or played once under critical evaluation conditions.

- Labels: NM – Pristine, unblemished blank white factory test-pressing labels with no writing, staining, or spindle marks.

- Production Insert: NM – Completely intact, clean layout, sharp corners, and free of creases or handling tears.

- Outer Sleeve: VG+ to NM – Original generic heavy white cardboard test-pressing jacket is clean and crisp with strong structural integrity.

An absolute peak-tier collector's item for opera/choral enthusiasts, Carl Orff devotees, and audio purists seeking the absolute closest sound to the original master tapes.

SHIPPING & HANDLING:

To preserve the archival condition of this rare piece, it will be packaged securely inside a professional, corrugated record mailer. The vinyl will be placed in a poly inner sleeve and removed from the cardboard jacket during transit to eliminate the risk of edge wear or seam splits. Ships fully insured with tracking worldwide.