HANDEL Messiah Abbey 1967 Road 6 white label vinyl LPs promo classical music HMV

In the original cardboard box with 'Abbey Road Studio', this is a set of 12" vinyl LPs, all of which are white label promos. This means they were used by engineers and executives to listen back to the pressings. 

These records were later issued as the Handel boxset (HMV, SLS 774) with the matrix numbers YEA 3126, which are handwritten on these demo discs. 

Performers are Elizabeth Harwood, Janet Baker, Paul Esswood, Robert Tear, Raimund Herincx, The Ambrosian Singers, The English Chamber Orchestra and Charles Mackerras.

 

They're only pressed on one side, meaning the recording covers six records, instead of the 3 that made up the box-set-as-released.

RECORD 1 - marked in pen 'Messiah Side 1 / 2 YEA 3126-1G. Q.C.

RECORD 2 - marked in pen 'Messiah 2 / 2 YEA 3127-2G. G (sleeve stamped '16 JAN 1967')

RECORD 3 - marked in pen 'Messiah 3 / 2 YEA 3128-2G

RECORD 4 - marked in pen 'Messiah 4 / 2 YEA 3129-1G. Q.C.

RECORD 5 - marked in pen 'Messiah 5 / 2 YEA 3130-1G. G.

RECORD 6 - marked in pen 'Messiah 6 / 2 YEA 3131-6G. G. (sleeve stamped '4 FEB 1970', which looks to be an error)

Strict grading: 

VINYL - excellent (virtually unplayed, a clear 8/10)

SLEEVE - generic, with original writing from the pressing on them.