Anyone a Classics 78 Expert Who Can Help Me?


Recently I came across five bound sets of 78’s as listed below. They looked interesting since they all have seven records, all have accompanying booklets, and some have hand written notes on sheets speaking to the quality of certain passages. I just got my 78 rig up and running and these records sound surprisingly, to me, VERY good. The records and the booklets are all in near perfect shape.

I can find very little about these other than, I think they were produced in 1932 (?) and they are UK His Master’s Voice pressings (on a red label). I’ve seen a lot about these as re-releases on CD’s, but not much about the original (?) recordings. Can anyone tell me about these records? Classics really isn’t my bag but wondering if they are worth hanging on to as collectibles or worth trying to find someone interested who will enjoy them. My question is not really concerned with value, unless someone knows and wants to add that. Thanks.

1)
The Sibelius Society Vol. 2 HMV D.B 1080-1086 (7 records)
London Symphony Orch. Robert Kajanus, conducting
Symphony No. 3 in C Major Op. 52
Symphony No. 7 in C Major Op.105

2)
The Beethoven Sonata Society Vol. 2 HMV D.B. 1818-1824 (7 records)
Artur Schnabel, Pianist
Sonata in E Major, Op.14, No.1
Sonata in E Flat Major, Op. 27, No. 1
Sonata in E Major, Op. 109

3)
The Hugo Wolf Society Vol. 2 HMV D.B. 1825-1830 (7 records)
Goethe
“Harfenspieler 1, 2 & 3”; “Cophtisches Lied II” (Coptic Song); “Anakreons Grab Anacreon’s Grave)”
Herbert Janssen, Baritone – Coenraad V. Bos, piano

“Epiphanias” (Epiphany); “Gebialisch Treiben” (The Way of Genius); “Der Rattenfanger” (The Ratcatcher)
Gerhard Husch – Baritone - Coenraad V. Bos, piano

“Die Sprode” The Coy One; “Die Bekehrte” (The Neophyte); “Gleich Und Gleich” (Like to Like); “Blumengrass” (A Flower Greeting); “Fruhling Ubers Jahr” (Spring to Come)
Alexandre Trianti, Soprano - Coenraad V. Bos, piano

“Prometheus”; “Ganymed”; “Beherzigung (Contemplation)
John Mc Cormack, Tenor – Edwin Schnieder, piano

4)
Haydn Quartet Society Vol. 1 HMV D.B. 1628-1631; 1634-1636 (7 records)
Alphonse Onnou, Laurent Halleux, violins; Germain Prevost, viola; Robert Maas, violoncello
Quartet in C Major, Op. 20, No. 2
Quartet in C Major, Op. 33, No. 3
Quartet in G Major, Op. 77, No. 1

5)
Haydn Quartet Society Vol. 2 HMV D.B. 1927-1934; 1632-1633 (7 records)
Alphonse Onnou, Laurent Halleux, violins; Germain Prevost, viola; Robert Maas, violoncello
Quartet in D Major, Op. 33, No. 6
Quartet in G Major, Op. 54, No. 1
Quartet in C Major, Op. 54, No. 2
Quartet in G Minor, Op. 74, No. 3
4yanx
Hi there,

One of my professors is -the- world expert on the history of the recording industry, and I can run these by him if you'd like. Give me a few days though! What are you using to play them?
Lousyreeds1, I'd appreciate that very much. no hurry. I'm using one of my Lencos and a Grado 78 cartridge.
The Haydn quartet recordings you got there are an incredible find. They are recorded by the Pro Arte Quartet, one of the great quartets of the early 20th century and whose recordings are I think rare.
The Schnabel Beethoven recordings are legendary and are among the best recordings of the Sonatas out there.
Buxter66, thanks. For some reason, I was drawn to these sets which were on a very dusty shelf. Like I say, the music is great and the sonics very nice, indeed. I was shocked, to be honest. Again, classic are not really my bag but they are fine listening all the same.
Oh what a bunch of trash. I will undeservedly take them off your hands. I have been having great fun with my 78s. They are more immediate than anything. They lap up the 'Last' preservative to great effect. As above, Schnabel is legendary, but quirky. He died in mid-performance, but knew so and switched to Bach as he expired.
I would be happy to get them if you want to sell. I am using a Shure 78, but have lovely experience with Joe Grado, a nice Brooklyn boy, who loves opera and voices the carirdges nicely so.
I also have a copy of the original 1933 Haydn Quartet Society Volume Two (7 HMV 78 records) in original linen bound folder including notes and information regarding the price of becoming a member each series costing £2 2s. 0d! by W W Corbett Esq. like you I would like to know how much I should sell them
for - I also have listened and find all records quite remarkable - please let me know if you have found a buyer or perhaps someone who might be interested.

SJ