Furtwängler Beethoven Symphony No.9 2LP HMV WALP 1286/87 Electrola VG+ TESTED

$

45

You are looking at a rare vintage 2-LP box set of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in D minor, Op.125, conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler. This His Master’s Voice/Electrola was released in the mid-1950s and features Furtwängler’s legendary live recording from the Bayreuth Festival in 1951 . The performance includes renowned soloists (Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Elisabeth Höngen, Hans Hopf, Otto Edelmann) with the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra & Chorus, making this set a historic document for collectors. It comes in the original hard cover box with a green cloth spine and gold lettering – a beautiful presentation true to its era.

This pressing is prized for its historical significance, quality mastering, and superior packaging. Perfect for collectors of classical records, audiophiles, and Furtwängler enthusiasts.

Condition: The vinyl records are in excellent playing condition. Both LPs show a deep gloss with no visible scratches, and they play through cleanly with no skips or repeats. Surfaces have only minimal signs of handling or sleeve scuffs. (Any faint background crackle is minor and typical for a 1950s pressing, but no loud pops.) The records have been handled with care and were test-played to confirm quality. We’d conservatively grade the vinyl as VG+ (Very Good Plus) by collector standards – very clean for its age, bordering on Excellent. Labels are clean and fully legible, showing the red/gold HMV Electrola design, with only slight spindle marks.

The outer box is intact and solid. Hinges and edges are strong with no splits. There is some light shelf wear and a bit of age staining on the back, but no major damage – overall in Very Good condition for a 65+ year-old box. Inside, it includes both heavy stock original inner sleeves (with cloth-reinforced edges) that protected the records; these are intact with minor yellowing but no tears. As a unique bonus, this set also comes with a handwritten letter dated 1957, in Spanish and German, that was found inside – possibly from the original owner or as a gift note. It’s a charming piece of ephemera that adds character and provenance to the item. (The note will be included as part of the sale.)

English Translation of the Handwritten Note

Spanish Section

Barbarita:

I have nothing but all kinds of wishes for you, each one for your happiness.

Please accept this present as a keepsake from the one who loves you so much.

Manolo

German Section

Barbarita:

Our every wish is that you will always be happy.

Please accept this gift as a keepsake.

With love,

Manoli

5-7-59

Collectibility: Furtwängler’s 1951 Bayreuth Beethoven Ninth is among the most celebrated performances of this symphony, and this original HMV Electrola pressing is highly sought after by classical vinyl collectors. It’s a first-edition German pressing, not a later reissue. Comparable copies in near mint condition have fetched premium prices – in the past some have sold for hundreds of dollars . The set offered here is complete and in very good shape, making it an ideal addition for collectors of historic classical recordings.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of recording history. The combination of Beethoven’s masterpiece, Furtwängler’s iconic interpretation, and the vintage HMV presentation makes this box set a true collector’s gem. Please review all photos for details (images of the actual item can be provided in the listing), and feel free to contact me with any questions.

Both records play through without skips or distortion

• Slight imperfections present on one LP do not affect playback

• Housed in original stitched protective sleeves

• Box is in excellent condition with no splits or tears

Shipping & Handling: The records will be packaged securely for transit. Each vinyl will be removed from the box and placed in a separate poly sleeve to prevent seam splits, sandwiched between cardboard pads, and the entire set will be bubble-wrapped and shipped in a reinforced record mailer. I take pride in careful packing to ensure this rare set arrives in the excellent condition it’s in now. See below for more on shipping options, including international shipping – I do offer worldwide shipping for interested buyers.

Domestic (U.S.):

• USPS Media Mail: ~$5.50 (economical)

• USPS Priority Mail: ~$12.50 (faster + insurance)

International:

• eBay International Standard Delivery or Global Shipping Program

• Estimated weight: 2.5–3 lbs (1.1–1.4 kg)

• Strongly recommend double boxing with padding inside to protect the LPs

International Shipping: INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:

This item is not marked as a gift. Buyers are fully responsible for all taxes, VAT, customs, and import fees.

No returns accepted on international orders. Please see all photos and item details prior to purchase.

Sold as-is. Please refer to photos for full condition details.