GEMS from the DECCA catalogue #1

First of a series of videos in which I talk about random picks from my collection of records on the Decca label, both original pressings and reissues.
In my opinion, Decca, out of England, remains the longest-running and most consistently excellent of all the classical music labels in terms of performances and recorded sound. Their vinyl was of high quality - well-pressed and mastered, right into the digital era - and their approach to recording set the standard for the industry, with producers like John Culshaw and engineers like Kenneth Wilkinson establishing an unmistakeable "house style".
No wonder that audiophile reissue labels like Speaker's Corner and King Super Analogue have consistently turned to the Decca Catalogue for their excellent reissues.
For more detailed information about the range of pressings on Decca, I highly recommend this video from #poetryonplastic:
• The Decca Episode: SX...
Recommended channels for classical music fans and collectors:
David Hurwitz
/ @davesclassicalguide
Poetry On Plastic
/ @poetryonplastic
An invaluable guide to all the different pressings of the main classical labels:
• A Guide to Collecting ...
Another excellent resource for new classical recordings is BBC Radio 3's long-standing weekly broadcast "Record Review". Shows remain available to listen to for 30 days after first broadcast:
www.bbc.co.uk/...

[@tidybear101]

What an excellent video. Learned so much. More please!

[@bluezzbastardzz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWmyiHeqmauiaNE

[@sonhouse9636]

Thank you for the magnificent content. What should we think of LONDON records made in Japan? As bad as US ones ?

[@koenraaddm2582]

Hello, nice overview. In Belgium it is rather hard to find Decca SXL instead of DG. But I found some nice Decca Phase 4. Can you give me a guideline how much to pay for Decca Phase 4. Maybe I must try older digital Decca's also. Always a bit reluctant to do so. I wouldn't call myself an audiophile but I like good sound of course. It's always difficult how much to pay cause I have found SXL or Phase 4 in charity shops for 1 or 2 euro's. Like one for 1 euro and then you see it for 40 dollars on ebay. How weird. Or Discogs they ask 5 but you have 30 euro shipping. :-) Even more weird. Cheers, Koen

[@musiconrecord6724]

I find the prices on Discogs in general more accurate of the used market than those on ebay, but there are no hard and fast rules for either. Alas, on both the price of postage (especially international postage) has skyrocketed, so that even a reasonably priced record becomes substantially more expensive. If you can find a good local shop which stocks used classical in good condition that is ideal. Online, you will find certain sellers are more reliable than others. As to prices, UK Decca SXLs are all getting more and more expensive. Later Dutch pressings are better bargains, and the quality is decent. As I mentioned, the best bargains are to be found in the budget Decca labels like Ace of Diamonds, Eclipse and the World of the Great Classics. The Ace of Diamonds LPs were often pressed at the same time or shortly thereafter the SXL originals: they sound fantastic at a fraction of the cost. Also, do not ignore the good reissue companies like Speaker's Corner which has reissued many very expensive early SXLs all-analog. When you see a title you are interested in, check it on Discogs and then you can see whether it has been reissued, by whom, and how much it will cost. The rule of thumb concerning how much you should expect to pay for a used record, be it a Decca SXL or a Phase 4 is -- you pay as much as it's being sold for, be that $1 in a shop or $50 online. As to Digitally recorded LPs, the sound quality runs the range, but in general I would say you are safer with UK or Dutch Deccas than any other label. Digital is digital, and it will never sound like an all-analog pressing. I will also say that the more recent CD remasterings that are coming out can sound superb, and I listen to them all the time.

[@koenraaddm2582]

@@musiconrecord6724 Thank you. My search continues... So 10 euro for a decca phase 4 is a bargain? :-)

[@musiconrecord6724]

@@koenraaddm2582 Depends on the title. But yes! Phase 4 isn't generally valued by classical collectors because it's a hyped-up approach to the engineering, with tons of microphones and tracks, and added reverb.BUT -- if you are a Stokowski fan, his Phase 4 records are terrific (and they are gathered together in an excellent CD box). Similarly, the Bernard Herrmann records, both of his and other composers' works, are to be desired. I love Phase 4 records - they are just FUN!!!

[@koenraaddm2582]

@@musiconrecord6724 Thank you again for the info!

[@geraldmartin7703]

@@musiconrecord6724 To the list of stereo Decca labels to look for I would add London Stereo Treasury, which was the budget Decca classical label in the U.S. in the 1960s-70s. The pressings were imported U.K.and the label seemed to mirror Ace of Diamond reissues in release schedule. It's hard to believe Decca would deliberately press recordings in inferior vinyl for export to the U.S. while during the same run reserving premium vinyl for the domestic market. (Although this possibility was much debated in U.S. audio magazines at the time I could never believe the British held us in that much contempt.) There is, unfortunately a severe caveat. Beginning about 1974 Stereo Treasury stopped using imported pressings and switched to markedly inferior U.S. pressings. Fortunately the switch is easy to detect. U.K. pressings used redish orange record labels that state the record was manufactured in the U.K. U.S. pressings used sickly bright yellow labels and admitted to U.S. manufacture. In a sneaky move, U.S. mail order record clubs also started using U.S. pressings for standard price/premium London (Decca) classical titles. Over the years I spotted a few in thrift shops and early on even got stung for a couple myself in a record shop.

[@rickmilam413]

I need to see if you've done the Britten video yet. I hope you include/included his performance of his piece Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge. On Decca, jarvelous performance and sound, the "B" side of his Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.

[@reinhardmayr5068]

Hi. You have a great channel with fantastic content. I like the way you presents your records. And the knowlege about classical music and the different versions is really outstanding. Thank you very much for your superb work . Greetings from Germany. Reinhard 👍

[@musiconrecord6724]

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. And for watching!

[@reinhardmayr5068]

@@musiconrecord6724 😁👍

[@dr.x3152]

Hi, Do you have vinyls from RCA Victor, Phase 4 London Records, Angel Records?

[@musiconrecord6724]

I avoid Angel records like the plague - they are terribly pressed. Much better to go for the EMI UK originals. I have many Deccas and Londons (Made in UK), not so many RCAs where again the pressing are not so good, though UKs tend to be better. Early Living Stereos are another matter....

[@dr.x3152]

@@musiconrecord6724 Ok. Thank you to reply. I like your videos.

[@bannan61]

I think you could have also included another Decca label - Argo. Just fantastic sonically.

[@musiconrecord6724]

Will be talking about Argo in the future.

[@garagegeek4863]

I am a new sub and I know you made this video a while ago, but I am in. I also live in Los Angeles, so I hope you talk about where you buy used classical albums at some point. This is such a great, wonderfully informative video. Thank you.

[@musiconrecord6724]

I feature a couple of LA record stores on later videos. There are many more, of course.... Thanks so much for watching, subscribing and commenting...

[@vinylarchaeologist]

Very informative video. Thank you.

[@TheLarsonmanor]

I love UK Decca, but the cost is extremely high. The quality I would assume is tube technology. The German Decca are excellent and so is Telefunken from the same era. Fantastic channel, enjoying it, indeed.

[@musiconrecord6724]

Yes those earlier tube mastered Deccas are pricey. But a good alternative are the Ace of Diamonds versions (early AofD issues are also tube mastered), or modern reissues from Speaker's Corner which can be reasonable. Thanks so much for watching.

[@analogueanorak1904]

Hi, I’m really enjoying this channel. Decca classical vinyl is a passion of mine which I have mainly explored in an enjoyably random way through chance discoveries in charity shops across the uk and the internet shopping for specific purposes. I think your presenting style has a lovely vibe and the focus on the artists and composers is much appreciated as often the internet resources get drawn down the rabbit hole of dry dead wax information and hot stampers. One little touch I appreciate is you don’t have the usual row of anonymous records behind you and instead have sleeves turned outwards as some of these are so beautiful especially the early Decca ones. Episodes on Argo and Lyrita would be much appreciated. I think the Britten Noah’s Fludde would be a great one to cover as it is used so well in the film Moonrise Kingdom alongside Young Person and Simple symphony.

[@musiconrecord6724]

So glad you are enjoying. I share your particular passion for Decca records - there is truly something magical about them. Britten is one of my favorite composers (somewhere I have a letter he wrote to me in response to a fan latter I sent him after attending a concert by Peter Pears and Osian Ellis). I grew up singing his music and it is very special indeed. Lots more to follow, including both your suggestions. Moonrise Kingdome uses his music to perfection.

[@Roamany-Jones]

Hi, only just come across your channel, great content for me as I am a Classical Record collector myself now for the last 40 plus years. Will watch all your content from the beginning to catch up 👍😀

[@musiconrecord6724]

Welcome! So glad you're enjoying.....

[@Roamany-Jones]

I’m from the U.K. myself so mainly collect SXL and EMI ASD series and try to stick with the 1st editions. I have most of the Blue back 2000 series. My faves as well

[@musiconrecord6724]

I am very jealous.....!!! Yes, these Deccas and EMI/Columbias are pure magic.

[@musiconrecord6724]

I am very jealous.....!!! Yes, these Deccas and EMI/Columbias are pure magic.

[@rickmilam413]

My favorite Monteux original pressing is his 1959. performance of Daphnis et Chloe. The sound is wonderful, his interpretation opened up new appreciation of the piece for me. Notably he performed the premier for Ravel in 1911 then did what I believe is the first stereo recording of it all those years later (Hope I have my years right - went by memory)

[@Roamany-Jones]

Ruggiero’s my fave violinist and his Carmen Fantaisie is the best sounding in my collection SXL 2197 if you can find an original. Fireworks WOW !

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

I recall seeing a written interview with Kenneth Wilkinson in which he said that it was not possible to record an orchestra with minimal miking. I was very surprised by this admission; but hearing his recordings I have to shut my mouth: they are astounding. The RCA recording he engineered of the "Citizen Kane" suite with Charles Gehrhardt are simply astounding...the "Palaambo" track with Kiri te Kanawa is astonishing...the seismic bass drum destroys the room.

[@bannan61]

Amazing that Decca called Mendelssohn 3 the Scotch symphony. Oh dear, Our Scottish friends wouldn't be impressed. It's the Scottish symphony. Scotch is a drink. However, I am also a huge Decca fan. They have a presence, depth, stereo image and sparkle that no other labels seem to have.

[@musiconrecord6724]

Still the gold standard in vintage vinyl.

[@paulwgibson]

In modern usage Scottish/Scots vs. Scotch is as you say, however in Mendelssohn's time this was not at all standardized and Scotch was often used for the people/culture and not only for whisky. Mendelssohn himself called the 3rd "Scotch" and it's only been in the 20th century that people began referring to it as "The Scottish".

[@johnz4860]

Very interesting video. As a child growing up in Sydney in the 1970s I would spend countless afternoons listening to classical records with my parents. We still have those records, a quite a number of them are Decca titles.

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

You have a really great channel. I got into listening to classical music in the late 1980's after high school and during college. I slowly built my library over many years and it's great to hear your comments. I was a teacher for many years before I retired last year after 27 years. One of my extra curricular activities was the Tech Director for our theater, and recording engineer for our band. i used the Decca Tree configuration for my recordings, direct to 2-track analog with Dolby C noise reduction. I treasure my own recordings; I was standing on the shoulders of giants.

[@musiconrecord6724]

Thanks for watching - and the positive feedback. How great that you used the Decca Tree! I bet those recordings sound great!

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

Have you heard Solti's recording on Decca of Von Suppe's overtures? I found the LP years ago for 25 cents and I was absolutely astounded at the performances...the sound is not particularly distinguished, but the extraordinarily energetic performances, with impossibly fast tempi, are simply amazing. It is one of my favorite LP's to program with other works; I sit nervously in my listening chair with my heart beating fast. Amazing.

[@musiconrecord6724]

No I haven't. Sounds worth seeking out.

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

@@musiconrecord6724 here's a KZbin version to check out. I have the LP pictured and not the reissue: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoGoha2nd6qFnbs

[@mcgjohn22]

A nice review of some of the Decca titles. The Decca catalogue is just packed full of really nice recordings. Once the contract expired between Decca and RCA, Decca reissued many of these Decca - RCA recordings under the Ace of Diamonds label in the UK or the Stereo Treasury series in the US. The one area that most Decca collectors may consider exploring more are the Decca pressings done in Japan. Long before the King Super Analogue series, Decca contracted with King Records to issue the Decca catalogue in Japan for the Japan Market. In the early days (1960s), Decca would cut the lacquers in the UK and send them over for plating and pressing in Japan. In 1968 when Decca discontinued 1/2 speed mastering along with all tube cutting, King Records never thought the solid state cutting amplifiers sounded as good as the tube based cutting system, so continued cutting with all tube electronics and 300 watt tube amplifiers to drive the cutter heads. If a person really wants to hear what was on those Decca master tapes, a person should pick up a copy of one of the King Laboratory standard titles where all compression and EQ was removed from the cutting signal path and groove spacing was drastically increased to make room for the greater modulations. The Monteux Firebird is an excellent example as is the Solti / Chicago Beethoven's 7th.

[@musiconrecord6724]

This is absolutely fascinating. I have tended to avoid Japanese pressings, but this will prompt me to explore further. Thank you so much for sharing this information.

[@mcgjohn22]

@@musiconrecord6724 You're welcome. I used to think exactly the same; best to avoid. I lived over in Japan for a year and a half. Met quite a few audiophiles over there. One was very helpful explaining the various labels, pressing plants, versions etc. In Japan most Decca titles were issued 3-8 times with different lacquers and many times different catalogue numbers. The earliest releases were usually a two letter prefix and two digit suffix on the catalogue number. Later King switched to an SLC prefix followed by a 4 digit number. There is the 1000 series (all pressed with Decca UK lacquers), the 2000 series (pressed with DECCA lacquers) , the 6000 series (usually pressed with hotter cut King lacquers), later came the GT series, and the GXP and GXC lab series. Very few in the UK, on the Continent or in the US seem to know much about these very high quality pressings. Some are true bargains. An example is the 1st press of the Martinon Tchaikovsky 6 in clean condition. First press Decca will set you back 120 pounds or so. But same lacquer first press by King in Japan in really clean condition can be picked up for a dozen quid. Another series to watch out for are those titles which have DOR or DAM in the lower lefthand corner of the jacket. These are all sonic block busters. Many are cut at 45 RPM, pressed on two discs. I could go on and on.....

[@mcgjohn22]

After Polygram bought Decca, the pressing plant for Japan was changed from King to Polydor KK. The earliest of these pressings used the Decca UK, lacquers, but Polydor quickly switched to Polygram cut lacquers which were more compressed than the Decca UK and King lacquers.