GLENN GOULD Beethoven Piano Concerto 3 BERNSTEIN MS 6096 TEST PRESSING LP

$

50

SPEAKERS CORNER RECORDS • AUDIOPHILE TEST PRESSING

Ultra-Rare Factory Production Sample / Review Archive Copy

ALBUM HEADLINE

• Artist: Glenn Gould | Columbia Symphony Orchestra | Leonard Bernstein

• Title: Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, op. 37 (Stereo)

• Recording Date: May 1959 at Columbia's 30th Street Studios, New York City

• Speakers Corner Remaster Release Date: October 2018

ITEM SPECIFICATIONS

• Pianist: Glenn Gould

• Conductor: Leonard Bernstein

• Orchestra: Columbia Symphony Orchestra

• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

• Label: Speakers Corner Records

• Catalog Number: Columbia MS 6096

• Pressing Plant: Pallas (Germany)

• Format: 1 LP / Standard Sleeve / Stereo / 180g Audiophile Vinyl

• Price Code: SC01

• Barcode: 4260019715555

ARCHIVAL OVERVIEW

Up for auction is an exceptionally scarce grail piece for classical music completionists and analog purists: an authentic Speakers Corner Records factory test pressing/sample sleeve copy of the legendary 1959 stereo recording of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, performed by the incomparable Glenn Gould alongside Leonard Bernstein conducting the Columbia Symphony Orchestra.

This rare piece features the official, original Speakers Corner production data sheet permanently affixed to the reverse side of the jacket. Prepared inside their German headquarters in anticipation of the October 2018 master release window, it outlines critical matrix tracking information, price codes, and recording provenance documenting the historic May 1959 sessions captured by engineer Jack Ashkinzy and producer Howard H. Scott.

Because test pressings represent the absolute first stampers pulled directly from the fresh matrix to evaluate audio integrity before commercial factory runs, they hold a revered place among high-fidelity collectors. They represent the absolute closest possible physical replication of the original master tape.

REPERTOIRE & PERFORMANCE NOTES

Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto marks a significant evolutionary shift, where the piano is no longer a mere partner to the orchestra but acts as an independent, fierce opponent within the symphonic context.

Glenn Gould, world-renowned for his analytical and razor-sharp interpretations, brings a mesmerizing tension to this heavyweight work. From the angular, striking chords of the solo entry to the deeply concentrated, dark, and consoling depths of the Largo, Gould's mastery is absolute. The finale drives forward with a strictness reminiscent of Bach, moving seamlessly between lyrical beauty and turbulent, electrifying ecstasy. Combined with Bernstein's powerful orchestral direction, this remains one of the most historically fascinating accounts of the concerto ever put to tape.

Track Listing:

• Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, op. 37

VISUAL & PLAY-GRADE CONDITION REPORT

• Vinyl Grade: NEAR MINT (NM)
• The vinyl surfaces retain their full original high-gloss factory sheen. The disc appears exceptionally clean, free of any scratches, hairline marks, or sleeve scuffs. It plays beautifully with crisp, clear stereo imaging, outstanding dynamic range, and minimal to no background surface noise, standard for a premium Pallas test strike.

• Jacket/Sleeve Grade: NEAR MINT (NM)
• The outer jacket is crisp and highly preserved with sharp corners, firm edges, and a fully intact spine. The factory-applied Speakers Corner data cue sheet on the back is in exceptional condition, fully legible with no tears, staining, or handwriting. An outstanding archival presentation copy.

PROFESSIONAL AUDIOPHILE SHIPPING PROTOCOLS

• The vinyl record is safely removed from the outer jacket prior to packaging to eliminate any risk of seam splits, spine punches, or knife-edge travel damage during transit.

• Shipped exclusively inside a heavy-duty, dedicated corrugated cardboard LP mailer, flanked by extra internal cardboard stiffeners to resist bending.

• Full tracking, signature delivery verification, and premium carrier insurance coverage apply globally. Bid with absolute confidence!