Serge Prokofieff: Symphonie Nr.5 (200g / 45rpm) 2-LP

London Symphony Orchestra, Malcolm Sargent
Label: Acoustic Sounds

Among the special achievements of the now non-existent Classic Records label is the rediscovery of the majestic sound experience of the Everest 35mm magnetic film recordings through a groundbreaking series of re-releases. During the early 1960s the Everest-LPs were recorded three-channel on 35mm magnetic film. The use of magnetic film allowed for greater fidelity and less noise than the standard 1/4" magnetic tape. Westrex designed special equipment according to Everest's wishes in order to take full advantage of the possibilities. Fast forward into today's world: Analogue Productions revives this collection with a series of 10 new releases. Bernie Grundman cut both 33 and 45rpm varnish film for the new editions, but the 45rpm versions were never released!
Each set of two LPs comes in a Stoughton Printing folding cover with a hand-applied cover, recognizable by the typical folding, and features the original artwork including the Everest Records trademark. Both LPs also have a transparent sleeve for protection
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It has been said that "the Fifth Symphony embodies the peak performance of the orchestrator Prokofiev, who combines an exhilarating multi-coloured palette with disciplined orchestral development". Nowhere else in recorded form have these orchestral colours been recorded with such amazing fidelity, largely due to the efforts of the Everest label as pioneers in the art of 35mm magnetic tape recording under the direction of Bert Whyte.

These Prokofiev 5th Symphony sessions were recorded in 1959 at the Walthamstow Town Assemby Hall, London (location of many Wilkinson / Decca recordings) with Sir Malcolm Sargent, who conducted the London Symphony Orchestra and recorded directly on three channels on 35mm magnetic tape.