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I bought a lot of 200 78's recently, mostly Victor Red Seal and black batwings. In going through the collection, I was pleased to find a two disc 12' set of The William Tell Overture. What also surprised me was to see that it was not a Red Seal release, but black batwings.

Still fairly new to this hobby. But I thought classical mainly appeared on Red Seal? Or, is that more contingent upon the artist and/or conductor?

It depends on who played it. If was Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchectra it would have been on red seal. If it was Arthur Pryor's Band it would have been on black label. Oft recorded popular pieces like that could go either way.

Now I have to double check. I don't think I have added any classical that was not Red Seal, until now. Just happy to have them. I am still learning about Victor's, and there is an awful lot to learn about this legendary company and its records.

Wolfe wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 3:10 pm It depends on who played it. If was Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchectra it would have been on red seal. If it was Arthur Pryor's Band it would have been on black label. Oft recorded popular pieces like that could go either way.

Yes, and if it was the "Victor Orchestra" or other generic group it might show up on the blue label.

52089 wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 3:52 pm

Wolfe wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 3:10 pm It depends on who played it. If was Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchectra it would have been on red seal. If it was Arthur Pryor's Band it would have been on black label. Oft recorded popular pieces like that could go either way.

Yes, and if it was the "Victor Orchestra" or other generic group it might show up on the blue label.

Quite a few non- generic symphony orchestras show up on early acoustical symphonic sets on blue label. I think it depended on the composer- composers like Grieg and Wagner were still considered contemporary in the early- mid 1920s.

Lots of operatic repertoire appears on black as well depending on the singers.

smitharthur wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 1:11 pm a two disc 12' set of The William Tell Overture. What also surprised me was to see that it was not a Red Seal release, but black batwings.

Who does play this ? Checking DAHR I can't locate a two part WTO on 12" in the batwing era.

Will let you know when I get home to pull them out.

Likely Arthur Pryor's Band on 35120 and 35121.

gramophone-georg wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 7:15 pm Likely Arthur Pryor's Band on 35120 and 35121.

You right ! Must be that.