MUSIC OF THE GOTHIC ERA - DAVID MUNROW - IMMACULATE MINT FIRST PRESSING 3 LP BOX

	£		16
	$		21

Title: Music of the Gothic Era

Artist: David Munrow and The Early Music Consort Of London

Very rare IMMACULATE MINT 1976 UK FIRST PRESSING 3-disc vinyl LP box set from the Deutsche Grammophon Historical Music Studio on the Archive Production label, housed in a 12" square thick card picture box complete with an extensive, illustrated booklet and original inner sleeves. The records are in as-new flawless Mint condition and sound as wonderful as ever. And the clean and sharp box is in Near Mint condition. See pics. Most of the LPs have NEVER been played. A superb collector’s copy of this legendary box set of the last, and arguably the most successful, of David Munrow's boxed sets of pre-baroque music.
Highly desirable for its very rare first pressing matrices, and immaculate Mint condition vinyl, and increasingly difficult to find in this kind of condition. This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to add this extreme rarity to your collection at an extremely advantageous price.

Catalogue Number: Archive Production – 2723 045

Release date: 1976

Overall Grade: Mint/NM/Mint (LP/Cover/Booklet)

Notes:
Recorded Godalming/Surrey, Chapel, Charter House, 4-5 April 1975 and London, Conway Hall, 22-30 October 1975

Includes a 12" x 12" 56 page illustrated booklet.

This box set of LPs is hardly ever offered for sale in this condition – if ever.

“For the last year and a half, I have been checking out a lot of Medieval and Renaissance polyphony, and this has turned out to be one of the recordings that I play constantly. The London Early Music Consort performs these pieces with great depth and a wide range of expression and drama.”

''Music of the Gothic Era'' was the last and arguably the most successful of David Munrow's boxed sets of pre-baroque music. Exploring as it did a repertory of late twelfth-, thirteenth- and early fourteenth-century polyphony that was still all but unknown when these records appeared in the mid-1970s, the venture proved to be nothing less than an ear-opener to many listeners of the time, not least because of the sheer verve and bravura of the performances. Today, a few of these might be criticized for their over-indulgence, extravagant instrumentation and rollicking high spirits; but most have stood the test of time extremely well, and the records still deserve to be cherished by all lovers of medieval music. The result is little short of spectacular, quite simply because of the breath-taking clarity of the sound reproduction.
Without doubt, the highlights of the collection are the settings of Viderunt omnes by Leonin and Perotin that open the anthology and the group of motets by Guillaume de Machaut that come towards the end. This latter includes a wonderful performance (by voices alone, in a style made more familiar in recent years by Christopher Page's Gothic Voices) of Lasse! comment oublerai/Se j'aim mon loyal ami/Pour quoy me bat, an extraordinarily plangent piece that inspires some controlled, expressive singing from Paul Elliott, Martyn Hill and Geoffrey Shaw. In general, the thirteenth-century motets are less sensitively done, largely because instruments are allowed to dominate the texture, but even here there are plenty of memorable moments. With its many excellent qualities and extremely generous playing time, this is a box set not to be missed, even by those who would normally think twice about buying records of such early music.'

This is the extremely rare real thing: a genuine flawless MINT CONDITION 1976 UK first pressing. The records are in immaculate as-new condition and the box and inner sleeves are also in mint condition apart from some discolouration to the back of the box, for which reason I have downgraded it to Near Mint condition. All items are free from any major defects. See pics. All items are the genuine originals bought together by me in 1976, not reprints or replacements. The LPs are the original 1976 UK stereo LPs, only one of which was played once or twice on top-end audiophile equipment and lovingly cared for. The other discs were never played.
Please note that for this UK release the records were pressed in the UK and the booklet and box were printed in Germany.

“Once again David Munrow brings us a glimpse of an earlier time. This rendition transports the listener to the lofty arches of Winchester or Notre Dame with its rich and enduring vocals. For those seeking to round-out their "medieval" collection, this album is a must-have!”

The Early Music Consort of London:
James Bowman, Charles Brett, David James (countertenors)
Rogers Covey-Crump, Paul Elliott, Martyn Hill, John Nixon, John Potter (tenors)
Geoffrey Shaw (bass)
Oliver Brookes, fiddle
Eleanor Sloan, fiddle
James Tyler, mandora
Gillian Reid, bells, psaltery
Christopher Hogwood, harp
David Corkhill, bells, positive organ
Michael Laird, cornett, alto cornett
laan Wilson, cornett
Alan Lumsden, tenor cornett, slide trumpet
David Munrow, alto shawm, tenor shawm

This may be your only ONCE IN A LIFETIME chance to own this rare piece of music history in this condition.

AND IT MUST SELL IN THIS ONCE ONLY SALE

Recent Feedback:

“I've bought LPs brand new that weren't in as good condition! Very quick delivery.”

“Mint means MINT for this seller!! trade with confidence!!!! AAAAAAAAA”

“Very fine item. Well packed. Quick shipment. Thanks.”

“Superb piece of vinyl - wonderfully packaged”