Description Decca SXL 2172 Monteux Katchen Brahms PC No.1 vinyl NM/EXC+ CVR EXC Brahms:Piano Concerto No.1 in D Minor, Op.15 Julius Katchen, piano Pierre Monteux conducting the London Symphony Orchestra Original UK Press Decca FFSS Wide-Band Grooved ED1Scalloped Flip-Back SXL 2172 OUTER COVER: EXC. WEAR ON ALL CORNERS EXCEPT FOR TOP RIGHT. A SMALL TEAR IN THE LOWER RIGHT HAND FLAP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR COVER. A SMALL PRICE TAG AREA LEFT MUCILAGE ON THE TOP RIGHT OF THE REAR COVER. DATE ON THE COVER IS: February 1960. Record first issued in 1958/1960? SXL 2172 is reviewed in Vol 2 of Stereo Record Guide, published in 1961. I think the LP was available in 1960 and expect that the review did not use a 1958 record. U KATCHEN GIVES AN IMPASSIONED AND EXCITING ACCOUNT OF THE SOLO PIANO PART… COMBINING TREMENDOUS DRIVE WITH THE KIND OF RUMINATING DELICACY BRAHMS SO OFTEN CALLS FOR. THE FIRST MOVMENT AND FINALE ARE PARTICULARLY SUCCESSFUL. Stereo Record Review vol. 2, p. 364 VINYL Dead WAX MARKINGS: 2D/1D Stampers (1958) Side 1: Matrix 2D; Laquer 21; Stamper =M or 9. NOTE: I THINK THIS LACQUER IS PROBABLY 2 NOT 21, GIVEN THE VERY EARLY PRESSING ON THE OTHER SIDE. Side 2: Matrix 1D; Lacquer 1; Stamper= C or 3. NOTE; THIS SIDE IS A VERY EARLY PRESSING; SOUND SHOULD BE EXEMPLARY. VINYL CONDITION: SIDE 1 NM; SIDE 2 EXC+ Side 1: an almost unnoticeable small bubble in band 2. Side 2: A ¼ inch scratch at the end or Band 3. A 3/8 inch scratch at the end of band 4. A small bubble in band 4 that is almost unnoticeable. (LP is clean and shiny faint scuffs only, jacket is clean too with light wear, see photo)