The 100 Greatest Recordings Of All Time 55/56 : 20th-Century Masterpieces II

A subscription series issued as 50 individual two-record sets, released from 1978-1982. The entire library was first announced on the 100th anniversary (1977) of Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph. Each LP was pressed with a special vinyl formulation that enabled a clear (IE: virgin vinyl) quiet playing surface on a more rigid (heavy weighted) LP disc. Every record was pressed and processed in an atmosphere controlled “clean room” and using "ruby red colored" vinyl. Recordings are archival in nature and some are varied from mono vs stereo, though not specified on the disc or labels.

Each library case houses two proof-quality long playing records, with each record fully protected within its own dust free (plastic tray & lid) compartment. The records are firmly supported within the closed compartment in such a way that the playing surface never touches any part of the case. Each library case includes a specially written and illustrated commentary, by a respected music expert. The composers and their works are discussed in much detail, along with historical background information, which is provided re: the featured Soloists, Orchestras, Conductors, and Ensembles per recording.

Note: 2 different box types exist: 1st released in an oversized case with plastic protective trays measuring 13.25 x 13.5 inches with booklet attached inside & hinged vs the standard type of box 12.5 x 12.5 with booklet placed (loose along with insert) inside of box and was shipped with Styrofoam wafer liners. Dating for sets can be found with a date printed on the booklet, only set 1/2 (from 1978) is not dated the rest are chronological from 1978-1982. For example: Volume 2/3 year 1978 vs 25/56 year 1979 vs 49/50 year 1980 vs 63/64 year 1980 vs 83/83 year 1981 vs 93/94 year 1982. In volume 49/50 a special notice sheet was added indicating that this volume came with a "Cross Reference Index" booklet for the previous 50 volumes (1-50) and stating at the conclusion of the collection they will provide a permanent listing of all 100 records as a helpful reference aid. Recordings in the booklet are listed in order of issue as well as alphabetically by performers, selections and composers.