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Recommendation: Gould Well-Tempered Clavier LP set

I'm looking to put together a nice set of the WTC for weekly use on my turntable. I'm not sure which albums belong together, so I though I'd ask here. I noticed that one can get 6 different LPs, or two three-disc sets. However, I'm not sure even if the two three-disc sets belong together... One I've seen is 1972 COLUMBIA Records D3M 31525 (the first half) and D3S 733 (the second half), but I'm assuming the "M" and "S" refer to mono and stereo... anyways, my question is what would you guys recommend for someone who wants a good copy of the WTC by Gould...

Thanks,
-Marc
mre2007
tarsando
578 posts
 
It's been a long time since I worked in a record store, but by 1972 I don't think mono lp's were being issued along with stereo. So the M means something in terms of Columbia pricing. Same with the S. I could be wrong though.
qdrone
1,039 posts
 
Are the colours of the label on the records different. I have some Bernstien that are Mono and the lable is grey and some that are stereo and they are red. The stereo disc's have an S and the Mono ones have an M in the catalog number.
opalchip
355 posts
 
note: D3S 733 is Book One, not Book 2.

The WTC's were originally issued as single LP's (recorded between 1962 and 1972), so the 3 lp sets are by definition, reissues. My preference is for the singles. In general early Columbias are preferable to later Columbias. I'd say that if you go with the boxes, stick to the 2-eye version (gray label) for the first set, which again, is D3S 733.

D3M 31525 is Book II, and should be Stereo, it's just Columbia's numbering system changed in the '70's. As far as I know, Columbia's notation for Mono would be the letter L. For example, the Book 1 set in mono would be D3L 733.

The numbers for the first 3 single stereo albums are:
MS 6408
MS 6538
MS 6776

Hope this helps.
mre2007 OP
90 posts
 
So, with the earlier Columbia recordings, were they released in both stereo and mono? For example, Dave Brubeck's Time Out: Take Five, there are two versions, one with stereo at the top and one without. In general, is the stereo version more desirable than the mono? Were there ever albums that were both stereo and mono capable? I guess I'm just trying to figure out how this whole early Columbia, "eye" thing works ;)

Thanks,
-Marc
pragmatist
336 posts
 
A suggestion,for what it is worth,remember VOX BOXES?

Harpsichordist Martin Galling recorded the complete keybord works of Bach for Vox.

The first three lp set includes the two part inventions,the three part inventions,and the WTC I.

Ralph Kirkpatrick recorded the WTC I and II for DG,on a clavichord.

In addition to a Gould piano set,a harpsichord set,and a clavichord set are intersting to have to compare similarities and differences---in addition to their musical value as stand alone sets.
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