Tchaikovsky - Capriccio Italien & Dvořák – Symphony “From the New World” - Sir Thomas Beecham & José Iturbi - 78 RPM shellac record - 1940

These two American 78 RPM sets capture distinguished mid-century interpretations of Tchaikovsky and Dvořák, each presented in richly designed albums typical of the era.

Tchaikovsky – Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Sir Thomas Beecham conducting the Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra of New York
Columbia Masterworks, USA, ca. 1940–42 · Set X-MX-229 · 2 × 12″ 78 RPM
Beecham leads a spirited and finely balanced performance of Capriccio Italien, highlighting the work’s blend of ceremonial brilliance and folk-inspired colour. The New York orchestra responds with clarity and rhythmic lift across the four sides (X229-1 to X229-4), preserving the piece’s vivid orchestration even within the constraints of shellac recording. The album includes Columbia’s characteristic notes outlining the background of the work and the conductor.

Dvořák – Symphony No. 5 in E Minor “From the New World”, Op. 95
José Iturbi conducting the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
RCA Victor Red Seal, USA · Musical Masterpiece Series · Set M-899 · 6 × 12″ 78 RPM
RCA Victor’s Red Seal edition presents Iturbi’s direct and warmly phrased interpretation of the New World Symphony, issued over six discs (11-8165 to 11-8169). The Rochester Philharmonic brings breadth to the Largo and energy to the Scherzo and Finale, with Iturbi shaping the symphony’s contrasts with clarity. The set includes a formal title page and retains the deep-red Red Seal labels that defined Victor’s premium classical line.
Together, these albums offer a snapshot of American orchestral recording in the early 78 RPM era: Beecham’s polished theatricality alongside Iturbi’s vibrant, structural approach, each preserved in handsome period presentations.