Ballet Music Appraisal

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (Ballet Suite) - The Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy (Columbia Records LP with Accompanying Book)

This item is a vintage Columbia Records long-play (LP) record album featuring Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake (Ballet Suite)" performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. It appears to be a special edition, combining the musical recording with an accompanying book or booklet. The cover art is a prominent feature, depicting a ballet scene, which the context suggests is a notable illustration, possibly featured in the Louvre, implying artistic merit. The album jacket itself is constructed of sturdy cardboard, characteristic of LP records from the mid-to-late 20th century. The front cover is divided into two main sections: a white area showcasing the title "Tchaikovsky Swan Lake (Ballet Suite)" and the performers, along with the classical ballet scene artwork, and a striking red spine section. The red section is titled "An Affectionate View of Tchaikovsky's Greatest Ballet" and "THE ART OF 'SWAN LAKE'". It also mentions "A DETAILED RETROSPECTIVE WITH RARE ILLUSTRATIONS AND A COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY," confirming the presence of a substantial textual component alongside the record. The Columbia Records 'eye' logo is visible at the top of the red section. Physical characteristics show some signs of age and wear expected from a used item of this type. The corners and edges of the album jacket exhibit wear, including some scuffing and minor creasing, particularly visible on the bottom edge of the white section. The white areas of the cover may show some discoloration or dirt accumulation. The overall impression is that of a well-preserved but used vintage record album. The presence of a comprehensive essay and rare illustrations indicates a higher quality and more collectible release than a standard record, suggesting it was marketed towards enthusiasts or those interested in the artistic and historical context of the ballet. The craftsmanship appears to be standard for high-quality record packaging of its era, with clear printing and robust construction. Without an exact date, the style and a Columbia Records mark suggest an estimated age from the 1950s to 1970s.