Opera Recording Appraisal

Lakmé (opera) - Joan Sutherland, Richard Bonynge - Decca Vinyl Record

This item is a vintage vinyl record album, specifically the opera 'Lakmé' performed by Joan Sutherland, conducted by Richard Bonynge, with Alain Vanzo and Gabriel Bacquier, and L'Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo. The physical characteristics indicate a standard 12-inch LP record, housed in a cardboard gatefold or single sleeve cover. The dominating color scheme of the cover art is dark, featuring a central image of Joan Sutherland in character, wearing an ornate, feather-adorned headdress and a detailed, possibly beaded or sequined green gown with pink floral accents. Her hands are clasped in a prayer-like gesture. The background appears mottled or textured in darker tones, suggesting an aged or artistic finish. Notable features include the prominent lettering for 'LAKMÉ' in a bright green, stylized font at the top center, and the names of the principal artists (Joan Sutherland, Richard Bonynge) in elegant white script. The conductor and other artists are listed below them. The top right corner prominently displays the DECCA record label logo. The overall condition of the cover shows visible signs of age and wear, including some discoloration, scuffs, and edge wear, particularly along the bottom edge, indicating that it is a used item. There's also some apparent fading or yellowing of the lighter areas. The aesthetic style points to a classic opera recording from the mid-20th century. Based on the catalog number 'SET 387-9' (partially visible as 'DBS/388' and 'SET 387-9' might be a typo or alternate numbering, but 'DECCA SET' is common for opera sets), this recording was likely released in the late 1960s, specifically 1968 based on research for this particular recording. The craftsmanship of the cover art and printing appears of good quality for its era, though the physical condition indicates historical use rather than pristine preservation.