Len Freshkens and Richard Pennycuick write:

>>I recall a DG Missa Solemnis which had no more than the last two minutes
>>of the Gloria on Side 2 when it could have all been accommodated on Side 1.
>
>This was sometimes done to avoid placing a big climax on the inner grooves
>of the LP, which were much more susceptible to distortion.

This discussion reminds me of Reference Recordings' RR-11, two-LP set at
45 rpm of the Symphonie Fantastiqe.  Firstly the 45 rpm speed had supposed
sonic advantages over 33 rpm.  Since the work only filled three LP sides,
the fourth was a "bonus" in the form of an extra copy of side 3 (rather
than leaving it blank).  They proclaimed that this should appeal to audio
enthusiasts who will play side 3 more often than sides 1 and 2.  I wonder
who this says less for, Reference Recordings or its customers.  (Perhaps
I should hide the fact that I own this set.) I believe the performance
was eventually transferred to CD, which RR recordings resisted at first,
stating CD too inferior to LP.  Well, at least the music on side 3 does
not wear out from repeated playing of the CD.

Norman M. Schwartz
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