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La Boutique Fantasque, Arthur Fiedler- 2 Track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
1/9
Description

One of RCA’s early Stereo-Orthophonic classical reels, this 1957 two-track edition of Respighi’s La Boutique Fantasque showcases the Boston Pops under Arthur Fiedler in vivid, wide stereo. The ballet’s colorful Rossini miniatures—Tarantelle, Mazurka, Can-Can—benefit from the format’s open staging, with lively percussion and bright woodwinds laid out clearly across the left/right field. At 7½ ips, the tape carries a smooth, naturally dynamic orchestral sound that feels more spacious and relaxed than the LP of the same era. Early Fiedler reels are prized for both musical charm and engineering quality, and this is a fine example, complete with RCA’s classic red-label clear reel. A strong choice for collectors of early stereo classical tapes.

Details

Album: La Boutique Fantasque

Conductor: Arthur Fiedler

Orchestra:

  • Boston Pops Orchestra

Label: RCA Victor

Year of Release: 1957

Duplicator: RCA Victor

Country: United States

Genre:

  • Classical

Reel: 7 1/2 IPS 7 inch Tape, 2 Track Tape

Condition Notes:

  • Box: Excellent
  • Sound Quality: Excellent
Track List

1. Overture
2. Tarantelle
3. Vivo
4. Mazurka
5. Danse Cosaque
6. Can-Can
7. Valse Lente
8. Nocturne
9. Galop

Tape Review

Play-tested RCA Victor pre-recorded reel, CCS-53 La Boutique Fantasque (Rossini-Respighi) with the Boston Pops under Arthur Fiedler. Playback is stable; sound is about what you’d expect from an early RCA two-track—decent stereo spread, slightly constrained dynamics, and some tape age present, but no major dropouts or alarming flaws. This isn’t a demo-grade spectacular and falls a little short of top-tier expectations, yet it remains an enjoyable, period-correct listen with that classic early stereo character.

The Half-Track Golden Age (and How We Got There)

Two-track stereo reels grew out of early post-war tape, when consumer releases were mostly mono (often with a “flip the reel” second side). Once in-line two-track (half-track) became standard, big tracks at 7.5 ips made great jazz and classical sound incredibly real. The industry eventually moved to 4-track because it was cheaper and offered more playing time- learn more here.

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