The French Record Company to Release Previously Unreleased Full 1957 Michèle Auclair Recorded Performance

the Debussy and Ravel performances had been previously released in mono, here in stereo for the first time though the Roussel has never before been released

Musicologist, conductor and Paris National Conservatory alumnus Jean-Marc Harari's The French Recording Company (Les Discophiles Francais) issued a previously unreleased Marcelle Meyer Debussy recording back in 2019 that I reported on and reviewed on my previous website. The review caused a stir because the double LP all-analog set, limited to 200 copies was costly, though less expensive than originals of other Meyer records and buyers at the time expressed no remorse.

Les Discophiles Francis is back with another release—this one partially released in mono back in 1957—released here in its entirety and for the first time in stereo. The story of how Mr. Harari met the violinist Michèle Auclair and later discovered these tapes is told on the company's website.

The 10" original Debussy and Ravel sonatas record is, according to Harari, "one of the rarest and most expensive violin disc on the classical market". It was reissued by ERC in mono and of course immediately sold out. He also made clear that his label does not do reissues.

The new, just released album features the two previously released performances by Auclair and pianist Jacqueline Robin-Bonneau along with a new, never before released performance by the two of a Sonata by Albert Rousel, and here, for the first time, all three performances are in stereo as originally recorded to tape in 1957 by famed French audio engineer André Charlin but never released before in stereo. It's an all-analog release cut directly from the tapes. You'll find the details on the website.

I've not seen the packaging but if it's like the Meyer release's canvas-type gatefold jacket it will be deluxe and the pressing outstanding.

Though it was released as a limited to 200 edition in 2019 there are still a few copies left. Our Michael Johnson reviewed it six months ago:

This new Auclair first ever stereo release is available in a limited to 150 copies edition costing € 650.

Comments

2025-03-01 10:31:47 PM

Come on wrote:

Michael is an authentic asset and his reviews among the most relevant and honest, thanks to him, says it all for whom this might be or not. And thanks to the other Michael for publishing this like that!
2025-03-01 10:38:06 PM

Mark Ward wrote:

I so wish I could get both these releases - but alas they are simply beyond my budget.(Marcelle Meyer has long been one of my favorite pianists). Collectors need not hesitate for a second on either. This is very special work that the French Record Company is doing.
- 2025-03-01 11:22:25 PM
  
  Come on wrote:
  
  That’s the problem. You’d be the right one to get or buy such releases, but at 200 pressings they are made for another clientele..with probably less need to get it but the funds to own it. I wish such companies would go the mile to make it a bit more affordable, which might mean a bit more risk of not selling all in extremely short time.
  
  As with ERC I miss the focus of making such products available for a broader audience (which should be the focus of any such initiative imo). There must be options between low/medium quality 30$ / 10.000 pressings releases and a high quality 650$ / 200 pressings releases.
  - 2025-03-02 09:35:30 PM
    
    Mark Ward wrote:
    
    Well I won't disagree with you that I wish these were available at more reasonable prices, but the company has chosen its business model and that's that. I'm just glad that this material is seeing the light of day, albeit only for a few very dedicated collectors and lucky reviewers. This whole area of French classical recordings from the 1950s and 60s is full of gems.
- 2025-03-02 05:18:19 PM
  
  Josquin des Prez wrote:
  
  I really hate the idea of exclusive, uber-expensive reissues. Even though I could spend the money if I really wanted to I won't. I'm out. I support the Tone Poet model. Excellent unlimited high-quality reissues, masterfully curated and presented, and produced at reasonable cost ($40).
  - 2025-03-02 09:36:23 PM
    
    Mark Ward wrote:
    
    I will say that in this case, if I had the money I absolutely would spend it. Otherwise I agree with you.
2025-03-02 04:51:24 PM

Chris O'Shea wrote:

I think it's cool some company is offering ERC some friendly competition. Ilive in the Colorado Springs area. Maybe Michael would invite me over to hear these releases???
- 2025-03-02 09:36:45 PM
  
  Mark Ward wrote:
  
  Worth a try!