Westminster

US classical label founded in 1949 by record shop owner Mischa Naida, symphony conductor Henry Swoboda and businessman James Grayson. Label Code: LC 0393 / LC 00393 The label's "Natural Balance" slogan referred to the single-microphone recordings (similar to the Mercury Living Presence classical series from Mercury Records) it made. Its early releases were technically superior to much of their competitors' output at the time and had a following with audiophiles. In late June 1955 the dual-price "18000" series was introduced. A deluxe factory-sealed version (WN) and a standard version (SWN) without artwork and notes. Both versions contains the same record. The "XWN" deluxe line was announced in mid 1956. In late July early August 1958, the label began releasing stereo LPs. For the companies, see Westminster Recording Co., Inc. or , successively owned by Am-Par Record Corp. (from January 1961), ABC-Paramount Records, Inc. and ABC Records, Inc.. The label became Westminster Gold in 1970 and reissues were released under the ABC Westminster label from the late 60s to the late 70s. The catalog is now owned by Deutsche Grammophon.