Vinyl plays with occasional light-crackles (play-graded). Double LP. Gate-fold cover looks great; a few creases near edges and very-light scuffing (front/back/inner-gate); discoloration spots (inner-gate). Surface abrasion near bottom-left and "57" faintly written in pink near top-right on front. Inner-sleeves are generic white. Spine is easy-to-read with noticeable wear, especially near top/bottom. Mild-wear along top/bottom-edges; mostly readable and slightly crooked text along bottom-edges. Wear to corners, especially left two. Openings are crisp with signs of light use and divots. Red "6-eye" label. (Not a cut-out.)
The Columbia Album of Victor Herbert, by Percy Faith, was a generous survey of the music of Victor Herbert. Arranged and conducted by Percy Faith, the recording drew mainly from his operettas–of which there were forty-two in various guises. There were also selections from his grand opera Natoma, from his serenades and from his piano music. The first number on this collection is Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life from the operetta Naughty Marietta, which has become perhaps the best-known song Herbert ever wrote. Dream Girl, from Herbert's last operetta was also selected to be performed on this album. Faith was a bandleader, orchestrator, composer and conductor, known for his lush arrangements of instrumental ballads and Christmas standards. He is often credited with popularizing the "easy listening" or "mood music" format. He became a staple of American popular music in the 1950s and continued well into the 1960s.