Julian Bream – Lute Suites Nos. 1 by J.S. Bach and 2 album art
Cover of the mono release, with the number (LM-2896) at the bottom, in Akzidenz-Grotesk
Julian Bream (1933–2020) was an English classical guitarist and lutenist. In the fall of 1965 he recorded an album with his interpretation of the Lute Suites that Johann Sebastian Bach composed in the first half of the 18th century. It was released by RCA Red Seal in 1966.
The uncredited cover designer selected a typeface from the late 19th century. With the exuberance of decorative tendrils, it may still be described as baroque. It’s Nymphic, designed by Herman Ihlenburg and first cast in 1889 by MacKellar, Smiths & Jordan. Or rather, it’s Xenotype 3799, a phototype revival of Nymphic made at Photo-Lettering in the first half of the 1960s. The spacing is decidedly of its time: tight-not-touching – much tighter than what was possible with metal type in previous decades.
For the stereo release, the number (LSC-2896) was moved to the top, pushing the typographic composition down. “Stereo” is added in all-caps Venus Extended.
A sample of 18 point Nymphic as it was presented in Inland Printer, volume 7, issue 2, from November 1889, here with its lowercase characters and the alternate oversized display caps, or initials. The four arrow-spoked asterisk used on the album cover can be found back as well.
