From http://www.stokowski.org/1921-1924%20Tchaikovsky%20Stokowski%20Acoustics.htm
Stokowski's first issued Tchaikovsky recording was of the third movement (Marche scherzo) of Tchaikovsky Symphony no 6, opus 74, the 'Pathétique'. This movement was recorded April 18, 1921 in the Camden Church Studio. The recording is a fine performance; open, balanced, and detailed. Stokowski had previously rejected recording sessions of this movement in 1917, 1920 and the previous month in 1921. In fact, the 1917 effort was of the full third movement, rather than this heavily truncated version. Even with this selectivity as to takes, the issued recording was of take number 11 of a total of 12 different takes made that day in April, 1921.
It is somewhat unusual that 11 takes of this side were necessary for a successful release. However, we should also consider the many hundreds of acoustic sides which were recorded, yet never released. This is a testament to the difficulties and unpredictability of acoustic recording.
By the way, the orchesta consisted of 80 musicians in the 1917 recordings. Talk about sardines.
Albert