Record of Singing, Volume 3
The return, courtesy of Testament, of EMI's invaluable 'Record of Singing', covers a rich period of singing from just before the war
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Jacques Offenbach, Richard Strauss, Pietro Adolfo Tirindelli, (Charles Louis) Ambroise Thomas, John Charles Thomas, Pietro Mascagni, Claudio Monteverdi, Giacomo Puccini, Federico Ricci, Johannes Brahms, (Antonio) Carlos Gomes, Joseph Marx, Adolphe (Charles) Adam, Hector Berlioz, George Frideric Handel, (Johann Baptist Joseph) Max(imilian) Reger, Emil Paladilhe, Frederic Cowen, Amilcare Ponchielli, Jules (Emile Frédéric) Massenet, Richard Wagner, Johann Strauss II, Henry Purcell, Károly Goldmark, Giuseppe Verdi, Béla Bartók, Robert Schumann, James Philip Dunn, Giovanni Paisiello, Reynaldo Hahn, Berthomieu, Giuseppe Pietri, Othmar Schoeck, Vincenzo Bellini, Arrigo Boito, Gioachino Rossini, Frederick Delius, Arthur Goring Thomas, (Marie) Joseph Canteloube (de Calaret), Ruggiero Leoncavallo, Wilhelm Kienzl, Raoul Laparra, Gabriel Fauré, Georges Bizet, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Franz Schubert, Francois (Emmanuel-Joseph) Bazin, Zoltán Kodály, Richard Hageman, (Gustav) Albert Lortzing, William Garnet James, (Francesco) Paolo Tosti, Eugen (Francis Charles) d' Albert, Leo Blech, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maurice Ravel, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Alexander Sergeyevich Dargomïzhsky, Franco Vittadini, Giacomo Meyerbeer, Enrique Granados (y Campiña), Alexandr Tikhonovich Grechaninov, Camille Saint-Saëns, Claude Debussy, Friedrich (Adolf Ferdinand) von Flotow, (Clément Philibert) Léo Delibes, Mieczyslaw Karlowicz, Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, Johann Paul Aegidius Martini, (Lucien Denis Gabriel) Alberic Magnard, Gaetano Donizetti, Martin y Guerrero, Arthur (Seymour) Sullivan, Ludwig van Beethoven, (Carl) Otto (Ehrenfried) Nicolai, Joseph Haydn, Felix Mendelssohn, Christoph Gluck, Antonín Dvořák, Arturo Buzzi-Peccia, Giuseppe Torelli, Federico Longás Torres, ? Kashevarov, Engelbert Humperdinck, Francesco Cilea, Gaspare (Luigi Pacifico) Spontini, Mstislav Rostropovich, Conradin Kreutzer, Alfredo Catalani, Umberto Giordano, Pierre (Eugène Onfroy) de Bréville, Charles-François Gounod, Edouard(-Victoire-Antoine) Lalo, Paul (Abraham) Dukas, Rudolf Wille, Traditional, César Cui, (Jacques-François-)Fromental(-Elie) Halévy, Robert Oboussier, (Louis-Etienne-)Ernest Reyer, Hugo (Filipp Jakob) Wolf, Franz Liszt
Label: Testament
Magazine Review Date: 3/2000
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 727
Catalogue Number: SBT0132

Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Tannhäuser, Movement: Dir töne Lob |
Richard Wagner, Composer
John Barbirolli, Conductor Lauritz Melchior, Tenor London Symphony Orchestra Richard Wagner, Composer |
(Der) Ring des Nibelungen: Part 2, '(Die) Walküre', Movement: Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond |
Richard Wagner, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Ernst Viebig, Conductor Max Lorenz, Tenor Richard Wagner, Composer |
Lohengrin, Movement: Mein lieber Schwan!. |
Richard Wagner, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Franz Völker, Tenor Johannes Heidenreich, Conductor Richard Wagner, Composer |
Königsballade |
Rudolf Wille, Composer
Rudolf Wille, Composer |
Tiefland, Movement: Wie ich nun gestern Abend (Träumzählung) |
Eugen (Francis Charles) d' Albert, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Bruno Seidler-Winkler, Conductor Eugen (Francis Charles) d' Albert, Composer Torsten Ralf, Tenor |
Tiefland, Movement: Zwei Vaterunser bet'ich |
Eugen (Francis Charles) d' Albert, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Bruno Seidler-Winkler, Conductor Eugen (Francis Charles) d' Albert, Composer Torsten Ralf, Tenor |
(Die) Fledermaus, '(The) Bat', Movement: Dieser Anstand, so manierlich |
Johann Strauss II, Composer
Berlin Staatskapelle Cornelius Kun, Conductor Johann Strauss II, Composer Richard Tauber, Tenor Vera Schwarz, Soprano |
(Der) Evangelimann, Movement: ~ |
Wilhelm Kienzl, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Children's Chorus Cornelius Kun, Conductor Marcel Wittrisch, Tenor Wilhelm Kienzl, Composer |
(Der) Rosenkavalier, Movement: Di rigori armato |
Richard Strauss, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Herbert Ernst Groh, Tenor Otto Dobrindt, Conductor Richard Strauss, Composer |
(Die) tote Stadt, Movement: ~ |
Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Composer Joseph Schmidt, Tenor Otto Dobrindt, Conductor |
(Die) Entführung aus dem Serail, '(The) Abduction from the Seraglio', Movement: Konstanze...O wie ängstlich |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Julius Patzak, Tenor Leo Blech, Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer |
(Der) Wachtelschlag |
Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer
Bruno Seidler-Winkler, Piano Karl Erb, Tenor Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer |
Liederkreis, Movement: No. 5, Mondnacht |
Robert Schumann, Composer
Anonymous Pianist(s), Piano Leo Slezak, Tenor Robert Schumann, Composer |
Hänsel und Gretel, Movement: ~ |
Engelbert Humperdinck, Composer
Berlin State Opera Chorus Berlin State Opera Orchestra Engelbert Humperdinck, Composer Gerhard Hüsch, Baritone Hanns Udo Müller, Conductor |
Zar und Zimmermann, Movement: Sonst spielt ich |
(Gustav) Albert Lortzing, Composer
(Gustav) Albert Lortzing, Composer Berlin State Opera Orchestra Heinrich Schlusnus, Baritone |
Eichendorff Lieder, Movement: Verschwiegene Liebe |
Hugo (Filipp Jakob) Wolf, Composer
Franz Rupp, Piano Heinrich Schlusnus, Baritone Hugo (Filipp Jakob) Wolf, Composer |
Schwanengesang, 'Swan Song', Movement: No. 11, Die Stadt |
Franz Schubert, Composer
Franz Schubert, Composer Gerald Moore, Piano Herbert Janssen, Baritone |
(Das) Nachtlager in (von) Granada, Movement: ~ |
Conradin Kreutzer, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Conradin Kreutzer, Composer Erich Orthmann, Conductor Willi Domgraf-Fassbaender, Baritone |
(Die) tote Stadt, Movement: Mein Sehnen, mein Wähnen (Pierrotlied) |
Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Composer
Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Composer Karl Alwin, Conductor Karl Hammes, Baritone Vienna State Opera Chorus Vienna State Opera Orchestra |
(Die) Meistersinger von Nürnberg, '(The) Masters, Movement: Verachtet mir die Meister nicht (Sachs' Panegyric) |
Richard Wagner, Composer
Berlin State Opera Chorus Berlin State Opera Orchestra Clemens Schmalstich, Conductor Richard Wagner, Composer Rudolf Bockelmann, Bass-baritone |
Elijah, Movement: Lord God of Abraham |
Felix Mendelssohn, Composer
Felix Mendelssohn, Composer Friedrich Schorr, Bass-baritone John Barbirolli, Conductor London Symphony Orchestra |
(Der) Ring des Nibelungen: Part 1, '(Das) Rheingold', Movement: Abendlich strahlt |
Richard Wagner, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Bruno Seidler-Winkler, Conductor Hans Hermann Nissen, Bass Richard Wagner, Composer |
Arabella, Movement: ~ |
Richard Strauss, Composer
Alfred Jerger, Bass-baritone Berlin State Opera Orchestra Clemens Krauss, Conductor Richard Strauss, Composer Viorica Ursuleac, Soprano |
Zar und Zimmermann, Movement: O sancta justitia |
(Gustav) Albert Lortzing, Composer
(Gustav) Albert Lortzing, Composer Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Leo Schützendorf, Bass-baritone |
(Die) Lustigen Weiber von Windsor, '(The) Merry Wives of Windsor', Movement: Als Büblein klein |
(Carl) Otto (Ehrenfried) Nicolai, Composer
(Carl) Otto (Ehrenfried) Nicolai, Composer Berlin State Opera Chorus Berlin State Opera Orchestra Bruno Seidler-Winkler, Conductor Wilhelm Strienz, Bass |
Macbeth, Movement: ~ |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Giuseppe Verdi, Composer Ivar Andrésen, Bass |
(Der) Wildschütz, Movement: Fünftausend Taler! |
(Gustav) Albert Lortzing, Composer
(Gustav) Albert Lortzing, Composer Alexander Kipnis, Bass Berlin State Opera Orchestra Erich Orthmann, Conductor |
(Le) Prophète |
Giacomo Meyerbeer, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Giacomo Meyerbeer, Composer Rosario Bourdon, Conductor Sigrid Onegin, Contralto (Female alto) |
(La) Gioconda, Movement: ~ |
Amilcare Ponchielli, Composer
Amilcare Ponchielli, Composer Berlin Staatskapelle Frieder Weissmann, Conductor Karin Branzell, Contralto (Female alto) |
Samson et Dalila, Movement: ~ |
Camille Saint-Saëns, Composer
Camille Saint-Saëns, Composer Frieder Weissmann, Conductor Kerstin Thorborg, Mezzo soprano Odeon Opera Orchestra |
Schwanengesang, 'Swan Song', Movement: No. 5, Aufenthalt |
Franz Schubert, Composer
Franz Schubert, Composer George Reeves, Piano Maria Olczewska, Mezzo soprano |
(9) Lieder, Movement: No. 2, Nicht mehr zu dir zu gehen (wds. Daumer) |
Johannes Brahms, Composer
Anonymous Pianist(s), Piano Johannes Brahms, Composer Margarete Klose, Mezzo soprano |
(La) Clemenza di Tito, Movement: Parto, parto, ma tu, ben mio |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Karl Alwin, Conductor Rosette Anday, Contralto (Female alto) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer |
(Die) Allmacht |
Franz Schubert, Composer
Franz Schubert, Composer Marta Fuchs, Soprano Michael Raucheisen, Piano |
(6) Lieder, Movement: No. 2, Feldeinsamkeit (wds. Allmers) |
Johannes Brahms, Composer
Coenraad V. Bos, Piano Elena Gerhardt, Mezzo soprano Johannes Brahms, Composer |
(49) Deutsche Volkslieder, Movement: Schwesterlein, Schwesterlein |
Johannes Brahms, Composer
Johannes Brahms, Composer Julius Dahlke, Piano Lulu Mysz-Gmeiner, Mezzo soprano |
Paulus (St Paul), Movement: Jerusalem! die du tötest die Propheten |
Felix Mendelssohn, Composer
Anonymous Organists(s), Organ Felix Mendelssohn, Composer Jo Vincent, Soprano |
Mit einem gemalten Bande |
Othmar Schoeck, Composer
Othmar Schoeck, Composer Paul Baumgartner, Piano Ria Ginster, Soprano |
Myrthen, Movement: No. 7, Die Lotosblume (wds. Heine) |
Robert Schumann, Composer
Arpad Sándor, Piano Robert Schumann, Composer Ursula van Diemen, Soprano |
Lieder und Gesänge, Movement: Marienlied |
Joseph Marx, Composer
Elisabeth Schumann, Soprano Joseph Marx, Composer Karl Alwin, Conductor Vienna State Opera Orchestra |
Soirées musicales, Movement: L'invito (bolero: wds. C. Pepoli) |
Gioachino Rossini, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Erich Orthmann, Conductor Gioachino Rossini, Composer Lotte Schöne, Soprano |
Alessandro Stradella, Movement: Seid meiner Sonne stille zeugen |
Friedrich (Adolf Ferdinand) von Flotow, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Frieder Weissmann, Conductor Friedrich (Adolf Ferdinand) von Flotow, Composer Fritzi Jokl, Soprano |
(Un) ballo in maschera, '(A) masked ball', Movement: ~ |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
Adele Kern, Soprano Berlin-Charlottenberg Orchestra Giuseppe Verdi, Composer Julius Prüwer, Conductor |
(The) Tsar's Bride, Movement: ~ |
Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Bruno Seidler-Winkler, Conductor Miliza Korjus, Soprano Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, Composer |
Weine du nicht |
Robert Oboussier, Composer
Erna Berger, Soprano Eta Harich-Schneider, Harpsichord Hans-Walter Schlief, Oboe Robert Oboussier, Composer |
Es muss ein Wunderbares sein |
Franz Liszt, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Emmy Bettendorf, Soprano Franz Liszt, Composer Otto Dobrindt, Conductor |
(Le) Postillon de Lonjumeau, Movement: Je vais donc le revoir |
Adolphe (Charles) Adam, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Adolphe (Charles) Adam, Composer Felicie Hüni-Mihacsek, Soprano |
(14) Lieder, Movement: Nachtlied |
Othmar Schoeck, Composer
Margherita Perras, Soprano Othmar Schoeck, Piano Othmar Schoeck, Composer |
Turandot, Movement: Tu, che di gel sei cinta |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Giacomo Puccini, Composer Luise Helletsgruber, Soprano |
(The) Tsar's Bride, Movement: Ivan Sergyich, come into the garden (Marfa's Mad S |
Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Frieder Weissmann, Conductor Meta Seinemeyer, Soprano Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, Composer |
Daphne |
Richard Strauss, Composer
Richard Strauss, Composer |
(Die) Meistersinger von Nürnberg, '(The) Masters |
Richard Wagner, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Delia Reinhardt, Soprano Georges Sébastian, Conductor Richard Wagner, Composer |
(La) Bohème, 'Bohemian Life', Movement: Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Fritz Zweig, Conductor Giacomo Puccini, Composer Maria Cebotari, Soprano |
(L')Africaine, '(The) African Maid', Movement: Adieu, mon doux rivage |
Giacomo Meyerbeer, Composer
Elisabeth Rethberg, Soprano Frieder Weissmann, Conductor Giacomo Meyerbeer, Composer Odeon Opera Orchestra |
(Die) Aegyptische Helena, Movement: Zweite Brautnacht! |
Richard Strauss, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Fritz Busch, Conductor Richard Strauss, Composer Rose Pauly, Soprano |
Tannhäuser, Movement: Geliebter, komm! Sieh dort die Grotte |
Richard Wagner, Composer
Göta Ljungberg, Soprano Lawrance Collingwood, Conductor London Symphony Orchestra Richard Wagner, Composer Walter Widdop, Tenor |
(Der) Rosenkavalier |
Richard Strauss, Composer
Richard Strauss, Composer |
(60) Schlichte Weisen, Movement: No. 3, Waldeinsamkeit (wds. French folksong) |
(Johann Baptist Joseph) Max(imilian) Reger, Composer
(Johann Baptist Joseph) Max(imilian) Reger, Composer Ivor Newton, Piano Maria Müller, Soprano |
(60) Schlichte Weisen, Movement: Zum Schlafen (wds. Schellenberg) |
(Johann Baptist Joseph) Max(imilian) Reger, Composer
(Johann Baptist Joseph) Max(imilian) Reger, Composer Ivor Newton, Piano Maria Müller, Soprano |
(Die) Königin von Saba, Movement: Dein Freund ist dein (Sulamith & Chorus) |
Károly Goldmark, Composer
Karl Alwin, Conductor Károly Goldmark, Composer Maria Németh, Soprano Vienna State Opera Chorus Vienna State Opera Orchestra |
(Der) Fliegende Holländer, '(The) Flying Dutchman', Movement: Joho hoe! Traft ihr das Schiff |
Richard Wagner, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Elisabeth Ohms, Soprano Manfred Gurlitt, Conductor Richard Wagner, Composer |
(Der) Ring des Nibelungen: Part 3, 'Siegfried', Movement: Ewig war ich, ewig bin ich |
Richard Wagner, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Eduard Mörike, Conductor Nanny Larsen-Todsen, Soprano Richard Wagner, Composer |
Wesendonck Lieder, Movement: Schmerzen |
Richard Wagner, Composer
Frida Leider, Soprano John Barbirolli, Conductor London Symphony Orchestra Richard Wagner, Composer |
(Der) Ring des Nibelungen: Part 2, '(Die) Walküre', Movement: Du bist der Lenz |
Richard Wagner, Composer
Eugene Ormandy, Conductor Kirsten Flagstad, Soprano Philadelphia Orchestra Richard Wagner, Composer |
(Il) Zingari in fiera, Movement: Chi vuol la zingarella |
Giovanni Paisiello, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Antonio Capdevila, Conductor Conchita Supervia, Mezzo soprano Giovanni Paisiello, Composer |
Have you seen the whyte lilie grow? |
Traditional, Composer
Conchita Supervia, Mezzo soprano Ivor Newton, Piano Traditional, Composer |
Carmen, Movement: ~ |
Georges Bizet, Composer
Carlo Sabajno, Conductor Georges Bizet, Composer Gianna Pederzini, Mezzo soprano Milan La Scala Orchestra |
Messa da Requiem, Movement: Liber scriptus |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
Carlo Sabajno, Conductor Giuseppe Verdi, Composer Irene Minghini-Cattaneo, Mezzo soprano Milan La Scala Chorus Milan La Scala Orchestra |
Samson et Dalila |
Camille Saint-Saëns, Composer
Camille Saint-Saëns, Composer |
(La) Favorita, Movement: ~ |
Gaetano Donizetti, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Florica Cristoforeanu, Mezzo soprano Gaetano Donizetti, Composer |
Mefistofele, Movement: L'altra notte |
Arrigo Boito, Composer
Arrigo Boito, Composer Franco Ghione, Conductor Milan La Scala Orchestra Pia Tassinari, Soprano |
(I) Lombardi alla prima crociata, Movement: ~ |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Giannina Arangi-Lombardi, Soprano Giuseppe Verdi, Composer |
Loreley |
Alfredo Catalani, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Alfredo Catalani, Composer Bianca Scacciati, Soprano |
(La) forza del destino, '(The) force of destiny', Movement: Pace, pace, mio Dio |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Dusolina Giannini, Soprano Giuseppe Verdi, Composer John Barbirolli, Conductor |
Siberia, Movement: Qual vergogna |
Umberto Giordano, Composer
Giuseppe Antonicelli, Conductor Maria Caniglia, Soprano Milan La Scala Orchestra Umberto Giordano, Composer |
Andrea Chénier, Movement: ~ |
Umberto Giordano, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Lina Bruna Rasa, Soprano Umberto Giordano, Composer |
(La) Fanciulla del West, '(The) Girl of the Golden, Movement: Laggiù nel Soledad |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Giacomo Puccini, Composer Gina Cigna, Soprano |
Ernani, Movement: ~ |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer Iva Pacetti, Soprano Lorenzo Molajoli, Conductor Milan La Scala Orchestra |
Madama Butterfly, Movement: ~ |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Browning Mummery, Tenor Giacomo Puccini, Composer Margaret Sheridan, Soprano |
Maristella |
Giuseppe Pietri, Composer
Giuseppe Pietri, Composer |
Colombetta |
Arturo Buzzi-Peccia, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Arturo Buzzi-Peccia, Composer Claudia Muzio, Soprano Lorenzo Molajoli, Conductor |
Otello, Movement: ~ |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
Carlo Sabajno, Conductor Giuseppe Verdi, Composer Hina Spani, Soprano Milan La Scala Orchestra |
Iris, Movement: Io pingo |
Pietro Mascagni, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Maria Farneti, Soprano Pietro Mascagni, Composer |
Lodoletta, Movement: ~ |
Pietro Mascagni, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Mafalda Favero, Soprano Pietro Mascagni, Composer |
Manon Lescaut, Movement: In quelle trine morbide |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Dino Oliveri, Conductor Giacomo Puccini, Composer Licia Albanese, Soprano |
Turandot, Movement: Signore, ascolta! |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
EIAR Orchestra Franco Ghione, Conductor Giacomo Puccini, Composer Magda Olivero, Soprano |
(Il) Guarany, Movement: Gentile di cuore |
(Antonio) Carlos Gomes, Composer
(Antonio) Carlos Gomes, Composer Armando Giannetti, Conductor Bidù Sayão, Soprano Brazilian RCA Victor Orchestra |
(15) Tonadillas al estilo antiguo, Movement: El majo discreto |
Enrique Granados (y Campiña), Composer
Conchita Badia, Soprano Donato Oscar Colacelli, Piano Enrique Granados (y Campiña), Composer |
(15) Tonadillas al estilo antiguo, Movement: El majo timido |
Enrique Granados (y Campiña), Composer
Conchita Badia, Soprano Donato Oscar Colacelli, Piano Enrique Granados (y Campiña), Composer |
Adriana Lecouvreur, Movement: ~ |
Francesco Cilea, Composer
Adelaide Saraceni, Soprano Francesco Cilea, Composer Franco Ghione, Conductor Milan La Scala Orchestra Piero Pauli, Tenor |
(Il) Re, Movement: O colombello, sposarti |
Umberto Giordano, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Mercedes Capsir, Soprano Umberto Giordano, Composer |
Maori lullaby |
William Garnet James, Composer
Carlo Sabajno, Conductor Milan La Scala Orchestra Toti dal Monte, Soprano William Garnet James, Composer |
Rigoletto, Movement: ~ |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
Carlo Sabajno, Conductor Giuseppe Verdi, Composer Lina Pagliughi, Soprano Milan La Scala Orchestra |
Messa da Requiem, Movement: Confutatis maledictis |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
Carlo Sabajno, Conductor Ezio Pinza, Bass Giuseppe Verdi, Composer Milan La Scala Orchestra |
(La) Bohème, 'Bohemian Life', Movement: Vecchia zimarra (Coat song) |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Giacomo Puccini, Composer Tancredi Pasero, Bass |
Mefistofele, Movement: ~ |
Arrigo Boito, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Arrigo Boito, Composer Nazzareno De Angelis, Bass |
Crispino e la comare |
Federico Ricci, Composer
Federico Ricci, Composer |
Don Pasquale, Movement: ~ |
Gaetano Donizetti, Composer
Afro Poli, Baritone Carlo Sabajno, Conductor Ernesto Badini, Baritone Gaetano Donizetti, Composer Milan La Scala Orchestra |
Falstaff, Movement: ~ |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Giuseppe Verdi, Composer Mariano Stabile, Baritone |
(Il) Figliuol prodigo |
Amilcare Ponchielli, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Amilcare Ponchielli, Composer |
Zazà, Movement: Buona Zazà del mio buon tempo |
Ruggiero Leoncavallo, Composer
Apollo Granforte, Baritone Carlo Sabajno, Conductor Milan La Scala Orchestra Ruggiero Leoncavallo, Composer |
Guglielmo Ratcliff |
Pietro Mascagni, Composer
Pietro Mascagni, Composer |
Tosca, Movement: ~ |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Giacomo Puccini, Composer Giovanni Inghilleri, Baritone John Barbirolli, Conductor |
Mistica |
Pietro Adolfo Tirindelli, Composer
(Anonymous) Ensemble Carlo Tagliabue, Baritone Pietro Adolfo Tirindelli, Composer |
Ideale |
(Francesco) Paolo Tosti, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra (Francesco) Paolo Tosti, Composer Riccardo Stracciari, Baritone |
(La) Sonnambula, Movement: ~ |
Vincenzo Bellini, Composer
Dino Borgioli, Tenor Gina Pedroni, Mezzo soprano Ida Mannarini, Mezzo soprano Maria Gentile, Soprano Milan La Scala Chorus Milan La Scala Orchestra Vincenzo Bellini, Composer |
Do not go, my love |
Richard Hageman, Composer
Dino Borgioli, Tenor Ivor Newton, Piano Richard Hageman, Composer |
Werther, Movement: ~ |
Jules (Emile Frédéric) Massenet, Composer
Franco Ghione, Conductor Jules (Emile Frédéric) Massenet, Composer Milan La Scala Orchestra Tito Schipa, Tenor |
En effeuillant la marguerite |
Federico Longás Torres, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Dino Oliveri, Conductor Federico Longás Torres, Composer Tito Schipa, Tenor |
Gavilanes |
Martin y Guerrero, Composer
Martin y Guerrero, Composer |
Anima allegra |
Franco Vittadini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Franco Vittadini, Composer Luigi Fort, Tenor |
Turandot, Movement: Nessun dorma! |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
Alessandro Ziliani, Tenor Franco Ghione, Conductor Giacomo Puccini, Composer Milan La Scala Orchestra |
Manon Lescaut, Movement: Donna non vidi mai |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Francesco Merli, Tenor Giacomo Puccini, Composer |
Otello, Movement: Dio! mi potevi (Monologue) |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Giuseppe Verdi, Composer John Barbirolli, Conductor Renato Zanelli, Tenor Renato Zanelli, Baritone |
Aprile |
(Francesco) Paolo Tosti, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra (Francesco) Paolo Tosti, Composer Beniamino Gigli, Tenor Lawrance Collingwood, Conductor |
(La) Belle Hélène, 'Beautiful Helen', Movement: Au mont Ida (Paris) |
Jacques Offenbach, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Jacques Offenbach, Composer Jussi Björling, Tenor Nils Grevillius, Conductor |
Manon Lescaut, Movement: ~ |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
Franco Ghione, Conductor Giacomo Lauri-Volpi, Tenor Giacomo Puccini, Composer Milan La Scala Orchestra |
Parysatis |
Camille Saint-Saëns, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Camille Saint-Saëns, Composer Gustav Cloëz, Conductor Lily Pons, Soprano |
Hippolyte et Aricie, Movement: Rossignols amoureux |
Jean-Philippe Rameau, Composer
Gaston Grunelle, Flute Jean-Philippe Rameau, Composer Leila Ben Sedira, Soprano Pierre Jamet, Harp |
(Les) Brigands |
Jacques Offenbach, Composer
Jacques Offenbach, Composer |
Lakmé, Movement: C'est pour admirer la déesse |
(Clément Philibert) Léo Delibes, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra (Clément Philibert) Léo Delibes, Composer Elie Cohen, Conductor Germaine Féraldy, Soprano |
Guillaume Tell, Movement: Sombre fôret (Selva opaca) |
Gioachino Rossini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Eidé Norena, Soprano Gioachino Rossini, Composer Henri Defossé, Conductor |
(3) Songs, Movement: No. 1, Les berceaux (wds. Prudhomme: 1879) |
Gabriel Fauré, Composer
Gabriel Fauré, Composer London Symphony Orchestra Marguerite Long, Piano Ninon Vallin, Soprano |
Tu lo sai |
Giuseppe Torelli, Composer
Daisy Bucktrout, Piano Giuseppe Torelli, Composer Povla Frijsh, Soprano |
(3) Chansons de Bilitis, Movement: La chevelure |
Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer Jane Bathori, Mezzo soprano Jane Bathori, Piano London Philharmonic Orchestra |
(2) Mélodies hébraïques, Movement: Kaddisch |
Maurice Ravel, Composer
Berlin Soloists Madeleine Grey, Soprano Maurice Ravel, Composer |
Marie-Magdeleine, Movement: ~ |
Jules (Emile Frédéric) Massenet, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra (Anonymous) Orchestra (Anonymous) Orchestra Germaine Martinelli, Soprano Jules (Emile Frédéric) Massenet, Composer |
Sapho |
Jules (Emile Frédéric) Massenet, Composer
Jules (Emile Frédéric) Massenet, Composer |
Ariane et Barbe-bleue |
Paul (Abraham) Dukas, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Elie Cohen, Conductor Paul (Abraham) Dukas, Composer Suzanne Balguerie, Soprano |
Lohengrin, Movement: Einsam in trüben Tagen (Elsa's Dream) |
Richard Wagner, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Germaine Lubin, Soprano Henri Defossé, Conductor Richard Wagner, Composer Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Royal Philharmonic Orchestra |
(La) Jeune fille parle |
Pierre (Eugène Onfroy) de Bréville, Composer
Claire Croiza, Mezzo soprano Pierre (Eugène Onfroy) de Bréville, Composer Pierre de Bréville, Piano Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra |
Orphée et Eurydice, Movement: Quel nouveau ciel pour ces lieux |
Christoph Gluck, Composer
Alice Raveau, Contralto (Female alto) Christoph Gluck, Composer Henri Tomasi, Conductor Paris Symphony Orchestra |
Sigurd, Movement: ~ |
(Louis-Etienne-)Ernest Reyer, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra (Louis-Etienne-)Ernest Reyer, Composer Eugène Bigot, Conductor Georges Thill, Tenor Standard Hour Symphony Orchestra |
Hérodiade, Movement: ~ |
Jules (Emile Frédéric) Massenet, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Jules (Emile Frédéric) Massenet, Composer Piero Coppola, Conductor René Maison, Tenor |
Polyeucte |
Charles-François Gounod, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Bayreuth Festival Chorus Bayreuth Festival Orchestra Charles-François Gounod, Composer Eugène Bigot, Conductor José Luccioni, Tenor |
Sigurd, Movement: Un souvenir poignant |
(Louis-Etienne-)Ernest Reyer, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra (Louis-Etienne-)Ernest Reyer, Composer César Vezzani, Tenor Georges Lauweryns, Conductor |
(La) Juive, Movement: Dieu! que ma voix tremblante |
(Jacques-François-)Fromental(-Elie) Halévy, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra (Jacques-François-)Fromental(-Elie) Halévy, Composer Henri Defossé, Conductor René Verdière, Tenor |
Mireille, Movement: ~ |
Charles-François Gounod, Composer
Charles-François Gounod, Composer Ensemble Plus Ultra Ensemble Plus Ultra Gaston Micheletti, Tenor Gustav Cloëz, Conductor Opéra-Comique Orchestra |
Illustre Fregona, Movement: Mélancholique tombe le soir |
Raoul Laparra, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Miguel Villabella, Tenor Raoul Laparra, Composer Various Artists |
Maître Pathelin, Movement: Je pense a vous quand je m'éveille |
Francois (Emmanuel-Joseph) Bazin, Composer
André d' Arkor, Tenor Francois (Emmanuel-Joseph) Bazin, Composer London Symphony Orchestra Maurice Bastin, Conductor Théâtre de la Monnaie Orchestra |
Luisa Miller, Movement: ~ |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Giuseppe Lugo, Tenor Giuseppe Verdi, Composer Philharmonia Hungarica |
(Le) Roi d'Ys, Movement: ~ |
Edouard(-Victoire-Antoine) Lalo, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Edouard(-Victoire-Antoine) Lalo, Composer Joseph Rogatchewsky, Tenor King's College Choir, Cambridge |
(L') Enfance du Christ, Movement: Les pèlerins étant venus |
Hector Berlioz, Composer
Hector Berlioz, Composer Jean Planel, Tenor Paris Symphony Orchestra |
(La) Damnation de Faust, Movement: Esprits des flammes (Evocation) |
Hector Berlioz, Composer
Charles Panzéra, Baritone City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Hector Berlioz, Composer King's College Choir, Cambridge Pasdeloup Concert Association Orchestra Piero Coppola, Conductor |
D'une prison |
Reynaldo Hahn, Composer
Charles Panzéra, Baritone Madeleine Panzéra-Baillot, Piano Reynaldo Hahn, Composer Standard Hour Symphony Orchestra |
(L')Aurore |
Gabriel Fauré, Composer
Francis Poulenc, Piano Gabriel Fauré, Composer Pierre Bernac, Baritone |
Don Quichotte à Dulcinée, Movement: Chanson épique |
Maurice Ravel, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Martial Singher, Baritone Maurice Ravel, Composer Piero Coppola, Conductor |
(2) Songs, Movement: Lydia (wds. L. de Lisle: ?1870) |
Gabriel Fauré, Composer
Anonymous Pianist(s), Piano Gabriel Fauré, Composer Roger Bourdin, Baritone |
Guercoeur |
(Lucien Denis Gabriel) Alberic Magnard, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra (Lucien Denis Gabriel) Alberic Magnard, Composer Arthur Endrèze, Baritone Brewer Chamber Orchestra François Ruhlmann, Conductor |
Patrie!, Movement: C'est ici le berceau de notre liberté |
Emil Paladilhe, Composer
Albert Wolff, Conductor Emil Paladilhe, Composer Lamoureux Concerts Orchestra Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra Robert Couzinou, Baritone |
Robert Macaire |
Berthomieu, Composer
Berthomieu, Composer |
(Les) Contes d'Hoffmann, '(The) Tales of Hoffmann', Movement: ~ |
Jacques Offenbach, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra André Pernet, Bass Gustav Cloëz, Conductor Jacques Offenbach, Composer National Philharmonic Orchestra |
(L') Ombre |
Friedrich (Adolf Ferdinand) von Flotow, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Elie Cohen, Conductor Friedrich (Adolf Ferdinand) von Flotow, Composer Lucien Fugère, Baritone New Philharmonia Orchestra |
Plaisir d'amour |
Johann Paul Aegidius Martini, Composer
Jean-Emil Vanni-Marcoux, Bass Johann Paul Aegidius Martini, Composer Lucien Petitjean, Piano |
(La) Grande-Duchesse de Gérolstein, Movement: ~ |
Jacques Offenbach, Composer
Henri Büsser, Piano Jacques Offenbach, Composer Minnesota Orchestra Yvonne Printemps, Soprano |
(La) Boulangère a des écus, Movement: Les charbonnieres et les farniers |
Jacques Offenbach, Composer
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Jacques Offenbach, Composer Reynaldo Hahn, Piano Reynaldo Hahn, Tenor |
(La) Boulangère a des écus, Movement: Que voulez-vous faire? |
Jacques Offenbach, Composer
Jacques Offenbach, Composer Reynaldo Hahn, Piano Reynaldo Hahn, Tenor |
Falstaff |
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer
Giuseppe Verdi, Composer Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire |
Hamlet, Movement: O vin, dissipe la tristesse (Brindisi) |
(Charles Louis) Ambroise Thomas, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra (Charles Louis) Ambroise Thomas, Composer John Charles Thomas, Composer Nathaniel Finston, Conductor |
(Il) Barbiere di Siviglia, '(The) Barber of Seville' |
Gioachino Rossini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Dennis Noble, Baritone Gioachino Rossini, Composer |
Hamlet, Movement: Comme une pâle fleur. |
(Charles Louis) Ambroise Thomas, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra (Charles Louis) Ambroise Thomas, Composer Georges Lauweryns, Conductor John Brownlee, Baritone |
Onaway, awake beloved |
Frederic Cowen, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Frederic Cowen, Composer Harold Williams, Baritone Laudantes Consort |
Messiah, Movement: Why do the nations? |
George Frideric Handel, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra George Frideric Handel, Composer Lawrance Collingwood, Conductor Peter Dawson, Bass-baritone Ulsamer Collegium |
(The) Bitterness of love |
James Philip Dunn, Composer
Edwin Schneider, Piano James Philip Dunn, Composer John McCormack, Tenor |
Scherzi musicali, Movement: Maledetto sia l'aspetto |
Claudio Monteverdi, Composer
Claudio Monteverdi, Composer Reginald Boardman, Piano Roland Hayes, Tenor |
(La) Jolie fille de Perth, '(The) Fair Maid of Per, Movement: À la voix d'un amant fidèle (Sérénade) |
Georges Bizet, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Georges Bizet, Composer Heddle Nash, Tenor Nice Baroque Ensemble |
Esmeralda, Movement: O vision entrancing |
Arthur Goring Thomas, Composer
Anonymous Pianist(s), Piano Arthur Goring Thomas, Composer Nice Baroque Ensemble Tom Burke, Tenor |
Tosca, Movement: Recondita armonia |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
Berlin State Opera Orchestra Clemens Schmalstich, Conductor Giacomo Puccini, Composer Richard Crooks, Tenor Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Vienna State Opera Chorus |
Acis and Galatea, Movement: ~ |
George Frideric Handel, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra George Frideric Handel, Composer Lawrance Collingwood, Conductor Walter Widdop, Tenor |
(The) Tempest |
Henry Purcell, Composer
Henry Purcell, Composer Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra |
Menuet |
Johann Paul Aegidius Martini, Composer
Anonymous Pianist(s), Piano (Mme) Charles Cahier, Mezzo soprano Johann Paul Aegidius Martini, Composer |
Paulus (St Paul) |
Felix Mendelssohn, Composer
Felix Mendelssohn, Composer |
(The) Lost chord |
Arthur (Seymour) Sullivan, Composer
Anonymous Organists(s), Organ Arthur (Seymour) Sullivan, Composer Clara Butt, Contralto (Female alto) |
(Der) Tod und das Mädchen |
Franz Schubert, Composer
Franz Schubert, Composer Kosti Vehanen, Piano Marian Anderson, Contralto (Female alto) |
(3) Songs, Movement: No. 3, Le secret (wds. Silvestre: 1880-81) |
Gabriel Fauré, Composer
Gabriel Fauré, Composer Gerald Moore, Piano RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra Susan Metcalfe-Casals, Mezzo soprano |
Chants d'Auvergne, Movement: Baïlèro |
(Marie) Joseph Canteloube (de Calaret), Composer
(Marie) Joseph Canteloube (de Calaret), Composer Gladys Swarthout, Mezzo soprano Jean-Paul Morel, Conductor RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra |
(La) Bohème, 'Bohemian Life', Movement: Che gelida manina |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Academy of Ancient Music Alberto Erede, Conductor Giacomo Puccini, Composer Ina Souez, Soprano |
Psyché |
Emil Paladilhe, Composer
Emil Paladilhe, Composer Gerald Moore, Piano Maggie Teyte, Soprano |
Theodora, Movement: ~ |
George Frideric Handel, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra George Frideric Handel, Composer Isobel Baillie, Soprano Stockholm Royal Orchestra |
Irmelin |
Frederick Delius, Composer
Anneliese Rothenberger Dora Labbette, Soprano Frederick Delius, Composer Geraldine Graunke Thomas Beecham, Piano |
Madama Butterfly, Movement: Un bel dì vedremo |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Alexander Zakin Giacomo Puccini, Composer Isaac Stern Joan Cross, Soprano |
(La) Vestale |
Gaspare (Luigi Pacifico) Spontini, Composer
Edvard Syomin Gaspare (Luigi Pacifico) Spontini, Composer |
Sigurd, Movement: O palais radieux |
(Louis-Etienne-)Ernest Reyer, Composer
(Louis-Etienne-)Ernest Reyer, Composer Hermann Prey Leonard Hokanson Marjorie Lawrence, Soprano Pasdeloup Concert Association Orchestra Piero Coppola, Conductor |
Turandot, Movement: ~ |
Giacomo Puccini, Composer
Eva Turner, Soprano Giacomo Puccini, Composer Lazar Berman Lorenzo Malajoli, Conductor Orchester der Tiroler Festspiele |
Stabat mater, Movement: Inflammatus et accensus |
Gioachino Rossini, Composer
Derek Wadsworth Florence Austral, Soprano Gioachino Rossini, Composer John Barbirolli, Conductor Prague City Philharmonic Orchestra Royal Opera House Chorus, Covent Garden Royal Opera House Orchestra, Covent Garden |
Rusalka, Movement: Hair, golden hair have I |
Antonín Dvořák, Composer
Antonín Dvořák, Composer Arpad Sándor, Piano Jarmila Novotná, Soprano Jutta Czapski Roswitha Trexler |
Rusalka, Movement: O, moon high up in the deep, deep sky (O silver moon) |
Antonín Dvořák, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Ada Nordenova, Soprano Albert Gassner Antonín Dvořák, Composer Josef Weber Peter Schranner Wolfgang Sawallisch |
(The) Wounded birch |
Alexandr Tikhonovich Grechaninov, Composer
Alexander Gretchaninov, Piano Alexandr Tikhonovich Grechaninov, Composer Alexei Zybtsev Maria Kurenko, Soprano Mstislav Rostropovich, Composer |
Snowflakes |
Alexandr Tikhonovich Grechaninov, Composer
Alexander Gretchaninov, Piano Alexandr Tikhonovich Grechaninov, Composer Herbert von Karajan Maria Kurenko, Soprano Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra |
(4) Songs, Movement: No. 2, Enslaved by the rose, the nightingale (wds. A. Kol'tsov; 1866) |
Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, Composer
(Anonymous) Orchestra Alexander Kitschin, Conductor Christopher Wilson Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, Composer Xenia Belmas, Soprano |
(6) Songs, Movement: I remember quiet, clear golden days (Tetmajer) |
Mieczyslaw Karlowicz, Composer
Ada Sari, Soprano Christopher Wilson Mieczyslaw Karlowicz, Composer Otto Schulhof, Piano |
Lullaby |
Alexandr Tikhonovich Grechaninov, Composer
(Arnold) Schoenberg Choir Alexandr Tikhonovich Grechaninov, Composer Erwin Ortner Oda Slobodskaya, Soprano Percy Kahn, Piano |
(4) Songs, Movement: Leave me alone |
Antonín Dvořák, Composer
Antonín Dvořák, Composer J Charvát, Piano Maria Krasová, Mezzo soprano Pierre Monteux San Francisco Symphony Orchestra |
(8) Hungarian Folksongs, Movement: Black is the earth |
Béla Bartók, Composer
Bela Bartók, Piano Béla Bartók, Composer Maria Basilides, Mezzo soprano Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Willi Boskovsky |
(8) Hungarian Folksongs, Movement: Wives, let me be one of your company |
Béla Bartók, Composer
Bela Bartók, Piano Béla Bartók, Composer Coenraad Van Bos Herbert Janssen Maria Basilides, Mezzo soprano |
Salvator Rosa, Movement: ~ |
(Antonio) Carlos Gomes, Composer
(Antonio) Carlos Gomes, Composer Albert Coates, Piano Mark Reizen, Bass Narciso Yepes |
Bolero |
Alexander Sergeyevich Dargomïzhsky, Composer
Alexander Sergeyevich Dargomïzhsky, Composer Feodor Chaliapin, Bass François Le Roux Pascal Rogé Piero Coppola, Piano |
Háry János |
Zoltán Kodály, Composer
Budapest Opera Orchestra François Le Roux Imry Palló, Baritone Izabella Nagy, Soprano Nándor Rékai, Conductor Pascal Rogé Zoltán Kodály, Composer |
Hunger |
César Cui, Composer
César Cui, Composer Davitt Moroney Ivor Newton, Piano Vladimir Rosing, Tenor |
Tranquillity |
? Kashevarov, Composer
? Kashevarov, Composer A.V Slutzky, Piano Rosario Bourdon Sergei Lemeshev, Tenor Tito Schipa Victor Orchestra |
(6) Original Canzonettas, Book 1, Movement: Pastoral Song |
Joseph Haydn, Composer
Joseph Haydn, Composer Rosario Bourdon Tito Schipa Victor Orchestra |
Author: John Steane
To recapitulate: 'The Record of Singing', the most exciting project of its kind ever devised and carried out, undertook to survey the whole field of recorded singing in the first half of the 20th century. There were four volumes, the first issued in January 1978, the last in April '89. Volume 4 was transferred to CD first (4/92), issued by EMI and enthusiastically received. Testament follows now with Vol 3, and we must hope that Vols 1 and 2 (1/80) will also be forthcoming, they being historically the most important (the material being the most difficult to reassemble in the future) and commercially the most risky.
Another part of the original plan was to publish a book for each volume, not merely to accompany the records but to chart the history of singing within its period. Only two of these appeared, published by Duckworth, superbly produced in every respect. The author was Michael Scott, who also writes the valuable notes for Vol 3. Transfers for Vol 1 were the work of Bryan Crimp, the others were by Keith Hardwick, who also re-edited the first volume, published with additions as 'A Record of Singers' (11/82). Almost every singer of importance who recorded in the 78rpm era is represented, the majority by a single item, a few by more. Collectively, it is the nearest thing we have to an encyclopedia in sound.
The present volume opens with a clarion call from Lauritz Melchior, Tannhauser's 'Dir tone Lob' recorded in 1930. He sounds like a man in a hurry, and somewhat Gladstonian in the manner of his address to Venus, but the voice is magnificent. He is followed by the young Max Lorenz, who sounds magnificent, too: imaginative, even poetic, in his 'Wintersturme'. Franz Volker in the next track is a supremely lyrical Lohengrin, and Helge Roswaenge most exciting in a song from an operetta, Konigsballade, by Rudolf Wille. Each of these, at the start at least, sounds more wonderful than the last, and yet the first was probably best of all, its singer certainly being the most important. The four introductory tracks exemplify the individuality of each singer, but, as all are shown in the best light and at roughly equal length, the great and the good are brought to a common level. Each has something its predecessor did not have, and each is enjoyable on its own terms.
That may seem to be only just, and in a broad context it is, for the accepted perspectives need periodic revision; after all the accepted great are regularly reissued while the good are in danger of being forgotten altogether (moreover the allegedly great may actually have been merely good, and vice versa). All the same, it is well to remember that 'The Record of Singing', for all its generous scope, is only a very selective anthology; grounds for judgement on a singer's art and historical contribution can be claimed only after wider listening, and a good deal of reading, too.
Many of the most attractive items here are contributed by relatively unfamiliar singers. The collection is arranged under national schools, so let us take one from each. Among the 'Germans' is the Hungarian soprano Huni-Mihacsek, vibrantly in the prime of life as she recorded her solo from Le postillon de Lonjumeau. Among the Italians, Maria Farneti has the kind of vibrato which the standardising trends of our time have ironed out, but with something felt and memorable in every phrase of her Iris in 1931. The French had a good supply of tenors in those days, towering over them, physically at any rate, the hugely built Rene Maison, impassioned in Flaubert's unorthodox view of John the Baptist as purveyed by Massenet.
English and Americans, Australians, too, are grouped together and room is found for Harold Williams, who manfully demonstrates his fitness in Cowen's 'Onaway, awake beloved'. Then, finally, the east European/Slavic school brings some surprises, including a duet by Kodaly, with the original Harry Janos, Imry Pollo, a high baritone of whom it would be good to hear more.
The interest of 'The Record of Singing' is indeed not confined to singers and singing. Over its 12-and-a-half hours of playing time it ranges musically from Monteverdi (Roland Hayes) to Bartok (Maria Basilides). There's no Bach, it must be admitted, and precious little Purcell, Handel, Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven. But plenty of Verdi and Puccini, of course. But in general care has been taken to compile an interesting repertoire. A few of the recordings were issued here for the first time: Janssen's 'Die Stadt', Anday's 'Parto', Ljungberg and Widdop in Tannhauser, Bernac in Faure's 'Aurore', Tibbett's 1926 Ford's Monologue, Slobodskaya singing Gretchaninov's Lullaby, and most fascinatingly one of Mark Reizen's test-recordings made in London in 1929 with Albert Coates at the piano. There are also a few alternative versions and takes.
Each of the discs has its own envelope and a well-chosen photograph, and the booklet, with Michael Scott's biographies, is a useful document in itself. The digital remastering by Paul Baily and Andrew Walter brightens to a degree the sound as we heard it originally on the LPs - to which I still return with affection. But the original producer gives an endearing benediction to the new issue; Keith Hardwick adds that he has corrected some pitches and fortified his belief that singing did not decline in the 1930s. On the evidence here, few would disagree.'
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