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Fabulous news for EMI's Record of Singing fans. EMI is releasing two 10 CD
box sets next month on March 10th in the USA. Here is the annoucement. I am so excited and hopefully many of you will be, too. Each box set will list for around $70.00 USA. The best buy of the year for vocal fans!:D


"EMI Classics is proud to announce a very special release called The
Record of Singing, devoted to the art of singing on record over the
past century. This set of 20 CDs is divided into two boxes of 10
discs: the first goes from the earliest vocal recordings in 1899 up to
1952, when the era of the 78 rpm shellac record effectively ended; the
second covers the period 1953 to 2007 (2289492) from the introduction
of the vinyl LP record to the digital era and the CD.


The recordings in the first part are all taken from the original four
volumes of The Record of Singing, issued by EMI on LP between 1977 and
1989, and those in the second part have all been specially selected
for this project. Details of recording dates, venues, producers and
engineers are given where known, and the first part also includes the
original 78 rpm matrix and catalogue numbers. Also, all the transfers
of tracks from the original Record of Singing albums have been newly
re-processed at Abbey Road to improve the sound even further using the
latest audio restoration technology."

The second part ushers in a new golden age of major stars like Maria Callas, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Victoria de los Angeles, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Nicolai Gedda and Boris Christoff and then goes on to the following generations of big names such as Franco Corelli, Placido Domingo, José Carreras, Montserrat Caballé, Mirella Freni and several hundred more, coming right up to the stars of today like Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Rolando Villazón, Natalie Dessay and many others.

In general, each of the selected singers appears only once, so this set represents a selective overview of singing on record from 1899 to 2007 and is not intended as an exhaustive or comprehensive study of the subject, which would require many more CDs than the 20 presented here. But it does allow the listener to compare and evaluate the voices and singing styles of the whole of the 20th century, as well as to marvel at the development of sound recording from the primitive sounds of the earliest shellac discs through subsequent developments such as the introduction of electrical recording in 1925, the arrival of tape recording in 1949 and the introduction of stereo in 1955, right up to the sophisticated refinement of today’s digital technology.

Good news as far as it goes, but Vol. 1, big as it is, is just a fraction of what was in EMI's tremendous historical overview of classical singing. (Not to mention the books that came with the LPs.) Still, those who didn't pick up the original issue won't know what's missing and will have plenty to listen to. And those of us who did, will just have to hang on to our copies and keep our turntables working.

The impressive contents:

The Record of Singing – The Very Best of Volumes 1-4
From 1899 to the end of the 78 era: 1899-1952

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THE RECORD OF SINGING

The Very Best of Volumes 1-4 (From 1899 to the end of the 78 era: 1899-1952)

Recording information (date, venue and engineer), original matrix number and catalogue number shown below each track where known

Volume 1: 1899–1919

Compact Disc 1


THE CASTRATO VOICE

Allesandro Moreschi castrato

1 BACH-GOUNOD: Ave Maria

with piano accompaniment and violin obbligato

Recorded: IV.1904, Sistine Chapel, Rome

Recording engineer: William Sinkler-Darby

Matrix number: 2187h (Catalogue number: 54777)

THE OLD SCHOOL

Adelina Patti soprano

2 BELLINI: Ah! non credea (La sonnambula, Act III)

Alfredo Barili piano

VI.1906, Craig-y-Nos, Wales • Fred Gaisberg & Charles Scheuplein • 683c (03084)

Emma Albani soprano

3 CHAMINADE: L’Éte

Orchestra

c1904, London • (Pathé 50332)

Marcella Sembrich soprano · Emma Eames soprano

4 MOZART: Sull’aria…Che soave zeffiretto (Le nozze di Figaro, Act III)

Orchestra

25.I.1908, Camden, New York • C 5040-3 (Victor 95202)1

Nellie Melba soprano

5 BEMBERG: Les Anges pleurent

Gabriel Lapierre piano

4.X.1913, Camden, New York • 88457 (C 13908-1 unpublished)1


Ellen Beach Yaw soprano

6 AUBER: C’est l’histoire amoureuse (Manon Lescaut, Act I)

with piano accompaniment

11.III.1899, London • Fred Gaisberg • 1574 (Berliner 3097)

Blanche Marchesi soprano

7 GOLDSCHMIDT: Im Mai

Bruno Seidler-Winkler piano

1906, Berlin • William Sinkler-Darby • 4136h (43754)


ENGLISH-SPEAKING SINGERS

Lillian Nordica soprano

8 ERKEL: Ah rebéges, a mi vadúl (Hunyadi László)

Romayne Simmons piano

23.V.1907, USA (American Columbia 30144)2

Geraldine Farrar soprano

9 TOSTI: Mattinata

with piano accompaniment

1904, Berlin • William Sinkler-Darby • 2250h (53363)

Louise Homer contralto

10 GLUCK: Away with mourning and crying (Orfeo)

with piano accompaniment

2.XI.1903, New York • C 622-1 (Victor 85015)1

Sir Charles Santley baritone

11 HATTON: Simon the Cellarer

with piano accompaniment

8.VI.1903, London • Will Gaisberg & B. Royal • WCG 3860-R (2-2862)

Sir George Henschel baritone

12 SCHUMANN : Ich grolle nicht (Dichterliebe) · Lied eines Schmiedes

Sir George Henschel piano (P) 1977

19.I.1914, Hayes, Middlesex • George Dillnutt • AK 17388e

Emilio de Gogorza baritone

13 OFFENBACH: Sérénade (La Chanson de Fortunio)

Orchestra / Josef Pasternack

23.X.1916, Camden, New York • B 18574-1 (Victor 64632)1

THE FRENCH

Victor Maurel baritone

14 VERDI: Era la notte (Otello, Act II)

with piano accompaniment

XI.1904, Milan • XPh 58-3 (Fonotipia 39342)

Charles Gilibert baritone

15 BLANGINI: Per valli, per boschi

Nellie Melba soprano

Orchestra / Walter B.Rogers

28.III.1907, Camden, New York • C 4347-1 (Victor 89011)1

Pol Plançon bass

16 GODARD: Embarquez-vous?

with piano accompaniment

VIII.1902, London • Fred Gaisberg • Mx 2203 FG (2-2717)

Édouard de Reszke bass

17 FLOTOW: Chi mi dira (The Porter Song) (Martha, Act III)

Charles A. Prince piano

1903, USA • 1222-1A (American Columbia 1222)

Emma Calvé soprano

18 BIZET: L’amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera) (Carmen, Act I)

Remualdo Sapio piano

6.VI.1916, Camden, USA • C 17809-1 (Victor 88085)1


Félia Litvinne soprano

19 VERDI: Les mots sacrés (Aida, Act I)

with piano accompaniment

1905, Paris • XPh 694 (Fonotipia 39217)


Mary Garden soprano

20 MASSENET: Liberté ! (Le Jongleur de Notre Dame)

Orchestra

21.III.1911, New York • 30699-1 (American Columbia A 5289)2


THE EMERGENCE OF VERISMO

Mattia Battistini baritone

21 TOSTI: Amour, amour

Carlo Sabajno piano

2.VI.1911, Milan • Fred Gaisberg • 269ai (052311)

Antonio Scotti baritone

22 DONIZETTI: Come Paride vezzoso (L’elisir d’amore, Act I)

with piano accompaniment

2.III.1905, New York • C 2361-1 (Victor 85068)1

Giuseppe de Luca baritone

23 CILEA: Bene! Benissimo! (Adriana Lecouvreur, Act I)

Francesco Cilea piano

12.XII.1902, Milan • Will Gaisberg & B. Royal • 52420 (G&T 2881R)


Antonio Pini-Corsi baritone

24 DONIZETTI: Udite! Udite! (L’elisir d’amore, Act I)

1912, Milan • Pathé 84538

Pasquale Amato baritone

25 VERDI: Questa dunque (I due Foscari, Act III)

Chorus & Orchestra

15.VI.1911, Milan • XPh 3932 (Fonotipia 92508)

Titta Ruffo baritone

26 THOMAS: O vin, discaccia la tristezza (Brindisi) (Hamlet, Act II)

Coro e Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Carlo Sabajno

1907, Milan • Fred Gaisberg • 1315c (052188)

Compact Disc 2

Fernando di Lucia tenor

1 RICCIARDI: Luna-lù

Chorus & Orchestra

21.V.1909, Naples • Fred Gaisberg • 13340B (2-52724)

Alessandro Bonci tenor

2 GLUCK: Spiagge amate (Paride ed Elena, Act I)

with piano accompaniment

II.1905, Milan • XPh 178 (Fonotipia 39127)

Francesco Tamagno tenor

3 VERDI: Niun mi tema (Otello, Act IV)

with piano accompaniment (P) 1977

7-11.II.1903, Varese • Will Gaisberg • 14FT

Giovanni Zenatello tenor

4 GIORDANO: Colpito qui m’avete…Un dì all’azzuro spazio

(Andrea Chénier, Act I)

with piano accompaniment

15.II.1906, Milan • XPh 1617 (Fonotipia 39244)

Enrico Caruso tenor

5 DONIZETTI: Una furtive lagrima (L’elisir d’amore, Act II)

Salvatore Cottone piano

11.IV.1902, Milan • Fred Gaisberg • 1786B (52346)

Medea Mei-Figner soprano

6 TCHAIKOVSKY: It is midnight (The Queen of Spades, Act III)

Sung in Russian with piano accompaniment

XI.1901. St Petersburg • William Sinkler-Darby • 342x-D-22 (23135)

Olimpia Boronat soprano

7 GIANELLI: La via, o Dio...E lo sapevi (Olga)

Orchestra

1908, Milan • Fred Gaisberg • 1542c (053189)

Gemma Bellincioni soprano

8 MASCAGNI: Voi lo sapete, o mamma (Cavalleria rusticana)

with piano accompaniment

X.1903, Milan • Will Gaisberg & B. Royal • 574R (G&T Concert 053018)


Rosina Storchio soprano

9 LEONCAVALLO: Mimì Pinson (La bohème, Act I)

Orchestra

2.II.1911, Milan • XPh 4514 (Fonotipia 92861)

Luisa Tetrazzini soprano

10 GOUNOD: O d’amor messagera (Mireille)

Orchestra

5.VII.1909, London • Will Gaisberg • 3426f-II (2-053013)

WAGNER AND THE GERMAN STYLE

Marie Gutheil-Schoder soprano

11 BOIELDIEU: Ce domaine (La Dame Blanche, Act II)

Franz Naval tenor

with piano accompaniment

1902, Vienna • William Sinkler-Darby • 851x-N2-2 (44066)

Frieda Hempel soprano

12 DONIZETTI: In tiefem Schweigen (Lucia di Lammermoor, Act I)

Orchestra / Herr Kark

X.1907, Berlin • XB 3644-1 & XB 3643-1 (Odeon 64852 & 64861)


Selma Kurz soprano

13 VERDI: Caro nome (Rigoletto, Act I)

Orchestra

1905, Vienna • William Sinkler-Darby • 398lh (53431)

Lilli Lehmann soprano

14 MOZART: Or sai chi l’onore (Don Giovanni, Act I)

with piano accompaniment

1906, Berlin • XB 1479 (Odeon 50099)


Anna Bahr-Mildenburg soprano

15 WEBER: Ozean, du Ungeheuer! (Oberon, Act II)

with piano accompaniment

1904, Vienna • Will Gaisberg • 805e (43630)

Johanna Gadski soprano

16 MOZART: In quali eccessi…Mi tradì (Don Giovanni, Act II)

Orchestra

29.IX.1910, Camden, New York • C 9489-1 (Victor 88253)1

Emmy Destinn soprano

17 SMETANA: Jac je mi (Dalibor, Act II)

Orchestra

1908, Berlin • Charles Schuplein • 12719u (73309)

Ernestine Schumann-Heink contralto

18 ARDITI: Leggiero invisibile (Bolero)

Orchestra

24.VII.1907, Camden, New York • C 4701-1 (Victor 88093)1

Hermann Winkelmann tenor

19 SMETANA: Blickst du, mein Freund (Dalibor, Act I)

with piano accompaniment

1905, Vienna • Fred Gaisberg • 6770b (3-42299)

Leo Slezak tenor

20 GOLDMARK: Magische Töne (Die Königen von Saba, Act II)

with piano accompaniment

1905, Vienna • Fred Gaisberg • 6837b (3-42419)

Anton van Rooy baritone

21 WAGNER: Leb’ wohl, du kühnes, herrlisches Kind (Die Walküre, Act III)

with piano accompaniment

1902, London • Fred Gaisberg • 1945G (2-2685)

SINGERS OF IMPERIAL RUSSIA

Antonina Nezhdanova soprano

22 RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Hymn to the Sun (The Golden Cockerel, Act 2)

Sung in Russian

Orchestra

28.I.1910, Moscow • Fred Gaisberg • 1417lb (2-23483)

Nicolai Figner tenor

23 TCHAIKOVSKY: I swear before God and thee (The Opritchnik)

Sung in Russian with piano accompaniment

XI.1901, St Petersburg • William Sinkler-Darby • 295x-D22 (22549)

Leonid Sobinov tenor

24 GRETCHANINOV: Flowers were blooming (Dobrynia Nikitich)

Sung in Russian

Orchestra

6.II.1910, Moscow • Fred Gaisberg • 1985c (022150)

Compact Disc 3


Lev Sibiriakov bass

1 TCHAIKOVSKY: My Lord, if I offend (Iolanthe) Sung in Russian

Orchestra

1910, Russia • Max Hampe • 4909r (4-22016)

Volume 2: 1914–1925

RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

Feodor Chaliapin bass

2 MEYERBEER: Le rovine...Suore, che riposate (Robert le diable, Act III)

Orchestra / Rosario Bourdon

3.I.1924, Camden, New York • C 2946-1 (Victor 15-1045-A)1

Dimitri Smirnov tenor

3 NAPRAVNIK: O give me oblivion (Doubrovsky) Sung in Russian

Orchestra

19.X.1912, Moscow • 2680½c (HMV 022306 & DB 566)

THE FRENCH TRADITION IN DECLINE

Fernand Ansseau tenor

4 MEYERBEER: Pays merveilleux…O paradis (L’Africaine, Act IV)

Orchestra

21.X.1921, Paris • H. Fleming • Bs 576-II (HMV 7-32077)

:

Dinh Gilly baritone

5 DIAZ: Il est venu ce jour de lutte (La Coupe du roi de Thulé)

Orchestra

24.VIII.1924, Hayes, Middlesex • Bb 3357-II & Bb 3358-I (HMV DA 558)

Marcel Journet bass

6 GOUNOD: Sous les pieds (La Reine de Saba, Act I)

Orchestra

11.I.1912, Camden, New York • C 11454-I (Victor 74269)1

Jean-Emile Vanni Marcoux bass

7 FÉVRIER: Ce n’est pas un vieillard (Monna Vanna)

Orchestra / Piero Coppola

6.X.1924, Paris • Douglas Larter • CL 52-I (HMV DB 809)

Marie-Louise Edvina soprano

8 CHARPENTIER: Depuis le jour (Louise, Act III)

Orchestra / Percy Pitt

5.XI.1919, Hayes, Middlesex • Ho 4087af (HMV 2-033071 & DB 548)

Fanny Heldy soprano

9 DUPONT: Air de l’Oasis (Antar)

Orchestra

1921 • 3386 (Pathé 0317)

Gabrielle Ritter-Ciampi soprano

10 MASSÉ: Variations du Carneval de Venise

Orchestra

1923 • 370 (Pathé 0382)

THE HEYDAY OF VERISMO

Claudia Muzio soprano

11 CILEA: Del sultano Amuratte...Io son l’umile ancella

(Adriana Lecouvreur, Act I)

Orchestra

29.IV.1921 • 7950-A-2-I (Edison 82247-L)2

Carmen Melis soprano

12 MASSENET: Ah, mi rendi il tuo cor ...La tua mano non è (Manon, Act III)

Orchestra

c1924, Milan • B109 (Columbia D 5060)

Gilda Dalla-Rizza soprano

13 MASCAGNI: Questo mio bianco manto (Isabeau)

Orchestra

c1915, Milan • (Columbia D 9338)

Amelita Galli-Curci soprano

14 BELLINI: A te diletta...Come per me sereno...Sovra il sen (La sonnambula, Act I)

Orchestra / Josef Pasternack

21.VI.1920 & 23.IX.1919, Camden, New York

Victor A 24177 & A 23170 (HMV DB 256 & DA 213)1

Elvira de Hidalgo soprano

15 YRADIER: La perla de Triana

with piano accompaniment

16.X.1908 • XPh 3523 (Fonotipia 62348)

Lucrezia Bori soprano

16 WOLF-FERRARI: O gioia la nube (Il segreto di Susanna)

Orchestra

23.XI.1921 • Victor A 25301 (HMV 2-053203 & DB 603)1

Beniamino Gigli tenor

17 BOITO: Dai campi, dai prati (Mefistofele, Act I)

Orchestra

14.X.1918, Milan • 20253b (HMV 7-52110)

Hipolito Lazaro tenor

18 BELLINI: Vieni fra queste braccia (I puritani, Act III)

Orchestra

1.V.1916, New York • 46752-I (Columbia RS 5002)2

Miguel Fleta tenor

19 BIZET: Il fior che avevi a me (Carmen, Act II)

Orchestra / Carlo Sabajno

17.IV.1922, Milan • CE 392-1 (HMV 2-052216)

Bernado de Muro tenor

20 GIORDANO: Un dì all’azzuro spazio (Andrea Chénier, Act I)

Orchestra / Carlo Sabajno

1.III.1912, Milan • Charles Scheuplein • 02323½ (HMV 052338 & DB 553)

Compact Disc 4

Giovanni Martinelli tenor

1 VERDI: Mercé, diletti amici...Come rugiada al cespite (Ernani, Act I)

Orchestra / Walter B. Rogers

27.IV.1915, Camden, New York • Victor A 16021 (HMV 7-52076 & DA 330)1

Renato Zanelli baritone

2 DONIZETTI: A tanto amor (La Favorita, Act III)

Orchestra / Josef Pasternack

10.X.1919, Camden, New York • A 23401 (Victor 2-052182)1


Riccardo Stracciari baritone

3 FRANCHETTI: Orsù, finiam...Ascolta, io morirò! (Germania)

Orchestra

8.II.1909, Milan • XPh 3769 (Fonotipia 92431)

SINGERS FROM THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING WORLD

Frances Alda soprano

4 CATALANI: Ah! dunque ei m’amerà (Loreley)

Orchestra

4.IV.1912, Camden, New York • C 11150 (Victor 88325)1

Alma Gluck soprano

5 LOEWE: War schöner als der schönste Tag (Canzonetta)

Francis Lapitino, harp • Orchestra / Richard Hageman

26.IX.1916, Camden, New York • B 18052-1 (Victor 657-B)1

Eva Gauthier soprano

6 DUPARC: Chanson triste

with piano accompaniment

c1917 • (Canadian Victor 69669-A)1

Mabel Garrison soprano

7 HALÉVY: Call me thine own (L’Eclair)

Orchestra / Josef Pasternack

18.II.1920, Camden • A 23742 (Victor 74612)1

Rosa Ponselle soprano

8 VERDI: Surta è la notte...Ernani, Ernani involami (Ernani, Act I)

Orchestra / Rosario Bourdon

Recorded: 11.XII.1923, Camden

C-29062 (Victor 6440-B)1

Florence Easton soprano

9 PUCCINI: O mio babbino caro (Gianni Schicchi)

Orchestra

1918 • (Pathé 30025)

Charles Hackett tenor

10 PUCCINI: Che gelida manina (La bohème, Act I)

Orchestra

24.II.1924, London • AX 100-6 (Columbia 7366)

Edward Johnson tenor

11 WRIGHTON: Her bright smile haunts me still

Orchestra / Josef Pasternack

8.XII.1919, Camden • B 23459-2 (Victor 64839)1


Alfred Piccaver tenor

12 WEBER: So soll denn dieses Herz (Silvana, Act I)

Orchestra

VII.1920, Vienna • XXB 6531 (Odeon 76802)

Joseph Hislop tenor

13 PINSUTI: Queen of the earth

with piano accompaniment

18.VI.1914, Hayes, Middlesex • Will Gaisberg • Af 8008f (Zono Z 042071)

Gervase Elwes tenor

14 HENSCHEL: Morning Hymn

with piano accompaniment

III.1912 • Will Gaisberg • Ab 14297e (HMV 4-2189 & B 322)

John McCormack tenor

15 RACHMANINOV: Before my window Op.26 No.10

Fritz Kreisler violin • Edwin Schneider piano

24.IX.1924, Hayes, Middlesex • Bb 5116 (HMV DA 644)

Reinald Werrenrath baritone

16 Scarlatti: O cessate di piagarmi (Il Pompeo)

Orchestra / Ted Levy

24.IX.1914, Camden, New York • B 15217-1 (Victor 17718-A)


Peter Dawson baritone • Robert Radford bass

17 HANDEL: The Lord is a man of war (Israel in Egypt)

Orchestra / George W. Byng

5.I.1924, Hayes, Middlesex • Cc 5527-II (HMV D 967)

Malcolm McEachern (1883-1945) bass

WALLACE: Hear me gentle Maritana...The mariner and his barque (Maritana) 3.57

THE GERMAN STYLE IN EVOLUTION

Helen Wildbrunn soprano

18 BEETHOVEN: Abscheulicher!...Komm, Hoffnung (Fidelio, Act I)

Orchestra

1922 • 771as & 772as (HMV 72802/3)

Gertrude Kappel soprano

19 WAGNER: Hojotoho! (Die Walkure, Act II)

Orchestra (P) 1979

1924 • 1936ax (HMV)


Frida Leider soprano

20 WEBER: Ozeon, du Ungeheuer (Oberon, Act II)

Orchestra

1921 • 605as & 606½as (HMV 65625)

Compact Disc 5


Claire Dux soprano

1 THOMAS: Dort bei ihm ist sie jetzt (Mignon, Act II)

Orchestra

14.VIII.1911 • Fred Gaisberg • 2290c (HMV 0943011 & Z 128)

Maria Ivogün soprano

2 VERDI: Teurer Name (Rigoletto, Act I)

Orchestra (P) 1979

1917 • XXB 6322 (Odeon)

Maria Jeritza soprano

3 RICHARD STRAUSS: Es gibt ein Reich (Ariadne auf Naxos)

Orchestra

1913 • XXB 5770-2 & 5771-2 (Odeon AA 79201–2)

Elena Gerhardt mezzo–soprano

4 RICHARD STRAUSS: Wiegenlied Op.41 No.1

Arthur Nikisch piano

30.VI.1911 • Will Gaisberg • 5114f (HMV 043198)

Julia Culp soprano

5 BRAHMS: Muss es eine Trennung geben? (Die schöne Magelone Op.33)

Coenraad von Bos piano

IX.1914, Berlin • Fritz Hampe • 779m (HMV 043274)

Richard Mayr bass

6 BEETHOVEN: Hat man nicht auch Gold beineben (Fidelio, Act I)

Orchestra

1922 • 1404ar (HMV 62388)

Alexander Kipnis bass

7 TCHAIKOVSKY: Ein Jeder kennt (Eugene Onegin, Act III)

Orchestra (P) 1979

1921 • Max Hampe • 621½as (HMV)

Hermann Jadlowker tenor

8 MOZART: Noch tönt mir ein Meer im Busen (Idomeneo, Act II)

Orchestra

1917 • Fritz Hampe • 1151m (HMV 042527)

Volume 3: 1926–1939

THE GERMAN SCHOOL

Lauritz Melchoir tenor

9 WAGNER: Die töne Lob (Tannhäuser, Act I)

London Symphony Orchestra / Sir John Barbirolli

29.V.1930, Kingsway Hall, London • Cc 19609-1A (HMV D 2057)

Max Lorenz tenor

10 WAGNER: Winterstürme (Die Walküre, Act I)

Berlin State Opera Orchestra / Ernst Viebig

12.III.1928, Singakademie, Berlin • Douglas Larter • BLR 3947-2 (Electrola EG 861)5

Helge Rosvaenge tenor

11 WILLIE: Euren König (Königsballade)

Berlin State Opera Orchestra / Bruno Seidler-Winkler

Recorded: 9.XI.1937, Berlin • Walter Michael Berten • Robert Beckett

2RA 3427-1 (HMV DB 4623)5

Richard Tauber tenor

12 JOHANN STRAUSS II: Dieser Anstand (Die Fledermaus, Act II)

Vera Schwarz soprano

Berlin Staatskapelle / Frieder Weissmann

29.X.1928, Berlin • XXB 8205 (Odeon O 177070)5

Marcel Wittrisch tenor

13 KIELZL: Selig sind (Der Evangelimann, Act II)

Children’s Chorus

Berlin State Opera Orchestra / Cornelius Kun

15.IX.1932, Berlin • 2D 1103 (HMV DB 4411)5

Josef Schmidt tenor

14 KORNGOLD: Glück, das mir verblieb (Die tote Stadt, Act I)

Orchestra / Otto Dobrindt

24.IV.1933, Berlin • 133775-2 (Odeon O 25991)5

Karl Erb tenor

15 BEETHOVEN: Der Wachtelschlag

Bruno Seidler-Winkler piano

XI.1939, Electrola Studios, Berlin • Walter Michael Berten • Johannes Huebener

2RA 3656 (HMV DB 4677)5

Gerhard Hüsch baritone

16 HUMPERDINCK: Ra-la-la-la...Ach, wir armen (Hansel und Gretel, Act I)

with unnamed soprano

Berlin State Opera Chorus and Orchestra / Hanns Udo Müller

5.I.1937, Berlin • Walter Michael Berten • Robert Beckett

2RA 1704 (Electrola EH 1024)5

Willi Domgraf Fassbaender baritone

17 KREUTZER: Ein Schütz bin ich (Das Nachtlager in Granada, Act I)

Berlin State Opera Orchestra / Erich Orthmann

18.XI.1931, Berlin • OD 675-1 (Electrola EG 2510)5

Herbert Janssen baritone

18 SCHUBERT: Die Stadt (No.11 of Schwanengesang, D957)

Gerald Moore piano (P) 1985

16.XI.1938, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge • 2EA 7118-1 (HMV)

Friedrich Schorr bass-baritone

19 MENDELSSOHN: Herr Gott Abrahams (Elijah)

London Symphony Orchestra / Sir John Barbirolli

11.V.1931, Kingsway Hall, London • 2B 537-2 (HMV DB 1564)

Sigrid Onegin contralto

20 MEYERBEER: O prêtres de Baal (Le Prophète, Act V)

Orchestra / Rosario Bourdon

21.III.1929, Liederkranz Hall, New York • CVE 50962 (Victor 7146)1

Compact Disc 6


Elisabeth Schumann soprano

1 MARX: Marienlied

Vienna State Orchestra / Karl Alwin

15.VIII.1928, Vienna • A. D. Lawrence • BW 1911-2 (Electrola E 532)5

Miliza Korjus soprano

2 RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: In Novgorod (The Tsar’s Bride, Act II)

Berlin State Opera Orchestra / Bruno Seidler-Winkler

29.I.1936, Berlin • Walter Michael Berten • Robert Beckett

2RA 1034 (Electrola EH 994)5

Erna Berger soprano

3 OBOUSSIER: Weine du nicht

Hans Walter Schleif oboe • Eta Harich-Schneider harpsichord

1937, Electrola Studios, Berlin • Walter Michael Berten • Robert Beckett

2RA 3326-1 (part) (HMV DB 4596)5

Tiana Lemnitz soprano

4 RICHARD STRAUSS: Nacht dem Matteo? (Arabella, Act I)

Berlin State Opera Orchestra / Bruno Seidler-Winkler

28.X.1940, Berlin • Walter Michael Berten • Johannes Huebener

2RA 4765 (HMV DB 5606)

Maria Cebotari soprano

5 PUCCINI: Mann nennt mich jetz nur Mimi (La bohème, Act I)

Berlin State Opera Orchestra / Fritz Zweig

24.XI.1932, Berlin • 2D 1303-1 (HMV DB 4415)5

Elisabeth Rethberg soprano

6 MEYERBEER: Leb’ wohl, freundlich Gestade (L’Africaine, Act I)

Odeon Opera Orchestra / Frieder Weissmann

22.IV.1933, Berlin • Be 10391 (Odeon O 4530)5


Lotte Lehmann soprano

7 RICHARD STRAUSS: Oh, sei er gut, Quinquin (Der Rosenkavalier, Act I) 4.08

Berlin State Opera Orchestra / Manfred Gurlitt

13.XII.1927, Berlin • XXB 7887-2 (Odeon O 8726)5

Maria Müller soprano

8 REGER: Waldeinsamkeit Op.76 No.3

Ivor Newton piano

24.V.1937, Abbey Road Studios, London • 2EA 4798 (HMV DB 3285)

Nanny Larsen-Todsen soprano

9 WAGNER: Ewig war ich (Siegfried, Act III)

Orchestra / Eduard Mörike

7.V.1928, Berlin • 2-20771 (Parlophone P 9534)5

THE ITALIAN SCHOOL

Conchita Supervia mezzo-soprano

10 PAISIELLO: Chi vuol la zingarella (I zingari in fiera)

Orchestra / Maestro Capdevila

4.III.1930, Barcelona • SO 6042-2 (Parlophone RO 20305)3

Giannina Arangi-Lombardi soprano

11 VERDI: Te, vergin santa (I Lombardi, Act I)

Orchestra / Lorenzo Molajoli

IV.1934, Milan • CBX 1327 (Columbia GQX 10702)4


Dusolina Giannini soprano

12 VERDI: Pace, pace mio Dio (La forza del destino, Act IV)

Orchestra / Sir John Barbirolli

17.XII.1928, London • Cc 15056-2 (HMV DB 1228)

Maria Caniglia soprano

13 GIORDANO: Qual vergogna (Siberia, Act III)

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Giuseppe Antonicelli

10.IV.1936, Conservatorio, Milan • 0BA 1234-4 (HMV DA 1563)

Gina Cigna soprano

14 PUCCINI: L’amore è un’altra cosa...Laggiù nel Solidad (La fanciulla

del West, Act I)

Orchestra / Lorenzo Molajoli

c1934, Milan • WB 4846 (Columbia GQ 7186)

Margaret Sheridan soprano

15 PUCCINI: Con onor muore (Madama Butterfly, Act II)

Browning Mummery tenor

Orchestra (P) 1985

7.VI.1927, Conservatorio, Milan • CD 1439-2 (HMV)


Licia Albanese soprano

16 PUCCINI: In quelle trine morbide (Manon Lescaut, Act II)

Orchestra / Dino Olivieri

1940, Conservatorio, Milan • 0BA 4140-2 (HMV DA 5391)4

Bidù Sayão soprano

17 GOMES: Gentile di cuore (Il Guarany, Act II)

Orchestra of RCA Victor Brasiliana / Maestro Giannetti

XI.1940, Rio de Janeiro • BCVE 65863-2 (Brazilian Victor 11561)1

Toti dal Monte soprano

18 JAMES: Maori Lullaby Sung in English

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Carlo Sabajno

21.XI.1927, Milan • CD 4933-2 (HMV DB 1315)

Lina Pagliughi soprano

19 VERDI: Gualtier Maldé...Caro nome (Rigoletto, Act I)

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Carlo Sabajno

5.VII.1929, Milan • CM 1016-1 (C 1488)

Ezio Pinza bass

20 VERDI: Confutatis maledictis (Messa da Requiem)

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Carlo Sabajno

5.IX.1929, Milan • CM 1060-1ATI (HMV D 1755)

Salvatore Baccaloni bass

21 RICCI: Fermola!...Dapprima, figuratevi (Crispino e la comare)

Irma Mion soprano

Orchestra / Lorenzo Molajoli

III.1930, Milan • WBX 789 (Columbia CQX 16451)4

Mariano Stabile baritone

22 VERDI: L’onore! Ladri! (Falstaff, Act I)

Orchestra / Lorenzo Molajoli

3.XII.1926, Milan • WBX 60-1 (Columbia CQX 16499)4

Compact Disc 7


Apollo Granforte baritone

1 LEONCAVALLO: Buona Zazà (Zazà, Act II)

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Carlo Sabajno

12.IV.1929, Milan • BM 808-1 (HMV DA 1053)

Dino Borgioli tenor

2 HAGEMAN: Do not go, my love

Ivor Newton piano

20.VI.1935, Abbey Road Studios, London • CA 15115-1 (Columbia LB 24)


Tito Schipa tenor

3 MASSENET: Tradure...Ah! non mi ridestar (Werther, Act III)

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Franco Ghione

4.V.1934, Conservatorio, Milan • 2W 2482-2 (HMV DB 2237)

Francesco Merli tenor

4 PUCCINI: Donna non vidi mai (Manon Lescaut, Act I)

Orchestra / Lorenzo Molajoli

29.II.1928, Milan • WB 1841 (Columbia GQ 7091)4

Beniamino Gigli tenor

5 TOSTI: Aprile

Orchestra / Lawrance Collingwood

12.V.1939, Abbey Road Studios, London • 2EA 7902-2 (HMV DB 3815)

Giacomo Lauri-Volpi tenor

6 PUCCINI: Che avvien?...Ah, non m’avvicinate (Manon Lescaut, Act III)

Luigi Borgonovo baritone

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Franco Ghione

30.V.1934, Conservatorio, Milan • 0W 2539-2 (HMV DA 1385)

Aureliano Pertile tenor

7 CILEA: La dolcissima effigie (Adriana Lecouvreur, Act I)

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Carlo Sabajno

Recorded 10.XII.1930, Conservatorio, Milan • BF 3707-2 (HMV DA 1185)4

Lily Pons soprano

8 SAINT-SAËNS: Le Rossignol et la rose

Orchestra / Gustav Cloëz

26.II.1929, Paris • Ki 2276-2 (Odéon 188 645)

Ninon Vallin soprano

9 FAURÉ: Les berceaux, Op.23 No.1

Marguerite Long piano

12.VI.1933, Paris • CL 4392 (Columbia LF 129)3

Claire Croiza mezzo-soprano

10 DE BRÉVILLE: Une jeune fille parle

Pierre de Bréville piano

28.XII.1928, Paris • WL 1334 (Columbia D 13085)3

Georges Thill tenor

11 REYER: Le bruit des chants...Esprits, gardiens de ces lieux vénérés

(Sigurd, Act II)

Orchestra / Eugène Bigot

7.VII.1933, Paris • CLX 1729-1 (Columbia LFX 324)3

Charles Panzéra baritone

12 BERLIOZ: Esprits des flammes ! (La Damnation de Faust, Scene II)

Pasdeloup Orchestra / Piero Coppola

18.II.1931, Paris • 2G 294-2 (HMV C 2405)3

Pierre Bernac baritone

13 FAURÉ: Aurore, Op.39 No.1

Francis Poulenc piano (P) 1985

5.XII.1947, London • 0EA 12615-1 (HMV)

Yvonne Printemps soprano

14 OFFENBACH: Dites-lui (La Grande Duchesse de Gérolstein Act II)

Henri Busser piano

22.XI.1929, Paris • BS 4392-1 (HMV P 835)

Reynaldo Hahn tenor

15 OFFENBACH: (a) Les Charbonniers et fariniers

(b) Que voulez-vous faire ? (La Boulangère a des écus)

Reynaldo Hahn piano

19.IX.1927, Paris • WL 579 (Columbia D 2022)3

THE ANGLO-AMERICAN SCHOOL

Lawrence Tibbett baritone

16 VERDI: E’ sogno, o realtà (Falstaff, Act II)

Orchestra / Rosario Bourdon (P) 1985

3.III.1926, Camden, New York • CVE 34930-2 (Victor)1

John Charles Thomas baritone

17 THOMAS: O vin, dissipe la tristesse (Hamlet, Act II)

Orchestra / Nathaniel Finston

14.I.1934, Hollywood, California • PBS 68698-1 (Victor 1639)1

Dennis Noble baritone

18 ROSSINI: I’m the factotum (Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act I)

Orchestra / Clarence Raybould

24.I.1928, London • WAX 3200-1 (Columbia 9556)

John Brownlee baritone

19 THOMAS: Comme une pâle fleur (Hamlet, Act V)

Orchestra / Georges Lauweryns

6.III.1929, Paris • CN 388-2 (HMV D 1654)

Harold Williams baritone

20 COWAN: Onaway, awake beloved

Orchestra / Clarence Raybould

11.XI.1931, London • CA 12177-1 (Columbia DB 857)

Charles Kullman tenor

21 OFFENBACH: Ha, wie in meiner Seele (Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Act III)

Orchestra

8.XII.1931, Berlin • WR 224-2 (Columbia DW 3011)5

Heddle Nash tenor

22 BIZET: She is there...Hear the voice of one who adores thee (Serenade)

(La Jolie Fille de Perth, Act II)

Orchestra / Clarence Raybould

9.IX.1932, Abbey Road Studios, London • CAX 6511-1 (Columbia DX 540)

Richard Crooks tenor

23 PUCCINI: Wie sich die Bilder gleichen (Tosca, Act I)

Berlin State Opera Orchestra / Clemens Schmalstich

1.XI.1929, Singakademie, Berlin • BLR 5753-2 (HMV EW 75)

Dame Clara Butt contralto

24 SULLIVAN: The Lost Chord

with piano and organ accompaniment

7.VIII.1930, Westminster Central Hall, London • WAX 5666-1 (Columbia DX 389)

Marian Anderson contralto

25 SCHUBERT: Der Tod und das Mädchen D531

Kosti Vehanen piano

Recorded 13.XI.1936, Studio Albert, Paris • Georges Cailly

0LA 1025-6 (HMV DA 1550)

Compact Disc 8


Maggie Teyte soprano

1 PALADILHE: Psyche

Gerald Moore piano

26.III.1941, Abbey Road Studios, London • Walter Legge • Arthur Clarke

0EA 9223-1 (HMV DA 1779)

Isobel Baillie soprano

2 HANDEL: Angels ever bright and fair (Theodora)

Orchestra / Charles Prentice

13.XI.1928, London • WAX 4275-2 (Columbia 9697)

Joan Cross soprano

3 PUCCINI: One fine day (Madama Butterfly, Act II)

Orchestra / Lawrance Collingwood

21.XII.1935, Abbey Road Studios, London • 2EA 2863-1 (HMV C 2824)

Marjorie Lawrence soprano

4 REYER: O palais radieux ! (Sigurd Act IV)

Pasdeloup Orchestra / Piero Coppola

7.IX.1934, Paris • George W. Clarke • 2LA 2-1 (HMV DB 4937)3

Eva Turner soprano

5 PUCCINI: In questa reggia (Turandot, Act II)

Orchestra / Lorenzo Molajoli

28.IV.1928, Milan • WB 1926 & 1928 (Columbia D 1619)

Florence Austral soprano

6 ROSSINI: Inflammatus (Stabat Mater)

Orchestra & Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Sir John Barbirolli

27.VIII.1928, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London • CR 2166-2A (HMV D 1506)

THE EAST EUROPEAN/SLAVIC SCHOOL

Jarmila Novotná soprano

7 DVORÁK: My hair is golden (Rusalka, Act III) Sung in Czech

Arpad Sándor piano

X.1931, Electrola Studios, Berlin • 0D 562-2 (Electrola AM 3783)5

Oda Slobodskaya soprano

8 GRAETCHANINOV: Lullaby Op.1 No.5 Sung in Russian

Percy Kahn piano (P) 1985

13.II.1931, Small Queen’s Hall, London • 0B 348-1 (HMV)

Mark Reizen bass

9 GOMEZ: Di sposo, di padre (Salvator Rosa, Act III)

Albert Coates piano (P) 1985

4.XII.1929, London • Bb 18451-1 (HMV)

Volume 4: 1939-1952

THE ANGLO-AMERICAN SCHOOL

Dorothy Kirsten soprano

10 PUCCINI: Chi il bel sogno di Doretta (La rondine, Act I)

RCA Victor Orchestra / Jean Paul Morel

30.XII.1947, Manhattan Center, New York • Richard Mohr

D7-RC-8310-1A (RCA Victor 12-0999)1

Eleanor Steber soprano

11 CHARPENTIER: Depuis le jour (Louise, Act III)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Walter Susskind

17.IX.1947, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Robert Beckett

2EA 12298-2 (HMV DB 6514)

Helen Traubel soprano

12 WAGNER: Einsam in trüben Tagen (Lohengrin, Act I)

Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra of New York / Artur Rodzinski

Recorded 23.V.1945, Carnegie Hall, New York • XC0 34815/16 (CBS 12321D)2

Jennie Tourel soprano

13 BIZET: Quand je vous aimerai ?... L’amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera) (Carmen, Act I)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Walter Susskind

25.IX.1951, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Lawrance Collingwood • Robert Beckett

CAX 11407-4D (Columbia LX 1507)

Kathleen Ferrier contralto

14 J. S. BACH: Qui sedes (B Minor Mass)

Vienna Symphony Orchestra / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1991

VI.1950, Musikvereinssaal, Vienna • Anthony C. Griffith • (Columbia rehearsal tape)

Peter Pears tenor

15 TRAD (French): The King is gone a-hunting (arr. Britten)

Benjamin Britten piano (P) 1980

29.IX.1950, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Arthur Clarke

0EA 15069 (HLM 7201)

Jan Peerce tenor

16 HERBERT: Ah! sweet mystery of life (Naughty Marietta)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Anatole Fistoulari

7.IX.1950, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • 0EA 14985-2 (HMV DA 2010)1

Richard Tucker tenor

17 PONCHIELLI: Cielo e mar (La Gioconda, Act II)

Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera Association, New York / Emil Cooper

18.VI.1947, Metropolitan Opera House, New York • XC0 37927-1A (CBS 72399D)2

Robert Merrill baritone

18 MASSENET: Ce breuvage...Vision fugitive (Hérodiade, Act II)

RCA Orchestra / Jean Paul Morel

21.V.1946, Lotus Club, New York • D6-RC-5887-1A (RCA Victor 11-9291)1

George London bass-baritone

19 MUSSORGSKY-RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: I have attained the highest

power (Boris Godunov, Act II) Sung in Russian

Virginia Pleasants piano (P) 1989

22.X.1949 Brahmssaal, Vienna • Walter Legge • Douglas Larter

Columbia tape (EX 7 69741 1)

Compact Disc 9

Oscar Natzke bass

1 HANDEL: From the rage of the tempest... Hear me, ye winds (Scipio)

(arr. Somervell)

H. Robinson Cleaver organ

23.II.1939, London • Oscar Preuss • CXE 9635-2 (Parlophone E 11426)

THE FRENCH SCHOOL

Mado Robin soprano

2 DELL’ACQUA: Chanson provençale

Orchestra / Georges Briez

10.XI.1942, Paris • Walter Ruhlmann • 0LA 3882-1 (La Voix de son Maître DA 4980)3

Géori Boué soprano

3 HAHN: Le Rossignol des lilas (Dauphin)

André Collard piano

c1942, Paris • Ki 10487-1 (Odéon 188.953)3

Victoria de los Angeles soprano

4 RESPIGHI: Stornellatrice

Gerald Moore piano

9.V.1949, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London • David Bicknell • Douglas Larter

0EA 13822 (HMV DA 1930)

Suzanne Danco soprano

5 ANON 15th Century: Amor amaro (ed. F. Ghisi)

Professor E. Bellinzona vielle

II.1941, Milan • 0BA 4253 (La Voce del Padrone HN 1870)4

Solange Michel mezzo-soprano

6 GODARD: Viens avec nous (La Vivandière, Act I)

Orchestre de l’Opéra-Comique / Louis Fourestier

12.III.1951, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris • CPT 8109 (Pathé PD 145)3

Hugues Cuénod tenor

7 LIPATTI: Sensation (Rimbaud)

Madeleine Lipatti piano (P) 1989

23.VI.1951, Zurich • Walter Legge • CZX 333-4 (Columbia) EX 7 69741 1


Elisabeth Schwarzkopf soprano

8 BEETHOVEN: Ach wär ich schon (Fidelio, Act I)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Alceo Galliera

19.X.1950, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road • Walter Legge • Douglas Larter

CAX 10946-2A (Columbia LX 1410)

Irmgard Seefried soprano

9 WOLF: Elfenlied (Mörike) 0.00

Gerald Moore piano (P) 1987

15.IV.1948, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge • Douglas Larter

CA 20743 (Columbia) EX 29 1057 1

Sena Jurinac soprano

TCHAIKOVSKY: Es geht auf Mitternacht (The Queen of Spades, Act III)

10 Philharmonia Orchestra / Lawrance Collingwood (P) 1989

10.VIII.1950, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Lawrance Collingwood • Arthur Clarke • 2EA 14955-1 (HMV) (EX 7 69741 1)

Ljuba Welitsch soprano

11 VERDI: Ritorna vincitor! (Aida, Act I)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Josef Krips

25.IX.1947, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge • Robert Beckett

CA 20500/501 (Columbia LB 65)

Leonie Rysanek soprano

12 RICHARD STRAUSS: Das war sehr gut (Arabella, Act III)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Wilhelm Schüchter

21.IV.1952, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge • Douglas Larter

CAX 11662-4A (Columbia LX 1559)

Inge Borkh soprano

13 MENOTTI: Mein Kind ist tot (The Consul, Act III)

Berlin State Opera Orchestra / Artur Rother

10.XII.1951, Berlin • Fritz Ganss • Horst Lindner

2RA 6858 (part) & 6859 (Electrola DB 11537)5

Julius Patzak tenor

14 SCHUBERT: Der Müller und der Bach (Die schöne Müllerin)

Michael Raucheisen piano (P) 1966

1943, Vienna • Preiser PR 31286

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau baritone

15 SCHUMANN: Mondnacht (Eichendorff) (No.5 of Liederkreis, Op.39)

Gerald Moore piano

7.X.1951, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge • Douglas Larter

2EZ 15952 (HMV DB 21515)

Erich Kunz baritone

16 MOZART: Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja (Die Zauberflöte, Act I)

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra / Rudolf Moralt (P) 1989

21.XI.1947, Brahmssaal, Vienna • Walter Legge • Douglas Larter

CHA 979-1 (Columbia) (EX 7 69741 1)

Paul Schoeffler baritone

17 BEETHOVEN: Ha! welch ein Augenblick (Fidelio, Act I)

Vienna State Opera Chorus and Orchestra / Karl Böhm

1944, Vienna

Aksel Schiøtz tenor

18 DOWLAND: Flow my tears

Jytte Gorki Schmidt guitar

17.X.1941, Copenhagen • Johann Saendler • 2CS 1979-1 (Danish HMV DB 5270)10

THE RUSSIAN AND SLAVONIC SCHOOLS

Zara Dolukhanova mezzo-soprano

19 MUSSORGSKY-RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Mysterious powers

(Khovanshchina, Act II) Sung in Russian

All-Union Radio Symphony Orchestra / Alexei Kovaliev

c1951/2, Moscow • (USSR D 1422/3)7

Claudia Novikova mezzo-soprano

20 OFFENBACH: Ah! quel dîner (La Perichole, Act I) Sung in Russian

Orchestra

USSR • 6300-2 (USSR 0313)7

Beno Blachut tenor

21 SMETANA: Ah, whose is the spell? (Dalibor, Act III) Sung in Czech

Prague Opera Orchestra / Jožka Charvát

1945, Prague • 4772 (Esta H 1572)8

Boris Christoff

22 BORODIN: The Sleeping Princess Sung in Russian

Gerald Moore piano (P) 1979

17.V.1950, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge • Arthur Clarke

2EA 14707 (RLS 735)

Compact Disc 10

THE ITALIAN SCHOOL

Ferruccio Tagliavini tenor

1 DONIZETTI: Una furtiva lagrima (L’elisir d’amore, Act II)

RCA Victor Orchestra / Antal Dorati

23.IX.1947, Hollywood • D7-RC-6960 (RCA Victor 18-0106)1

Giuseppe di Stefano tenor

2 THOMAS: Addio, Mignon (Mignon, Act II)

La Scala Orchestra / Emidio Tieri

2.IV.1947, Milan • 2BA 6147 (La Voce del Padrone DB 11311)4

Luigi Infantino tenor

3 FALVO: Dicitencello vuje

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Alberto Erede

14.IV.1948, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Victor Carne • Arthur Clarke

CAX 10226-1 (Columbia LX 1213)

Mario del Monaco tenor

4 VERDI: Esultate! (Otello, Act I)

Milan Symphony Orchestra / Argeo Quadri

16.I.1951, Milan • 2BA 7568 (part) (La Voce del Padrone DB 11337)4

Paolo Silveri baritone

5 DONIZETTI: Leonora!...A tanto amor (La Favorita, Act III)

London Symphony Orchestra / Walter Goehr

6.XII.1948, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Victor Carne • Arthur Clarke

CAX 10390-2 (Columbia LX 1240)

Giampiero Malaspina baritone

6 PUCCINI: Tre sbirri, una carozza (Tosca, Act I)

Keith Hardwick tenor

Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Michael Mudie

1.VII.1948, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Victor Carne • Douglas Larter

CAX 10293-1 (Columbia DX 1514)

Gino Bechi baritone

7 VERDI: O Carlo, ascolta (Don Carlo, Act IV)

Milan Symphony Orchestra / Argeo Quadri

7.II.1949, Milan • 2BA 6800-2 (La Voce del Padrone DB 11322)4

Nicola Rossi-Lemeni bass

8 GLINKA: They guess the truth (A Life for the Tsar, Act IV) Sung in Russian

Philharmonia Orchestra / Tomaso Benintende-Neglia

4.VIII.1952, Kingsway Hall, London • Walter Legge • Robert Beckett

2EA 16694 (HMV DB 21559)

Tancredi Pasero bass

9 MUSSORGSKY-RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: I have attained the

highest power (Boris Godunov, Act II) Sung in Italian

Orchestra / Dick Marzollo (P) 1966

13.VII.1944, Milan • 2BA 5581-2 (La Voce del Padrone 3C 053 17674M)4

Giulietta Simionato mezzo-soprano

10 MASSENET: Mi scrivo qui (Werther, Act III)

Milan Symphony Orchestra / Argeo Quadri

20.IV.1951, Milan • CBX 1663 (Columbia GQX 11499)4

Fedora Barbieri mezzo-soprano

11 VERDI: Condotta ell’era in ceppi (Il trovatore, Act II)

Mariano Caruso tenor

Milan Symphony Orchestra / Argeo Quadri

14.I.1949, Milan • 2BA 6771 (La Voce del Padrone DB 11319)4

Ebe Stignani mezzo-soprano

12 SAINT-SAËNS: La notte cadente (Samson et Dalila, Act I)

Orchestra / Umberto Berrettoni

X.1941, Milan • 0BA 3712-1 (HMV DA 5383)


Alda Noni soprano

13 BIZET: Siccome un dì caduto il sole (Les Pêcheurs de perles, Act I)

Milan Symphony Orchestra / Argeo Quadri

25.I.1951, Milan • 2BA 7370-1 (La Voce del Padrone DB 11346)4

Margherita Carosio soprano

14 BELLINI: O quante volte (I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Act I)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Anatole Fistoulari

20.V.1951, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • David Bicknell • Douglas Larter

2EA 15622-2 (HMV DB 21336)

Magda László soprano

15 A. SCARLATTI: Su venite e consiglio

Luigi Cortese piano

c1950, Paris • 10278-1 (Boîte à Musique BAM 206)

Margherita Grandi soprano

16 VERDI: Tu che le vanità (Don Carlo, Act IV)

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Alberto Erede

7.II.1948, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Lawrance Collingwood • Arthur Clarke

2EA 12719/20 (HMV DB 6631)

Zinka Milanov soprano

17 VERDI: Vanne!... D’amor sull’ali rosee (Il trovatore, Act IV)

Orchestra / Frieder Weissmann

14.II.1946, Lotus Club, New York • D6-RC-963 (RCA 11-9839)1



The Record of Singing – Volume 5
From the LP to the digital era: 1953-2007

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE RECORD OF SINGING

Volume 5 (From the LP to the digital era: 1953-2007)

Recording information (date, venue, producer and balance engineer) shown below each track where known

Compact Disc 1


WAGNER SINGERS OF THE 1950s & EARLY 1960s

Der fliegende Höllander

Birgit Nilsson soprano

1 Johohoe! Johohoe! (Senta’s Ballad) (Act II)

Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus / Leopold Ludwig (P) 2008*

Recorded: 14–16.V.1957, Kingsway Hall, London

Producer: Walter Legge · Balance engineer: Derek Hopkins


Tannhäuser

Elisabeth Grümmer soprano

2 Dich, teure Halle (Act II)

Orchester der Staatsoper Berlin / Franz Konwitschny

(P) 1961/1990* EMI Electrola GmbH

17–21.X.1960, Grunewaldkirche, Berlin • Fritz Ganss · Horst Lindner


Gottlob Frick bass

3 Dich treff’ ich hier in dieser Halle (Act II)

Elisabeth Grümmer soprano

Orchester der Staatsoper Berlin / Franz Konwitschny

(P) 1961/1990* EMI Electrola GmbH

17–21.X.1960, Grunewaldkirche, Berlin • Fritz Ganss · Horst Lindner


Ludwig Weber bass

4 Gar viel und schön (Act II)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Issay Dobrowen (P) 1991*

6.VII.1951, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge · Douglas Larter


Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau baritone

5 Blick’ ich umher in diesen edlen Kreise (Act II)

Orchester der Staatsoper Berlin / Franz Konwitschny

(P) 1961/1990* EMI Electrola GmbH

17–21.X.1960, Grunewaldkirche, Berlin • Fritz Ganss · Balance engineer: Horst Lindner

Fritz Wunderlich tenor

6 Den Bronner, den uns Wolfram nannte (Act II)

Orchester der Staatsoper Berlin / Franz Konwitschny

(P) 1961/1990* EMI Electrola GmbH

17–21.X.1960, Grunewaldkirche, Berlin • Fritz Ganss · Horst Lindner


Lohengrin

Astrid Varnay soprano

7 Einsam in Trüben Tagen (Elsa’s Dream) (Act I)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Hermann Weigert (P) 2009*

15.VI.1951, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge · Arthur Clarke


Régine Crespin soprano

8 Euch Lüften, die mein Klagen (Act II)

Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française / Georges Prêtre

(P) 1961/2005* EMI Music France

27.II. & 11–12.IV.1961, Salle Wagram, Paris • Eric Macleod · Paul Vavasseur


Rita Gorr mezzo-soprano

9 Entweihte Götter (Act II)

Orchestre du Théâtre de l’Opéra de Paris

André Cluytens (P) 1959/2003*

17–27.VI.1959, Salle Wagram, Paris • René Challan · Walter Ruhlmann


Die Walküre

Ludwig Suthaus tenor

10 Winterstürme, wichen dem Wonnenmond (Act I)

Wiener Philharmoniker / Wilhelm Furtwänger (P) 1989*

28.IX – 6.X.1954, Musikvereinssaal, Vienna • Lawrance Collingwood · Francis Dillnutt


Martha Mödl soprano

11 Hojotoho! Hojotoho! (Act II)

Wiener Philharmoniker / Wilhelm Furtwängler (P) 1989*

28.IX.– 6.X.1954, Musikvereinssaal, Vienna

Lawrance Collingwood · Francis Dillnutt


Hans Hotter bass-baritone

12 Leb’ wohl, du kühnes, herrliches Kind (Wotan’s Farewell) (Act III)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Leopold Ludwig (P) 2008*

16–19.10.1957, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge · Harold Davidson


Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

Otto Edelmann bass-baritone

13 Was duftet doch der Flieder (Act II)

Orchester der Festspiel Bayreuth 1951 / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1999*

27.VII & 5, 16, 19 & 21.VIII.1951, Festspielhaus, Bayreuth

Walter Legge · Robert Beckett

Live recording


Rudolf Schock tenor

14 Morgendlich leuchtend im rosigem Schein (Prize Song) (Act III)

Ferdinand Frantz bass-baritone · Gottlob Frick bass • Elisabeth Grümmer soprano

Chöre der Deutschen Oper Berlin und der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin

Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedral, Berlin

Berliner Philharmoniker / Rudolf Kempe (P) 1992*

IV.1956, Wintergarten, Berlin • Fritz Ganss & Lawrance Collingwood · Horst Lindner


Tristan und Isolde

Josef Greindl bass

15 Tot denn alles! Alles tot! (Act III)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Wilhelm Furtwängler (P) 2001*

VI.1952, Kingsway Hall, London • Walter Legge · Douglas Larter


Kirsten Flagstad soprano

16 Mild und leiser (Liebestod) (Act III)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Wilhelm Furtwängler (P) 2001*

VI.1952, Kingsway Hall, London • Walter Legge · Douglas Larter

Compact Disc 2


SOPRANOS & MEZZO-SOPRANOS: 1953–1968

Joan Hammond soprano

1 KORNGOLD: Glück, das mir verblieb (Die tote Stadt, Act I)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Walter Susskind (P) 1991*

17.III.1953, Kingsway Hall, London • Walter Legge • Robert Beckett


Joan Sutherland soprano

2 BLISS: Behind the façades and faces (A Song of Welcome)

BBC Chorus • Philharmonia Orchestra / Sir Arthur Bliss (P) 2006/2006*

26.I.1954, Kingsway Hall, London • Walter Legge & Alec Robertson • Douglas Larter


Maria Callas soprano

3 VERDI: Mercé, dilette amiche (I vespri siciliani, Act V)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Tullio Serafin (P) 2005*

17–21.IX.1954, Watford Town Hall • Walter Legge · Robert Beckett


Rita Streich soprano

4 JOHANN STRAUSS II: Mein Herr Marquis (Die Fledermaus)

Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1999*

25–30.IV.1955, Kingsway Hall, London • Walter Legge · Douglas Larter


Erika Köth soprano

5 LEHÁR: Heut’ noch werd’ ich Ehefrau…Unbekannt, deshalb nicht minder

intressant (Der Graf von Luxemburg, Act I)

Berlin Symphony Orchestra / Frank Fox (P) 2002* EMI Electrola GmbH

22 & 29.XI.1957, Grunewaldkirche, Berlin-Grunewald • Fritz Ganss • Horst Linder


Renate Holm soprano

6 LEHÁR: Ach, Vöglein in der Ferne (Schön is die Welt, Act I)

FFB-Orchester / Frank Fox (P) 2002* EMI Electrola GmbH MONO

24, 27, 27 & 31.V.1957, Grunewaldkirche, Berlin-Grunewald

Fritz Ganss • Horst Lindner

Elsie Morison soprano

7 SULLIVAN: The sun whose rays are all ablaze (The Mikado, Act II)

Pro Arte Orchestra / Sir Malcolm Sargent (P) 1987*

5 & 6.V & 15.VI & 5.VIII.1956, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

David Bicknell & Raymond Leppard • Harold Davidson


Antonietta Stella soprano

8 PUCCINI: O mio babbino caro (Gianni Schicchi)

London Symphony Orchestra / Alberto Erede (P) 1990*

14.XII.1955, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • David Bicknell · Christopher Parker


Martha Angelici soprano

9 MASSENET: Restons ici puisqu’il le faut (Manon, Act I)

Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique / Jesus Etcheverry

(P) 2003* EMI Music France

17–20.III.1958, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris • René Challan · Walter Ruhlmann


Janine Micheau soprano

10 MEYERBEER: Noble seigneur…Une dame noble et sage (Les Huguenots, Act I) Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris

Georges Prêtre (P) 1961/2003* EMI Music France

18–20.VII.1958, Salle Wagram, Paris • Michel Glotz · Paul Vavasseur


Graziella Sciutti soprano

11 MOZART: Batti, batti, o bel Masetto (Don Giovanni, Act I)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Carlo Maria Giulini (P) 1961/2002*

X & XI.1959, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge · Harold Davidson


Aase Nordmo-Lövberg soprano

12 WAGNER: Allmächt ’ge Jungfrau (Elisabeth’s Prayer) (Tannhäuser, Act III)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Walter Susskind (P) 1959/1989*

22.IV.1959, Kingsway Hall, London • Walter Legge · Douglas Larter


Anna Moffo soprano

13 VERDI: Ah, fors’è lui (La traviata, Act I)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Colin Davis (P) 1961/1990*

2 & 4.XII.1959, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road • Walter Legge • Douglas Larter


June Bronhill soprano

14 OFFENBACH: The happy bride never stumbles (Orphée aux Enfers, Act I)

Sadler’s Wells Opera Orchestra / Alexander Faris (P) 1960/2003*

9 & 14.VI.1960, No.1 Studio Abbey Road, London • Norman Newell • Peter Bown


Hilde Gueden soprano

15 JOHANN STRAUSS II: Klänge der Heimat (Die Fledermaus, Act II)

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra / Heinrich Hollreiser (P) 1961/2009*

XII.1960, Musikvereinssaal, Vienna • Victor Olof • Christopher Parker

Victoria de los Angeles soprano

16 BARRERA & CALLEJA: Adiós, Granada (Cases) (arr. de los Angeles)

Victoria de los Angeles guitar (P) 1961/1998*

8–11.IX.1960, EMI Studios, Barcelona • Victor Olof · Harold Davidson


Melitta Muszely soprano

17 LEHÁR: Ich kann es nicht fassen…Liebe, du Himmel auf Erden

(Paganini, Act II)

FFB-Orchester / Werner Schmidt-Boeleke (P) 1961/2002* EMI Electrola GmbH

5.VI.1961, Gemeindhaus, Berlin-Zehlendorf • Fritz Ganss • Horst Lindner


Amy Shuard soprano

18 PUCCINI: In questa reggia (Turandot, Act II)

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

Edward Downes (P) 1962/1990*

23.III.1962, Kingsway Hall, London • Peter Andry · Harold Davidson

Lisa Della Casa soprano

19 RICHARD STRAUSS: Einerlei Op.69 No.3

Sebastian Peschko piano (P) 1962/1994* EMI Electrola GmbH

16 & 17.IV.1962, Kulturhaus, Loffenau • Fritz Ganss • Horst Lindner


Hanny Steffek soprano

20 MOZART: Una donna a quindici anni (Così fan tutte, Act II)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Karl Böhm (P) 1963/2000*

10–18.IX.1962, Kingsway Hall, London • Walter Legge · Douglas Larter

Pilar Lorengar soprano

21 SMETANA: Gern ja will ich dir vertrauen (The Bartered Bride, Act I)

Bamberger Symphoniker / Rudolf Kempe (P) 1963/2007* EMI Electrola GmbH

V, VI & X.1962, Bamberg & Grunewaldkirche, Berlin

Fritz Ganss · Horst Lindner & Ernst Rothe


Andrée Esposito soprano

22 THOMAS: Je suis Titania (Mignon Act II)

Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique / Jean-Claude Hartmann

(P) 1964/1995 (?)* EMI Music France

5.II & 7–9.IV.1964, Salle Wagram, Paris • René Challan • Walter Ruhlmann

Compact Disc 3

Sari Barabas soprano

1 LEHÁR: Hör ich Cymbalklänge (Zigeunerliebe, Act III)

Graunke Symphony Orchestra / Carl Michalski

P) 1964/2002* EMI Electrola GmbH

IX.1963, Bürgerbräu, Munich • Heinz Gietz • Wolfgang Hirschmann


Lucia Popp soprano

2 MOZART: Der Hölle Rache (Die Zauberflöte, Act II)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer (P) 1964/2000*

III & IV.1964, Kingsway Hall, London • Peter Andry & Suvi Raj Grubb · Robert Gooch


Renata Scotto soprano

3 PUCCINI: Un del dì vedremo (Madama Butterfly, Act II)

Orchestra del Teatro dell’Opera di Roma / Sir John Barbirolli (P) 1966/2002*

16–27.VIII.1966, Teatro dell’Opera, Rome • Ronald Kinloch Anderson • Robert Gooch


Elisabeth Schwarzkopf soprano

4 RICHARD STRAUSS: Zueignung Op.10 No.1 (von Gilm)

Radio-Symphonie-Orchester, Berlin / George Szell (P) 1966/1997*

1–3.IX.1965. Grunewaldkirche, Berlin

Walter Legge · Ernst Rothe & Wolfgang Gülich


Mirella Freni soprano

5 MOZART: Vedrai carino (Don Giovanni, Act II)

New Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer (P) 1966/1991*

15–30.VI & 3, 4.VII.1966, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Peter Andry & Suvi Raj Grubb · Robert Gooch

Anneliese Rothenberger soprano

6 LEHÁR: Bitte, meine Herrn…Hab’ in Paris…Gar oft hab’ ich’s gehört

(Die lustige Witwe, Act I)

Bavarian Radio Chorus • Graunke Symphony Orchestra / Willy Mattes

(P) 1967/2002* EMI Electrola GmbH

4–8.VI.1967, Bürgerbräu, Munich • Dr Helmut Storjohann • Wolfgang Gülich

Reri Grist soprano

7 VERDI: Gualtier Maldè…Caro nome (Rigoletto, Act I)

Franco Ricciardi tenor · Benito di Bella baritone · Alfredo Giacomotti bass

Coro e Orchestra del Teatro dell’Opera di Roma

Francesco Molinari Pradelli (P) 1967/1988*

VII.1967, Opera House, Rome • Christopher Bishop · Robert Gooch


Gwyneth Jones soprano

8 MENDELSSOHN: Behold, God hath sent Elijah (Elijah, Part II)

New Philharmonia Orchestra / Rafael Frühbeck de Burgon (P) 1968/1995*

1–9.VII.1968, Kingsway Hall, London • Christopher Bishop • Robert Gooch


Christa Ludwig mezzo-soprano

9 MAHLER: Ich atmet’ einen linden Duft! (Rückert-Lieder)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer (P) 1967/2006*

17–19.II.1964, Kingsway Hall, London • Walter Legge · Douglas Larter

TENORS: 1953–1968

Jussi Björling tenor

10 LEONCAVALLO: Mi accordan di parlar?...Un grande spettacolo...Un tal gioco

Victoria de los Angeles soprano · Paul Franke tenor

Leonard Warren baritone · Robert Shaw Chorale

RCA Victor Orchestra / Renato Cellini (P) 1998*

10, 11, 15, 19 & 29.I.1953, RCA Victor Studios, Manhattan Center, New York

Richard Mohr · Lewis Layton


Henri Legay tenor

11 ADAM: Mes amis, écoutez l’histoire (Le Postillon de Lonjumeau, Act I)

Orchestra / Georges Tzipine (P) 2003* EMI Music France

2.X.1956, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris


Leopold Simoneau tenor

12 MOZART: Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön (Die Zauberflöte, Act I)

Orchestre du Théâtre des Champs-Elysées / André Jouve

(P) 1990* EMI Music France

2–4.V.1955, Théâtre Apollo, France • Serge Moreux & Roland de Cande • André Charlin


Albert Lance tenor

13 MASSENET: Pourquoi me réveiller ? (Werther, Act III)

Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique

Albert Wolff (P) 2003* EMI Music France

6–14.V.1957, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris • Jean Maillard · Walter Ruhlmann


Eugenio Fernandi tenor

14 MASCAGNI: Mamma, quell vino è generoso (Cavalleria rusticana)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Nicola Rescigno (P) 1960/2009*

22.IX.1958, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road • Walter Legge • Douglas Larter


João Gibin tenor

15 PUCCINI: Una parola sola...Or son sei mesi (La fanciulla del West, Act II) 3.47

Birgit Nilsson soprano

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Lovro von Matacic (P) 1959/1991*

VII.1958, Teatro alla Scala, Milan • Walter Legge • Robert Beckett


Richard Lewis tenor

16 HANDEL: Every valley shall be exalted (Messiah, Part 1)

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra / Sir Malcolm Sargent (P) 1959/1990*

Recorded: 15–19.VI.1959, Huddersfield Town Hall • Peter Andry • Christopher Parker


Charles Craig tenor

17 PUCCINI: Donna non vidi mai (Manon Lescaut, Act I)

Orchestra / Michael Collins (P) 1959/1990*

26.II.1959, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Peter Andry & Norman Newell • Francis Dillnutt

Giuseppe Campora tenor

18 PUCCINI: Ch’ella mi creda libero (La fanciulla del West, Act III)

Orchestra del Teatro dell’Opera di Roma / Gabriele Santini (P) 1959/1990*

19.VII.1958, Opera House, Rome • Peter Andry • Robert Gooch


Fritz Wunderlich tenor

19 FLOTOW: Ach, so fromm (Martha, Act I)

Berliner Symphoniker / Berislav Klobucar (P) 1960/1986* EMI Electrola GmbH

15 & 16.VI.1960, Grunewaldkirche, Berlin • Fritz Ganss · Horst Lindner


Ronald Dowd tenor

20 STRAVINSKY: Nonne monstrum rescituri (Oedipus Rex)

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Sir Colin Davis (P) 1963/2003*

15–17.XI.1961, Kingsway Hall, London

Peter Andry & Ronald Kinloch Anderson • Christopher Parker

Alfredo Kraus tenor

21 MOZART: Un’aura amorosa (Così fan tutte, Act I)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Karl Böhm (P) 1963/2000*

10–18.IX.1962, Kingsway Hall, London • Walter Legge · Douglas Larter

Luigi Alva tenor · Sesto Bruscantini baritone

22 ROSSINI: All’idea di quell metallo (Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act I)

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Vittorio Gui (P) 1963/2002*

4–7, 9–11.IX.1962, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Victor Olof & Ronald Kinloch Anderson • Christopher Parker

Compact Disc 4


Wilfred Brown tenor

1 FINZI: Wonder (Arioso) (Dies natalis Op. (Traherne)

English Chamber Orchestra / Christopher Finzi (P) 1964/1990*

26.IX.1963, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Anthony Griffiths · Robert Gooch


Jess Thomas tenor

2 WAGNER: In fernem Land (Lohengrin, Act III)

Chor der Wiener Staatsoper · Wiener Philharmoniker

Rudolf Kempe (P) 1964/2000*

XI & XII. 1962 & IV.1963, Theater an der Wien, Vienna • Victor Olof · Francis Dillnutt


Franco Corelli tenor

3 MASCAGNI: Mamma, quel vino è generoso (Cavalleria rusticana)

with Corinna Vozza mezzo-soprano

Orchestra del Teatro dell’Opera di Roma / Gabriele Santini (P) 1963/1991*

1–10.VII.1962, Teatro dell’Opera, Rome • Victor Olof • Francis Dillnutt


Peter Schreier tenor

4 LORTZING: Vater, Mutter, Schwestern, Brüder (Undine)

Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Robert Heger

(P) 1967/1986* EMI Electrola GmbH

2–6.IX.1966, Berlin • Dr. Helmut Storjohann • Ernst Rothe


Nicolai Gedda tenor

5 GOLDMARK: Magische Töne (Die Königen von Saba, Act II)

Orchester der Bayerischen Staatsoper München

Heinrich Bender (P) 1967/2000* EMI Electrola GmbH

16.VI.1967, Bürgerbräu, Munich • Dr. Helmut Storjohann • Wolfgang Gülich


James King tenor

6 GIORDANO: Amor ti vieta (Fedora, Act II)

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Kurt Eichorn (P) 1969/2009*

8–10.VII.1968, Munich • Dr. Helmut Storjohann

Luciano Pavarotti tenor

7 MASCAGNI: Anche tu, Beppe (L’amico Fritz, Act III)

Laura Didier Gambardella mezzo-soprano

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

Gianandrea Gavazzeni (P) 1969/2000*

VIII & IX.1968, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Christopher Bishop · Christopher Parker


BARITONES & BASSES: 1955–1967

Tito Gobbi baritone

8 GIORDANO: Nemico della patria (Andrea Chénier, Act III)

Orchestra del Teatro dell’Opera di Roma / Oliviero de Fabritiis (P) 1989/1991*

1 & 3.X.1955, Teatro dell’Opera, Rome • David Bicknell · Harold Davidson

Boris Christoff bass

9 VERDI: Sperate, o figli (Nabucco, Act I)

Coro e Orchestra del Teatro dell’Opera di Roma / Vittorio Gui (P) 1989/1991*

11.X.1955, Teatro dell’Opera, Rome • David Bicknell · Harold Davidson


Rolando Panerai baritone

10 VERDI: Il balen (Il trovatore, Act II)

Orchestra del Teatro all Scala di Milano / Herbert von Karajan (P) 2004*

3, 4 & 6–9.VIII.1956, Teatro alla Scala, Milan • Walter Legge · Robert Beckett


Nicola Zaccaria bass

11 PUCCINI: Vecchia zimmara, senti (La bohème, Act IV)

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Antonino Votto

(P) 1957/1997* EMI Italiana SpA

20–25.VIII. & 3, 4.IX.1956, Teatro alla Scala, Milan

Walter Legge & Walter Jellinek · Robert Beckett


Michel Dens baritone

12 ADAM: Dans le sommeil, l’amour (Si j’étais roi, Act I)

Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique

Pierre Dervaux (P) 1957/2003* EMI Music France

17–19.IX.1956, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris • René Challan · Walter Ruhlmann


Eberhard Wächter baritone

13 MOZART: Deh vieni alla finestra (Don Giovanni, Act II)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Carlo Maria Giulini (P) 1961/2002*

X & XI.1959, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Walter Legge · Harold Davidson


Ernest Blanc baritone

14 MASSENET: Voilà donc la terrible cite ! Alexandrie ! (Thaïs, Act II)

Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire

Georges Prêtre (P) 1962/2003* EMI Music France

4–8.IX.1961, Salle Wagram, Paris • René Challan · Paul Vavasseur

Hermann Prey baritone

15 MOZART: Der Vogelfänger bin ich, ja (Die Zauberflöte, Act I)

Berlin Symphony Orchestre / Horst Stein (P) 1962/1989* EMI Electrola GmbH

c1961 • Fritz Ganss • Horst Lindner


Nicolai Ghiaurov bass

16 MOZART: Finch’han dal vino (Don Giovanni, Act I)

New Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer (P) 1966/1991*

15–30.VI & 3, 4.VII.1966, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Peter Andry & Suvi Raj Grubb • Robert Gooch

Cornell MacNeil baritone

17 VERDI: Cortigiani, vil razza dannata (Rigoletto, Act II)

Orchestra of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma

Francesco Molinari Pradelli (P) 1967/1988*

VII.1967, Teatro dell’Opera, Rome • Christopher Bishop · Robert Gooch

SOPRANOS: 1969–1988

Martina Arroyo soprano

18 VERDI: Me pellegrina ed orfana (La forza del destino, Act I)

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Lamberto Gardelli (P) 1970/1993*

VI. & VII.1969, Watford Town Hall

Ronald Kinloch Anderson · Allen Stagg & Stuart Eltham


Mady Mesplé soprano

19 GOUNOD: Ah ! je veux vivre (Roméo et Juliette, Act I)

Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris / Jean-Pierre Marty

(P) 1969/1993* EMI Music France

30.VI.– 4.VII.1969, Salle Wagram, Paris • René Challan · Paul Vavasseur


Elly Ameling soprano

20 MOZART: Ridente la calma K152

Jorg Demus piano (P) 1970/1988* EMI Electrola GmbH

1–3.XII.1969, Gemeindhaus Studio, Berlin-Zehlendorf

Gerd Berg • Johann Nikolaus Matthes


Montserrat Caballé soprano

21 BELLINI: Col sorriso d’innocenza (Il pirata, Act II)

Orchestra della RAI, Roma / Gianandrea Gavazzeni (P) 1971/1992*

VII.1970, RAI Studios, Rome • Ronald Kinloch Anderson · Francis Dillnitt


Helga Dernesch soprano

22 BEETHOVEN: O namenlose Freude! (Fidelio, Act II)

Jon Vickers tenor Berliner Philharmoniker / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1971/1988*

X–XII.1970, Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin • Michel Glotz • Wolfgang Gülich


Compact Disc 5


Gundula Janowitz soprano

1 HAYDN: Knurre, schnurre, knurre (Die Jahreszeiten – Der Winter)

Chor der Deutschen Oper, Berlin

Berliner Philharmoniker / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1973/1988*

XI.1972, Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin-Dahlem • Michel Glotz · Wolfgang Gülich


Edda Moser soprano

2 MOZART: O zittre nicht (Die Zauberflöte, Act I)

Orchester der Bayerischen Staatsoper München / Wolfgang Sawallisch

(P) 1973/1987* EMI Electrola GmbH

8–16.VIII.1972, Bürgerbraü, Munich • Dr. Helmut Storjohann • Wolfgang Gülich


Margaret Price soprano

3 TCHAIKOVSKY: None but the weary heart Op.6 No.6 Sung in Russian

James Lockhart piano (P) 1974

VIII.1973, Barking Town Hall • John Boyden


Beverly Sills soprano

4 ROSSINI: Una voce poco fa (Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act I)

London Symphony Orchestra / James Levine (P) 1975/1996*

16–28.VIII.1974 & 14.V.1975, All Saints’ Church, Tooting Graveney

Christopher Bishop • Robert Gooch


Galina Vishnevskaya soprano

5 SHOSTAKOVICH: Taste of Spring (Chorny) (Five Satires Op.109)

Sung in Russian

Mstislav Rostropovich piano (P) 1976/1995*

28 & 29.X.1974, Salle Wagram, Paris • David Mottley · Neville Boyling


Heather Harper soprano

6 MOZART: Porgi, amor (Le nozze di Figaro¸Act II)

English Chamber Orchestra / Daniel Barenboim (P) 1977/1990*

10–18.VIII.1976, Kingsway Hall, London • Suvi Raj Grubb • Neville Boyling


Leontyne Price soprano

7 VERDI: D’amor sull’ali rosee (Il trovatore, Act IV)

Berliner Philharmoniker / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1978/1986*

IX.1977, Philharmonie, Berlin • Michel Glotz • Wolfgang Gülich



Ileana Cotrubas soprano

8 MASSENET: Allons ! il le faut…Adieu, notre petite table (Manon, Act II)

Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse / Michel Plasson (P) 1983 EMI Music France

1–15.VII.1982, Halle-aux-Grains, Toulouse • Eric Macleod • Serge Rémy


Elisabeth Söderström soprano

9 BRITTEN: War Requiem Op.66 - II. Dies irae: Liber scriptus proferetur

CBSO Chorus • City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Sir Simon Rattle (P) 1983

27.II & 1, 4.III.1983, Great Hall, University of Birmingham

John Willan · Michael Sheady


Dame Kiri Te Kanawa soprano

10 RAVEL: La Flûte enchantée (Shéhérazade)

Orchestre Symphonique de l’Opéra National / Sir John Pritchard (P) 1984

29.VI–2.VII.1983, Radio Building, Brussels • John Fraser · Neville Boyling

Ghena Dimitrova soprano

11 VERDI: Salve Maria (I Lombardi, Act I)

Münchner Rundfunkorchester / Lamberto Gardelli (P) 1984/2005*

22–24 & 29.II.1984, Bavarian Music Studios, Munich

Theodor Holzinger & David Groves • Hans Schmidt


Jessye Norman soprano

12 OFFENBACH: Amours divins ! (La Belle Hélène, Act I)

Chœurs et Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse / Michel Plasson

(P) 1985 EMI Music France

16-21.VII.1984, Halle-aux-Grains, Toulouse • Eric Macleod • Serge Rémy


Edita Gruberova soprano

13 BELLINI: Sovra il sen (La sonnambula, Act I)

Münchner Rundfunkorchester / Kurt Eichorn (P) 1986

18–21.XI.1984, No.1 Studio, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Munich

Theodor Holzinger & David R. Murray • Alfons Seebacher

Hildegard Behrens soprano

14 WAGNER: Der Männer Sippe (Die Walküre, Act I)

Münchner Rundfunkorchester / Peter Schneider (P) 1986

17.IV – 3.V.1986, No.1 Studio, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Munich

David Groves & Theodor Holzinger • Hans Schmid & Monika Dollman


Luciana Serra soprano

15 OFFENBACH: Les oiseaux dans la charmille (Les contes d’Hoffmann, Act 2)

Chorus & Orchestra of the Opéra National du Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, Brussels

Sylvain Cambreling (P) 1988

VI & VII.1988, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels • David R. Murray · Michael Gray

MEZZO-SOPRANOS: 1969–1984

Grace Bumbry mezzo-soprano

16 BIZET: L’amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera) (Carmen, Act I)

Chœurs et Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra

Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos (P) 1970/1990*

VII & IX.1969, I & II.1970, Salle Wagram, Paris

Christopher Bishop • Christopher Parker


Shirley Verrett mezzo-soprano

17 VERDI: Nei giardin del bello (Don Carlo, Act II)

Delia Wallis soprano · Ambrosian Opera Chorus

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

Carlo Maria Giulini (P) 1971/2000*

1831.VIII.1970, Walthamstow Town Hall • Christopher Bishop · Christopher Parker


Yvonne Minton mezzo-soprano

18 MOZART: È amore un ladroncello (Così fan tutte, Act II)

New Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer (P) 1972/1991*

I & II.1971, Kingsway Hall, London • Suvi Raj Grubb · Michael Gray

Frederica von Stade mezzo-soprano

19 DEBUSSY: Il pleure dans mon cœur (Ariettes oubliées No.2)

Dalton Baldwin piano

(P) 1980/1991* EMI Music France

18.X & 4.XI.1978, Salle Wagram, Paris • Eric Macleod · Serge Remy


Compact Disc 6

Fiorenza Cossotto mezzo-soprano

1 VERDI: La luce langue (Macbeth, Act II)

New Philharmonia Orchestra / Riccardo Muti (P) 1976/1999*

Recorded VII.1976, Abbey Road Studios & Kingsway Hall, London

John Mordler · Stuart Eltham


Irina Arkhipova mezzo-soprano

2 PROKOFIEV: Song about the Beaver (Ivan the Terrible Op.116)

Sung in Russian

Philharmonia Orchestra / Riccardo Muti (P) 1978

VII & IX.1977, Kingsway Hall, London • John Mordler · Stuart Eltham


Elena Obraztsova mezzo-soprano

3 CILEA: Acerba voluttà (Adriana Lecouvreur, Act II)

Philharmonia Orchestra / Giuseppe Patané (P) 1978/1984*

21–24.VII.1977, Kingsway Hall, London • John Mordler · Stuart Eltham


Teresa Berganza mezzo-soprano

4 MOZART: Non so più cosa son, cosa faccio (Le nozze di Figaro)

English Chamber Orchestra / Daniel Barenboim (P) 1977/1990*

10–18.VIII.1976, Kingsway Hall, London • Suvi Raj Grubb • Neville Boyling


Tatiana Troyanos mezzo-soprano

5 MASSENET: Va ! laisse couler mes larmes !...Les larmes qu’on ne pleure pas (Werther, Act III)

London Philharmonic Orchestra / Michel Plasson (P) 1979

VIII & IX.1979, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Eric Macleod • Christopher Parker


Agnes Baltsa mezzo-soprano

6 VERDI: O don fatale (Don Carlo, Act III)

Berliner Philharmoniker / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1979/1988*

IX.1978, Philharmonie, Berlin • Michel Glotz · Wolfgang Gülich


Dame Janet Baker mezzo-soprano

7 SCHUBERT: Auf dem Wasser zu singen D774 (Stolberg)

Geoffrey Parsons piano (P) 1981/1996*

3–7.IV & 29.XII.1980, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

John Fraser • Neville Boyling


Marilyn Horne mezzo-soprano

8 ROUSSEL: Aux armes…Il est trop tard (Padmâvatî, Act I)

Orféon Donostiarra

Orchestre du Capitole de / Michel Plasson (P) 1983 EMI Music France

17–19.XI.1982 & 1-3.VII.1983, Halle-aux-Grains, Toulouse

Eric Macleod · Serge Rémy


Ann Murray mezzo-soprano

9 MOZART: Parto, parto (La clemenza di Tito, Act I)

Lewis Morrison clarinet

Scottish Chamber Orchestra / Raymond Leppard (P) 1984

22 & 22 IV.1984, Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh • John Fraser • Stuart Eltham

TENORS: 1969–1988

Carlo Bergonzi tenor

10 VERDI: La vita è inferno…O tu che in seno (La forza del destino, Act III)

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Lamberto Gardelli (P) 1970/1993*

VI. & VII.1969, Watford Town Hall

Ronald Kinloch Anderson · Allen Stagg & Stuart Eltham


Jon Vickers tenor

11 BIZET: La fleur que tu m’avais jetée (Carmen, Act II)

Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris / Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos

(P) 1970/1990*

VII & IX.1969, I & II.1970, Salle Wagram, Paris

Christopher Bishop • Christopher Parker


René Kollo tenor

12 WAGNER: Adendlich glühend in himmlischer Glut (Die Meistersinger, Act III)

Staatskapelle Dresden / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1971/1988*

24–30.XI & 1-4.XII.1970, Lukaskirche, Dresden

Dieter-Gerhardt Worm & Ronald Kinloch Anderson

Klaus Strüben & Christopher Parker

Recorded in co-production with VEB Deutsche Schallplatten, Berlin


Ian Partridge tenor

13 SCHUBERT: Ungeduld (Die schöne Müllerin)

Jennifer Partridge piano

8–11.I.1973, St Dunstan’s Church, East Cheam • John Boyden


Donald Smith tenor

14 VERDI: O figli miei!...Ah, la paterna mano (Macbeth, Act IV)

Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra / Vanco Cavdarski

(P) 1974/1991* EMI Records Australia Pty Ltd

1973, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Studios, Hobart

Les Hodge · David Arthur & Vic Holloway


Franco Bonisolli tenor

15 VERDI: Di quella pira (Il trovatore, Act III)

Leontyne Price soprano • Horst Nitsche tenor · Chor der Deutschen Oper, Berlin

Berliner Philharmoniker / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1978/1986*

IX.1977, Philharmonie, Berlin • Michel Glotz • Wolfgang Gülich


José Carreras tenor

16 VERDI: Io l’ho perduta! (Don Carlo, Act I)

Berliner Philharmoniker / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1979/1988*

IX.1978, Philharmonie, Berlin • Michel Glotz · Wolfgang Gülich


Alain Vanzo tenor

17 BIZET: Je crois entendre encore (Les Pêcheurs de perles, Act I)

Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris

Georges Prêtre (P) 1978/1990*

18–27.VII.1977, Salle Wagram, Paris • Greco Casadesus • Paul Vavasseur

Neil Schicoff tenor

18 OFFENBACH: Ils se sont éloignés enfin !...Ah ! Vivre deux

(Les contes d’Hoffmann, Act 2)

Luciana Serra soprano

Orchestra of the Opéra National du Théâtre Royal de La Monnaie, Brussels

Sylvain Cambreling (P) 1988

VI & VII.1988, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels • David R. Murray · Michael Gray


BARITONES & BASSES: 1966–1986

John Shirley Quirk baritone

19 VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: The Call (Five Mystical Songs) (Herbert)

English Chamber Orchestra / Sir David Willcocks (P) 1969/1989*

3–4.VIII.1966, King’s College Chapel, Cambridge

Christopher Bishop · Neville Boyling


Piero Cappuccilli baritone

20 VERDI: Urna fatale (La forza del destino, Act III)

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Lamberto Gardelli (P) 1970/1993*

VI. & VII.1969, Watford Town Hall

Ronald Kinloch Anderson · Allen Stagg & Stuart Eltham


Compact Disc 7


Sir Geraint Evans baritone

1 VERDI: Toh! Toh! Poffare il mondo! (La forza del destino, Act III)

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Lamberto Gardelli (P) 1970/1993*

VI. & VII.1969, Watford Town Hall

Ronald Kinloch Anderson · Allen Stagg & Stuart Eltham


Gabriel Bacquier baritone

2 BERLIOZ: Une puce gentile (La Damnation de Faust, Part II)

Chœurs du Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris

Orchestre de Paris / Georges Prêtre (P) 1970/1996*

X.1969, Salle Wagram, Paris • Ronald Kinloch Anderson • Michael Gray


Gérard Souzay baritone

3 DUPARC: Chanson triste

Dalton Baldwin piano (P) 1972 EMI Music France/DRM 2001* Testament

V & VI.1971, Salle Wagram, Paris • Eric Macleod · Paul Vavasseur

Kurt Moll bass

4 MOZART: O Isis und Osiris (Die Zauberflöte, Act II)

Chor und Orchester der Bayerischen Staatsoper / Wolfgang Sawallisch

(P) 1972/1987* EMI Electrola GmbH

8–16.VIII.1972, Bürgerbraü, Munich • Dr. Helmut Storjohann • Wolfgang Gülich


Walter Berry baritone

5 MOZART: Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen (Die Zauberflöte, Act II)

Orchester der Bayerischen Staatsoper München / Wolfgang Sawallisch

(P) 1973/1987* EMI Electrola GmbG

8–16.VIII.1972, Bürgerbräu, Munich • Dr Helmut Storjohann • Wolfgang Gülich


Peter Glossop baritone

6 VERDI: Vanne!...Credo in un Dio crudel (Otello, Act II)

Berliner Philharmoniker / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1974/1988*

IV & V.1973, Philharmonie, Berlin • Michel Glotz · Wolfgang Gülich


Ruggero Raimondi bass

7 ROSSINI: La calunnia (Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act I)

London Symphony Orchestra / James Levine (P) 1975/1996*

16–18.VIII.1974 & 14.V.1975, All Saints’ Church,

Tooting Graveney, London • Christopher Bishop • Robert Gooch


Sherrill Milnes baritone

8 VERDI: Sappia la sposa mia…Mi si affaccia un pugnal? (Macbeth, Act I)

New Philharmonia Orchestra / Riccardo Muti (P) 1976/1999*

VII.1976, Abbey Road Studios & Kingsway Hall, London

John Mordler · Stuart Eltham

Sherrill Milnes appears by courtesy of RCA Records & Tapes


Martti Talvela bass

9 MUSSORGSKY: Uf! tyazheló (Clock Scene) (Boris Godunov)

Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra / Jerzy Semkov (P) 1977/1993*

VIII.1976, Katowice, Poland • David Mottley · Michael Gray


Aage Haugland bass

10 MUSSORGSKY: Kak vo górode (In the Town of Kazan) (Boris Godunov)

Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra / Jerzy Semkov (P) 1977/1993*

VIII.1976, Katowice, Poland • David Mottley · Michael Gray


José Van Dam baritone

11 RICHARD STRAUSS: Wo ist er? (Salomé)

Hildegard Behrens soprano · Wieslaw Ochman tenor

Wiener Philharmoniker / Herbert von Karajan (P) 1978/1999*

V.1977 & V.1978, Sofiensaal, Vienna • Michel Glotz · James Lock & Arthur Lilley


Sir Thomas Allen baritone

12 MOZART: Non più andrai (Le nozze di Figaro)

Wiener Philharmoniker / Riccardo Muti (P) 1987

1–12.IX.1986, Musikvereinssaal, Vienna • James Mallinson • John Kurlander

SOPRANOS: 1989–2004

June Anderson soprano

13 MASSENET: Obéissons quand leur voix appelle (Manon, Act III)

Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse / Michel Plasson (P) 1990 EMI Music France

7–15.IX.1989, Halle-aux-Grains, Toulouse • Etienne Collard · Daniel Michel


Barbara Hendricks soprano

14 GOUNOD (after J. S. Bach): Ave Maria (orch. René Challan)

Stockholm Chamber Orchestra / Eric Ericson (P) 1990 EMI Music France

28–30.V. & 2-3 & 9.VI.1990, Konserthuset, Stockholm • Etienne Collard • Lars Hedh


Cheryl Studer soprano

15 GOUNOD: O Dieu ! Que de bijoux !...Ah ! je ris (Faust, Act III)

Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse / Michel Plasson (P) 1991 EMI Music France

15–28.II.1991, Halle-aux-Grains, Toulouse • Etienne Collard • Daniel Michel


Katia Ricciarelli soprano

16 ROSSINI: Giusto ciel! in tal periglio (L’assedio di Corinto, Act III)

Chœurs et Orchestre de l’Opéra de Lyon / Gabriele Ferro

(P) 1991 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

II.1991, Auditorium Maurice Ravel, Lyon

Clive Bennett • Mike Clements (Floating Earth Ltd)


Dagmar Schellenberger soprano

17 THOMAS: Kennst du das Land (Mignon, Act I)

Münchner Rundfunkorchester / Ralf Weikert (P) 1995 EMI Electrola GmbH

18, 20–23.IV.1994, Herkulessaal, Munich

Dr. Michael Stille • Hans Schmid, Monika Graul & Heinz Urban

A Bavarian Radio Recording


Karita Mattila soprano

18 VERDI: O ma chère compagne (Don Carlos, Act II)

José Van Dam bass • Thomas Hampson baritone

Chœurs du Théâtre du Châtelet

Orchestre de Paris / Antonio Pappano (P) 1996 EMI Music France

Recorded live: 10, 13 & 16.III.1996, Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris

Daniel Zalay & Etienne Collard


Solveig Kringelborn soprano

19 SIBELIUS: Svator rosor (Black Roses) (6 Songs, Op.36)

Malcolm Martineau piano (P) 1998 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

11–14.III.1996, Eiksvoll Kirke, Norway

Tony Harrison (Floating Earth) · Arne Akselberg


Ruth Ann Swenson soprano

20 PUCCINI: In quelle trine morbide (Manon Lescaut, Act II)

London Symphony Orchestra / Julius Rudel (P) 2000 Angel Records

IX.1998, Abbey Road Studios • John Fraser · Arne Akselberg

Dame Felicity Lott soprano

21 OFFENBACH: Il était un de mes aïeux (La Grande-Duchesse de Gérolstein)

Chœurs des Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble

Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble / Marc Minkowski

(P) 2005 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

Recorded live: 19–23 & 26.XII.2004, Théâtre du Chatelet, Paris

Daniel Zalay • Gilles Pezerat


Compact Disc 8


MEZZO-SOPRANOS: 1988–2001

Brigitte Fassbaender mezzo-soprano

1 SCHUBERT: Frühlingstraum (Winterreise)

Aribert Reimann piano (P) 1990 EMI Electrola GmbH

4–8.X.1988, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • John Fraser · David Flower


Anne Sofie von Otter mezzo-soprano

2 GLUCK: J’ai perdu mon Eurydice (Orphée et Eurydice, Act III)

Orchestre de l’Opéra de Lyon / Sir John Eliot Gardiner (P) 1989

29.I–2.II.1989, Auditorium Maurice Ravel, Lyon • Alain Duchemin · Michel Lapage

Waltraud Meier mezzo-soprano

3 SAINT-SAËNS: Printemps qui commence (Samson et Dalila, Act I)

Samuel Ramey bass

Orchestra of the Opéra Bastille / Myung-Whun Chung (P) 1992

1–11.VII.1991, Opéra-Bastille, Paris • Étienne Collard · Daniel Michel

Hera Lind mezzo-soprano

4 FAURÉ: Après un rêve Op.7 No.1 (arr. Sheeves)

HanseCompagnie / Cord Garben (P) 1996 EMI Electrola GmbH

27–30.VI.1996, Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Hamburg-Harburg

Andreas Stange (TonArt) · Markus Hintz (TonArt)

Michelle DeYoung mezzo-soprano

5 DUPARC: Le Manoir de Rosemonde (de Bonnières)

Kevin Murphy piano (P) 1999

I.1998, St Michael’s Church, Highgate, London • John Fraser · Jonathan Allen


Katarina Karnéus mezzo-soprano

6 MARX: Und gestern hat er mir Rosen gebracht (Lingen)

Roger Vignoles piano (P) 1999

VII.1998, St. Michael’s Church, Highgate, London

Simon Kiln · Arne Akselberg


Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson mezzo-soprano

7 MOZART: Il padre adorato (Idomeneo, Act I)

Scottish Chamber Orchestra / Sir Charles Mackerras (P) 2002

VII & VIII.2001, Usher Hall, Edinburgh • John Fraser • Arne Akselberg & Philip Hobbs

TENORS: 1989–2001

John Aler tenor

8 BIZET: Je crois entendre encore (Les Pêcheurs de perles, Act I)

Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse / Michel Plasson (P) 1989 EMI Music France

29 & 31.I & 1–6.II.1989, Halle-aux-Grains, Toulouse • Alain Lanceron · Daniel Michel


Placido Domingo tenor

9 PUCCINI: Recondita armonia (Tosca)

National Philharmonic Orchestra / Eugene Kohn (P) 1990

V.1989, CTS Studios, London • John Fraser • John Kurlander


Chris Merritt tenor

10 VERDI: Giorno di pianto (I vespri siciliani, Act IV)

Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano / Riccardo Muti (P) 1990

Recorded live: 7–23.XII.1989 & I.1990, Teatro alla Scala, Milan

David Groves · Michael Sheady


Ben Heppner tenor

11 WAGNER: Am stillen Herd (Die Meistersinger, Act I)

Michael Schade tenor

Bernd Weikl, Siegfried Lorenz & Hans-Joachim Ketelseng baritones

Orchestra of the Bavarian State Opera / Wolfgang Sawallisch (P) 1994

IV.1993, Bayerische Rundfunk & Herkulessaal, Munich

Wilhelm Meister · Hans Schmid

Roberto Alagna tenor

12 GOUNOD: L’amour ! L’amour !... Ah ! Lève-toi, soleil ! (Roméo et Juliette, Act II)

Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse / Michel Passon (P) 1998

17–26.X.1995, Halle-aux-Grains, Toulouse • David Groves · Simon Rhodes

BARITONES & BASSES: 1991–1995

Bryn Terfel bass

12 BEETHOVEN: Ode to Joy (Symphony No.9 ‘Choral’) (extract)

Joan Rodgers soprano · Della Jones alto · Peter Bronde tenor

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra / Sir Charles Mackerras (P) 1991

3–5.I.1991, Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Andrew Keener · Mike Clements (Floating Earth)


Bernd Weikl bass-baritone

14 WAGNER: Wahn! Wahn! Überall Wahn! (Die Meistersinger, Act III)

Orchestra of the Bavarian State Opera / Wolfgang Sawallisch (P) 1994

IV.1993, Bayerische Rundfunk & Herkulessaal, Munich

Wilhelm Meister · Hans Schmid


François Le Roux baritone

15 FAURÉ: Les roses d’Ispahan (Leconte de Lisle)

Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo / John Nelson

(P) 1994 EMI Music France

8–12.VI.1993, Salle Garnier, Monte-Carlo • Etienne Collard · Daniel Michel


Thomas Hampson baritone

16 MASSENET: Ce breuvage…Vision fugitive (Hérodiade, Act II)

Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse / Michel Plasson (P) 1995 EMI Music France

19–27.XI & 2, 9-10.XII 1994, Halle-aux-Grains, Toulouse

Etienne Collard · Daniel Michel

Simon Keenlyside baritone

17 RICHARD STRAUSS: Der Rosenband, Op.36 No.1

Malcolm Martineau piano (P) 1996

22–24.III.1995, All Saints’ Church, East Finchley, London

Mark Brown · Antony Howell


SINGERS OF BAROQUE & EARLY MUSIC 1953–2005

FEMALE SINGERS

Montserrat Figueras soprano

18 ANON: Villancico: Ay luna que reluzes

Hesperion XX / Jordi Savall (P) 1984

26–29.VI.1983, Basilika, Kloster Steinfeld, Eifel

Gerd Berg & Christfreid Bickenbach · Hartwig Paulsen


Helen Donath soprano

19 A. SCARLATTI: Su le sponde del Tebro…Contentatevi

(Su le sponde del Tebro) (arr. Paumgartner)

Maurice André trumpet

Academy of St Martin in the Fields / Sir Neville Marriner (P) 1985

17–20.XII.1982 & 6, 7.VIII.1983, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

John Fraser · Stuart Eltham


Arleen Augér soprano

20 HANDEL: Ma quando tornerai (Alcina, Act III)

City of London Baroque Sinfonia / Richard Hickox (P) 1986/2006*

19–23 & 29–31.VII.1985, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

David R. Murray · Mark Vigars

Emily Van Evera soprano

21 CACCINI: Io, che dal Ciel cader (The 1589 Florentine Intermedi)

Taverner Players / Andrew Parrott (P) 1988

VII.1989, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • David R. Murray · Mike Clements

Compact Disc 9


Nancy Argenta soprano

1 J.S. BACH: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen (Cantata BWV 51)

Crispin Steele-Perkins trumpet

Ensemble Sonnerie / Monica Huggett

(P) 1989 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

25–28.II.1993, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • David R. Murray · Simon Rhodes

Emma Kirkby soprano

2 MONTEVERDI: Dolcissimo usignolo (Eighth Book of Madrigals)

The Consort of Musicke / Anthony Rooley

(P) 1991 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

X.1989 and II.& X.1990, Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset

Anthony Rooley · Antony Howell


Catherine King mezzo-soprano

3 CLAUDIN DE SERMISY: Hau, hau, hau le boys!

Virelai

(Susanna Pell & Sara Cunningham viols

William Lyons flute · Jacob Heringman lute)

(P) 1998 Malcolm Bruno under exclusive licence to EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

1.VII.1996 & 1–3.V.1997, St Andrew’s Church, Toddington, Gloucestershire

John Hadden


Patricia Petitbon soprano

4 RAMEAU: Régnez, plaisirs et jeux (Les Indes galantes)

Les Folies Françaises / Patrick Cohën-Akenine

(P) 2001 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

22–25.I.2001, Eglise Notre-Dame du Liban, Paris • Etienne Collard · Frederic Briant.


Susan Graham soprano

5 PURCELL: Thy hand, Belinda…When I am laid in earth

(Dido and Aeneas, Act III)

Le Concert d’Astrée / Emmanuelle Haim

(P) 2003 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

14–16.III.2003, Arsenal de Metz • Daniel Zalay · Jean Chatauret


Véronique Gens soprano

6 LULLY: Enfin il est en ma puissance…Venez, venez (Armide, Act II)

Les Talens Lyriques / Christophe Rousset

(P) 2006 EMI Records Ltd/ Virgin Classics

11–15.VI.2005, Notre Dame du Liban, Paris • Daniel Zalay · Michel Pierre

MALE SINGERS

Alfred Deller countertenor

7 PURCELL: Hark, how all things with one sound rejoice (The Fairy Queen)

(arr. Tipett & Bergman)

Basil Lam harpsichord · Terence Weil cello · String Orchestra (P) 1954/1994*

8.VII.1953, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London • Olive Bromhall · Francis Dillnutt


James Bowman countertenor

8 HANDEL: Yet, can I hear that dulcet lay (The Choice of Hercules)

Academy of St Martin in the Fields / Sir Philip Ledger (P) 1975

XII.1974, Cambridge, UK


Nigel Rogers tenor

9 DOWLAND: Lady, if you so spite me

Anthony Bailes lute · Jordi Savall viola da gamba

(P) 1977/1991* EMI Electrola GmbH

IX.1976, Evangelische Kirch, Seon, Switzerland • Gerd Berg · Johann-Nikolaus Matthes


Paul Esswood countertenor

10 HANDEL: O Lord, whose mercies are numberless (Saul)

English Chamber Orchestra / Philip Ledger (P) 1981/1994*

I.1980, Cambridge • John Willan · Neville Boyling


Aris Christofellis male soprano

11 BONONCINI: Che giova fuggire (Griselda)

Period-Instrument Ensemble

Laure Morabito harpsichord (P) 1986 EMI Music France

11–19.X.1985, Salle Wagram, Paris • Eric Macleod · Daniel Michel


Charles Brett countertenor

12 J.S. BACH: Agnus Dei (Mass in B minor, BWV232)

Collegium Vocale / Philippe Herreweghe

(P) 1989 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

12–18.IV.1988, Minderbroederskerk, Ghent • Pere Casulleras


René Jacobs male alto

13 J.S. BACH: Esurientes implevit (Magnifict, BWV243)

La Petite Bande / Sigiswald Kuijken

(P) 1989 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

12–15.XII.1988, Augustinuskerk,Amsterdam • Heinz Wildhagen

Michael Chance male alto

14 BYRD: If women could be fair

Fretwork (P) 1990 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

IV.1989, Maltings Concert Hall, Snape, Suffolk • Nicolas Parker · Tim Handley


Harry van der Kamp bass

15 LAWS: Ye fiends and furies

Tragicomedia

(Stephen Stubbs theorbo · Andrew Lawrence-King regal)

(P) 1991 EMI Electrola GmbH

Recorded VIII.1990, Kirch, Valkkoog, The Netherlands • Gerd Berg · Hartwig Paulsen


Dominique Visse countertenor

16 CAMPRA: Redde mihi laetitiam (Miserere)

La Grande Ecurie et la Chambre du Roi / Jean-Claude Malgoire

(P) 1993 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

4–6.XI.1992, Studio de la Clé d’Ut, Paris • Michel Garcin · Georges Kisselhoff


Derek Lee Ragin countertenor

17 VIVALDI: Cessate, omai cessate RV 684 (opening) (rev. B. Martinotti)

Teatro Lirico / Steven Stubbs (P) 1996 EMI Electrola GmbH

9–11.IV.1996, Haarlem, Holland • Dr. Michael Stille · Hartwig Paulsen


Gérard Lesne male alto

18 PERGOLESI: Eia mater, fons amoris (Stabat Mater)

Il Seminario Musicale (P) 1997 EMI Music France

2–6.II.1997, Couvent des Dominicains, Paris • Michel Bernard · Michel Pierre


Philippe Jaroussky countertenor

19 RIGATTI: Regina coeli laetare

Ensemble Artaserse (P) 2006 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

5–10.XII.2005, Notre Dame du Liban, Paris • Éienne Collard · Michel Pierre


SINGERS OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM: 2000–2007


SOPRANOS, MEZZO-SOPRANOS & CONTRALTOS

Angela Gheorghiu soprano

20 PUCCINI: Vissi d’arte (Tosca)

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Antonio Pappano

(P) 2001 Euripide Productions under exclusive licence to EMI Records Ltd

16–27.VIII.2000, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • David Groves: Simon Rhodes


Sandrine Piau soprano

21 HANDEL: Dell’aquila l’artigli (Aci, Galatea e Polifemo)

Le Concert d;Astrée / Emmanuelle Haïm (P) 2003 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

26–31.XII.2002, Salle de repetition de l’Orchestra d’Ile-de-France

Daniel Zalay · Jean Chatauret (Musica Numeris)


Natalie Dessay soprano

22 OFFENBACH: Conduisez-moi vers celui que j’adore (Robinson Crusoe, Act II)

Chœur Les Eléments · Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse

Michel Plasson (P) 2003 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

9–13.VII. & 29–31.VIII.2003, Halle-aux-Grains, Toulouse

Etienne Collard (Musica Numeris) • Jean Chatauret (Musica Numeris)


Violetta Urmana soprano

23 PONCHIELLI: Suicidio! (La Gioconda, Act IV)

Münchner Rundfunkorchester / Marcello Viotti (P) 2003

VII & VIII.2002, Studio 1, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Munich

Wilhelm Meister (Bavarian Radio) & David Groves (EMI) • Klemens Kamp


Compact Disc 10


Patrizia Ciofi soprano · Joyce Di Donato mezzo-soprano

1 HANDEL: Caro amico amplesso! (Poro)

Il Complesso Barocco / Alan Curtis (P) 2004 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

14–19.VI.2003, Montevarci, Italy • Laurence Heym · Valter Neri


Sine Bundgaard soprano

2 BERG: Die Nachtigall (Storm) (Sieben frühe Lieder)

Danish Radio Sinfonietta / Matthias Pintscher (P) 2005

20 & 21.IX.2004, Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen

John Frandsen · Peter Juul Kristensen


Deborah Voight soprano

3 GRIFFES: Evening Song

Brian Zeger piano (P) 2005 Angel Records

9–12.I.2005, American Academy of Arts & Letters, New York • Max Wilcox



Christine Rice mezzo-soprano

4 BRAHMS: Brauner Bursche führt zum Tanze (8 Zigeunerlieder Op.103)

Roger Vignoles piano (P) 2005

24–28.VII.2005, Potton Hall, Suffolk • John Fraser · Arne Akselberg


Nina Stemme soprano

5 RICHARD STRAUSS: Frühling (Vier letzte Lieder)

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Antonio Pappano (P) 2007

IX.2006, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London • David Groves • Jonathan Allen


Diana Damrau soprano

6 SALIERI: Basta, vincesti…Ah, non lasciarmi (Der Rauchfangkehrer)

Le Cercle de l’Harmonie / Jérémie Rhorer

(P) 2007 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

17–24.XII.2006, Notre Dame du Liban, Paris

Etienne Collard (La Clef des Sons) · Michel Pierre


Hyunah Yu soprano

7 J.S. BACH: Wenn die Frühlingslüfte streichen (Wedding Cantata, BWV202)

Jan Fišer violin · František Štastný harpsichord

Lukáš Pospíšil cello continuo · Pavel Klecka double bass continuo

Shuntaro Sato director (P) 2007

16–19.VI.2006, CNSO Hostivar Studios, Prague & 29.VI.2006, Menuhin Hall,

Stoke d’Abernon • Simon Kiln · Jan Kotzmann


Kate Royal soprano

8 RICHARD STRAUSS: Ich wollt’ ein Sträusslein binden Op.68 No.2

Academy of St Martin in the Fields / Edward Gardner (P) 2007

1–4.II & 19.V.2007, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

John Fraser · Arne Akselberg

Stephanie Blythe contralto

9 J.S. BACH: Erbarme dich, mein Gott (St Matthew Passion)

Ensemble Orchestral de Paris / John Nelson

(P) 2001 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

1–5.XII.2000, Vicariat Patriarcal Maronite, Paris

Etienne Collard • Hugues Deschaux


Vivica Genaux mezzo-soprano

10 HANDEL: Fammi combattere mostri e tifei (Orlando)

Les Violin du Roy / Bernard Labadie (P) 2006 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

20–26.III.2005, Chapelle du Grand Seminaire, Montreal, Canada

Steve Barnett • Carl Talbot


TENORS & COUNTERTENORS

Daniil Shtoda tenor

11 TCHAIKOVSKY: Serenade Op.63 No.6

Larissa Gergieva piano (P) 2000

IV.2000, Potton Hall, Suffolk • Jørn Pedersen • Arne Akselberg


Ian Bostridge tenor

12 SCHUBERT: An die Leier D737 (Bruchmann)

Julius Drake piano (P) 2001

XI.2000, St George’s Church, Brandon Hill, Bristol • John Fraser • Jonathan Allen


Yu Qiang Dai tenor

13 PONCHIELLI: Cielo e mar (La Gioconda, Act II)

New Symphony Orchestra / José Antonio Molina

(P) 2004 TSP (UK) Limited under exclusive licence to EMI Records Ltd

17–20.X.2001, BBC Maida Vale Studio 1, London

Michael Woolcock • John Pellowe


David Daniels countertenor

14 BERLIOZ: L’île inconnue (Les Nuits d’été, Op.7)

Ensemble Orchestral de Paris / John Nelson

(P) 2004 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

VII.2003, Espace de Projection, IRCAM, Centre Pompidou, Paris

Daniel Zalay • Frédéric Briant (Musica Numeris)


Lawrence Brownlee tenor

15 ROSSINI: La danza

Martin Katz piano (P) 2005

21–25.IX.2004, Potton Hall, Suffolk • John Fraser · Arne Akselberg


Rolando Villazón tenor

16 SOROZÁBAL: No puede ser (La taberna del puerto)

Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid / Placido Domingo

(P) 2007 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

VII.2006, Teatro Albeniz, Madrid • Daniel Zalay · Pierre-Antoine Signoret

Max Emanuel Cencic countertenor

17 ROSSINI: Ah sì pera (La donna del lago, Act II)

Orchestre de Chambre de Genève / Michael Hofstetter

(P) 2007 Parnassus Arts Productions/Deutschlandfunk under exclusive licence

to EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

27.IX – 1.X.2006, Studio Ansermet, Geneva

Wolfgang Stengel & Dr. Christiane Lehnigk (Deutschlandfunk)

Ulli Wachtmann & Jakob Héndel

A co-production with Deutschlandfunk


Toby Spence tenor

18 HAYDN: Mit Würd’ und Hoheit angetan (Die Schöpfung, Part II)

Les Arts Florissants / William Christie (P) 2007 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

23–25.VII.2007, Notre Dame du Liban, Paris • Daniel Zalay · Pierre-Antoine Signoret


BARITONES & BASSES

Laurent Naouri baritone

19 HANDEL: Precipitoso nel mar che freme (Aci, Galatea e Polifemo)

Le Concert d’Astrée / Emmanuelle Haïm

(P) 2003 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

26–31.XII.2002, Salle de repetition de l’Orchestra d’Ile-de-France

Daniel Zalay · Jean Chatauret (Musica Numeris)


Giovanni Furlanetto bass

20 HANDEL: Del Ciel d’amore (Serse, Act III)

Les Arts Florissants / William Christie

(P) 2004 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics

Recorded live: XI.2003, Théâtre des Champs Élysées, Paris

Daniel Zalay • Gilles Pézerat


Jonathan Lemalu bass-baritone

21 MOZART: Madamina, il catalogo è questo (Don Giovanni, Act I)

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / James Judd (P) 2005

4–8.X.2004, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand

David Groves · Jonathan Allen


Rodion Pogossov baritone

22 GRIEG: Ein Traum Op.48 No.6

Malcolm Martineau piano (P) 2007

16–21.II.2006, Potton Hall, Suffolk • John Fraser • Arne Akselberg

Is there any mention of commentary by John Steane?

Gentlemen and Ladies: HATS OFF TO STENKA RAZIN. Our dear Mel wins the PRIZE OF THE DAY for what I think may be the L-O-N-G-E-S-T post presented on CMG.

I have a mixture of LP sets and ONE CD set, as I recall. I never got the one Testament came out with under licensing from EMI. The Testament was one pricey item! Still, for vocal fans, these new EMI releases would almost seem to be a "requirement."

[Edited by the other Moderator to delete repeat of honking big list]

Not after you copied the entire thing in your reply!

Corlyss, it was quite a task, but, the contents are so amazing that I wanted the forum to see exactly what is being offered.

Lance, thank you for the praise, but, I thought you, especially would want to see exactly what is being offered. This is a treasure trove of goodies and belongs in any vocal lover's collection. The contents are sublime.

[Edited by Moderator to delete repeat of the honking big list]

stenka razin's listing of all the contents points up how different the two volumes are. Vol. 1, and the immense project from which it has been cut down, included carefully chosen recordings from many record labels to offer a deeply considered, well illustrated history of a half century of classical singing. The recordings in Vol. 2, however, look to be nearly all EMI material, and so quite a few of the choices do not present the singer at her/his best, in her/his most characteristic repertoire, while some minor EMI artists are included and far more important singers are omitted altogether. This will have made Vol. 2 easier and cheaper to select, not to mention getting publication permissions, but the result is a grab-bag that simply does not deserve the title "The Record of Singing."

Leontyne Price sings Verdi, fair enough, but from EMI's late "Trovatore" rather than the many RCA Victor recordings made in her prime. Giulietta Simionato, a great singer of Italian opera from Rossini to verismo but almost exclusively on Decca, in EMI's record of the letter aria from "Werther"? James King singing "Amor ti vieta" from Giordano's "Fedora"?? Nicolai Ghiaurov as Don Giovanni, from the Klemperer recording??? Even when the recording is an arguable choice, the limitation to EMI's archives can go against history, as when Pavarotti is represented by a selection from "L'Amico Fritz" rather than, say, "La Fille du Régiment" - recorded by Decca, of course.

And what are the likes of Ronald Dowd and Wilfred Brown doing in this company, when great singers like Ivan Kozlovsky and Pavel Lisitsian have been left out? Indeed, the EMI bias results in very scant treatment of the singers of Russia and eastern Europe from the '50s to the '70s, except for the few who manage to come West and make it to EMI's studios.

There's a lot of fine listening in Vol. 2, to be sure. How could there not be, given the enormous scope of EMI's classical recording activity? Put in your thumb almost anywhere and you've a good chance of pulling out a plum. Had this anthology not been marketed as a sequel to "The Record of Singing," which in its original form set the very highest standards of informed and purposeful selectivity and largely retains them in the present Vol. 1, I probably wouldn't be writing this critique. But many of the selections in Vol. 2, and omissions from it, are neither intelligently purposeful nor even very well informed. If EMI was serious about compiling a sequel to "The Record of Singing," and not just a sampler of its own wares, it could and should have done much better.

Yes, but this is not the EMI that was, but an investment opportunity struggling to make a decent ROI.

How nice it would be if EMI produced a 10+ CD set of ALL its matrices from the acoustic era. There are many gaps in matrix numbers against the catalogue issues. I was told a long while ago by someone who ordered a disc but submitted an erroneous matrix number and, whoa, received a recording by a well known artist that had never been issued. It was apparently part of the service in those days that one could order a pressing from any matrix on the list for a nominal fee. So of course he ordered a few more from the unissued matrices. He showed me a tabulation one could buy as a collector of all the matrix numbers with the catalgue numbers and artists given for the matrices used.

What a release that would be - inevitably some less than perfect stuff but some nice surprises too. Those were the days when these companies were run by recording enthusiasts rather than accountants and shareholders.

Yes, that was a very special service. Some of those unreleased matrices were privately made for the artists (i.e. EMI never intended to publish them), were pressed as special-label 78s, then found their way back into EMI releases, such as the handful of Lieder recordings by Susan Metcalf Casals, Pablo's first wife. But there are stacks and stacks of unreleased recordings still in EMI's Hayes archives that probably nobody has listened to since they were made, and some at least may be real treasures.

I'm afraid that 10+ CDs would hardly cover a year's activity, though, and a project of the scope you mention would take up thousands and thousands of CDs, many of them redundant or uninteresting. But in this time of reduced activity and staffs at the classical record labels, it doesn't look likely that the company would hire anybody to make a selection. So sure, publish everything, and leave the weeding out to us!

Just some historical background on EMI's The Record of Singing, admittedly from failing memory.

When Volume 1 appeared in the mid 1970s, it was a strictly limited edition offered only in Great Britain and sold out just about instantly. The material was often very rare. A collector who was able to get a copy related that there were problems with some of the transfers, particularly pitch (which is an enormous problem with these early recordings) as well as the transfer quality (Bryan Crimp was not his favorite transfer engineer). Volumes 2, 3 and 4 were subsequently issued on LP, while Volumes 3 and 4 have also made it to CD.

In the mid 1980s, EMI re-issued Volume 1 as A Record of Singers so it wouldn't be confused with the original issue. It was issued in two volumes of 6 LPs each. It wasn't a true re-issue as a few of the recordings were not included, new recordings were added, and better copies of some other recordings were substituted. The pitch problems were corrected and some of the material was re-transferred, this time by Keith Hardwick. In addition to these two volumes, a single LP supplement was also issued of completely new material, singers and recordings Mr. Hardwick believed merited inclusion in this illustrious collection.

I too was disappointed that EMI hasn't seen fit to re-issue the original Volumes 1 and 2 in their entirety. In the 30+ years since the original issues much rare material has appeared on labels such as Marston and Pearl (even EMI itself) to probably dull demand for the original volumes and that may have entered into EMI's thinking. But for younger members of this forum, the original issue of The Record of Singing was a landmark in the history of classical music recording.

John

That's the story as I remember it too, adding only that the original Record of Singing was imported to the US and I got my copies of all four volumes in New York.

Perhaps you could Moderate and cut it down to just one single listing...

Okay. IN light of the overwhelming demand . . .

Just curious--do you remember how much Volume 1 set you back?

John

I understand, Mel dear, and I salute your industry, not to mention your stamina, if you key-stroked the entire list as a symbol of your tireless devotion to our humble site, but once was quite enough . . .

Corlyss, this would not be the real CMG if I had not given the real contents of the real 'Record of Singing',...............really............

There's no price tag on the box, and I haven't a clue.

Could it be the Keith Hardwick who sings Spoletta's line here? (I found an image of a 78 label online, an Italian pressing, but no tenor is credited.)

From the Producer's Note for the CD Edition



John

Yes, thank you, Mel, I would have wanted to know about the contents. This is quite a piece of work. The bit about "the best of," however, raises one's eyebrows. The "best of" is in the ears of the guy reorganizing the new releases. I certainly will not want to get rid of my original issues. Since the original tapes were apparently still "on hand," one would have thought it good by EMI to reissue all these jumbo sets directly from the master tapes - give us the complete edition! Roughly, two LPs would make up the timing of one CD today. If, however, they totally "remastered" the originals, that would have been a hugely complex job. In any event, it's quite an accomplishment no matter how one views it.

Lance, the most important thing about these sets is that they are going to be a limited edition. This coincides with the new Dorati Haydn Symphony Box reissue and the Messiaen Edition. Limited edition means just that. If we do not order early it will be gone forever and the companies really mean that now. Just look at the economy and you and I know that 'The Record of Singing' will gone in a flash if CMGers don't get it right now. We cannot say what this bonanza should look like, but just appreciate what EMI is giving us so inexpensively in these stressful economic times.