Symphony #1 Recorded 1926 - 1942 CD272a

Symphony Varieties #1 Recorded 1926 - 1942 272A

They call the twenties the Jazz Age. It wasn't nearly so simple, as orchestras such as Paul Whiteman, Nat Shilkret, were performing hybrids of concert music with jazz overtones, so the dividing line between genres was being blurred. Much of the classical recording done on the major labels was being issued on the popular series. In the case of Victor and Columbia, the black label. Of course the red classical series was being produced from the beginning for Victor. These classics from the popular Victor label are the primary theme of this album. Brunswick had a gold label for their classical music. You'll find orchestral Brunswicks on Symphony #2, CD272B in my catalogue. As a matter of comparison, I have included different orchestras playing the Edward German dances - conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent and George Weldon.As the Sargent dates from 1929 and the Weldon from 1942, this is also a testament to the early days of recording. Both predate taped recordings as the first taped performances were done in 1935 by German Telefunken- Erna Sack was one ot the tape pioneers - but I digress... I find the sound from a 78 is more satisfying and realistic than that of a 33 1/3 long play. Lps have a characteristic crispness but lack of character in the mid range - especially stereo recordings. These transfers were done with a Shure M97 cartridge at 33 1/3 speed. This maintains the original dynamics of the music and gives greater clarity and depth of tone. I have always liked the boistrous "Irish Washerwoman" - I'd like to see this done with the right cast in a dance routine - really quite fun. ~ Mickey Clark

1. Bal Masque(Fletcher)Frank Tours-Plaza Symphony Orchestra Col 1962-D
2. The Busy Bee (Bendix) Frank Tours - Plaza Symphony Orchestra Col 1962-D 3
3. The Last Spring(Grieg Boston Symphony Serge Koussevitzky Victor 11-8727
4. Waltz Serenade(Tchaikowsky) Boston Symphony Serge Koussevitzky Victor 11-8727
5. King Henry VIII Dances(Edward German)New Symphony Orchestra HMV 2981
6. The Calyph of Baghdad Berlin State Opera Orchestra HMV 3482
7. Afternoon of a Faun (Debussy)Vic 6696 Leopld Stokowsky 1927 Victor 6696
8. Irish Washerwoman Victor Concert Orchestra 1929 Victor 22131
9. Turkey in the Straw Victor Concert Orchestra 1929 Victor 22131
10. Spanish Dance in G Minor Victor Concert Orch. Rosario Bourdon Victor 22769
11. Bolero in D Major(Moszkowsky)Victor Concert Orch.R.Bourdon Victor 22769
12. Madame Butterfly Overture(Puccini)Victor Symphony Orchestra Victor 35786
13. Norma-Overture(Bellini) Victor Symphony Rosario Bourdon Victor 21669 London Suite(Eric Coates)
    New Light Symphony cond by Joseph Lewis Victor 36129/30
14. Covent Garden
15. Westminster(Meditation)
16. Knightsbridge

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