Symphony #2 - The 1812 Overture CD272b

The primary theme of this compilation is the not-so-iconic Brunswick Light Ray process, specifically the 'New Hall Of Fame Classic Series" The new process utilized a photo-electric cell, mirrored diaphragm and light source. After producing some of the best quality acoustical recordings, this new medium was a real step backwards in quality. Vocalist Margaret Young, who had successfully recorded acoustically for Brunswick, swore to never record again after hearing the flawed results of her first 'Light Ray" recording session, and it is said that Toscanini felt the same; he waited until 1936 to try recording again. By the time that these symphonic recording were attempted, quality was improved to an extent - softer passages are quite clear, but the louder portions have an inherant distortion. To allow comparison between these Brunswick discs and other labels of the era, I have included tracks recorded by Columbia , HMV, and American Victor.

All these tracks have been transferred using a special hi-definition process to achieve maximum fidelity and a smooth, full sound.

1. DERNIER SOMMEIL DE LA VIERGE MINNEAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HENRI VERBRUGGEN BR 50087 05/05/26 19165 MASSENET
2. DRAGON FLY-MAZURKA VICTOR CONCERT ORCHESTRA ROSARIO BOURDON VIC 22513 05/07/30 59779 JOSEPH STRAUSS
3. SEMIRAMIDE-OVERTURE PARTS 1 & 2 VICTOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ROSARIO BOURDON VIC 22288 09/18/29 56204 ROSSINI
4. FRA DIAVOLO-OVERTURE-PART 1 & 2 VICTOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ROSARIO BOURDON VIC 22008 05/09/28 43780 AUBER
5. HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY #1-PARTS 1 & 2 BERLIN STATE OPERA ORCHESTRA-LEO BLECH HMV 3135 1931 8-40658 LISZT
6. HEARTS AND FLOWERS FRANK TOURS-PLAZA THEATRE ORCHESTRA COL 2411-D 1931 A7880 TOBANI
7. MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM PARTS 1 & 2 NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC-TOSCANINNI BR 50074 01/01/27 MENDELSSOHN
8. FANTASIA ON SEA SHANTIES arr:Gibilaro LONDON SYMPHONY MALCOLM SARGENT HMV C2452 12/16/31 322967 TRADITIONAL-ARR.GIBILARIO Billy Boy/Fire Down Below/Shenandoah/What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor?/Sally Brown/Rio Grande/A-Rovin'/Tom's Gone To Hilo/The Drummer And The Cook/Whiskey Johnny
9. COPPELIA BALLET MINNEAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - HENRI VERBRUGGEN BR 50087 05/05/26 19161 DELIBES
10. CHILDREN'S SUITE-THE FAIRY DOLL COLUMBIA CONCERT ORCHESTRA J.O.TURNER? COL 2411-D 01/01/32 A5639 ANSELL
11. AMARYLLIS VICTOR CONCERT ORCHESTRA ROSARIO BOURDON VIC 22513 05/07/30 62385 GHYS-SEREDY
12. 1812 OVERTURE PARTS 1 & 2 CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA-NIKOLAI SOKOLOFF BR 50090 01/01/28 TSCHAIKOWSKY
13. THE SWAN OF TUONELA PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA LEOP0LD STOKOWSKY VIC 7380 05/03/29 47973 SIBELIUS

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