| The Vocal Record Collectors' Society presents: What is Old is New Again |
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The Vocal Record Collectors' Society presents: What is Old is New Again - by George Henderson DATE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009 TIME: 7:30PM SHARP PLACE: CHRIST CHURCH BASEMENT AUDITORIUM, PARK AVE. & 60TH STREET, N. Y. C. In this age of computers, the digital restoration of sound is now at a level of sophistication and musicality that was unimagined in the days when such notable names as Smith, Seltsam and Seward (no particular order here!) shepherded over dusty old tapes and discs and cylinders, in an effort to bring old, lost performances to new life for the collector. What Seth Winner can now do with such material, for example, is of course light-years ahead of the days of yore, when even the mere transcription of these recordings onto LP and newly-minted 78 was an accomplishment worth noting, and hopefully (!!!) worth purchasing. A member since the very early 1980s, George Henderson has given numerous programs over the years, starting in 1983, and a few old items from these will be taken back out, in their newly-restored form, for our enjoyment. Added to these, there will be performances of some glorious music-made-new from never-played "78s" (of whatever speed!), a short but electrifying and brilliantly performed Strauss lied that no one seems to "get", a wonderful performance of a very intricate tenor aria recorded long before Mr. Florez monopolized the repertoire, and some nearly-unissued Lanza, with perhaps the highest note he ever sang on disc. Other artists to be heard, to name but a few, include Ebba Wilton, Mabel Garrison, Beverly Wolff, Dimitri Smirnoff, Josef Metternich, Marcel Journet and Joseph Schwarz. Even Hollywood will make a brief appearance! George Henderson is well known to many in our group, especially as an audiophile, ever on that quest for better sound. As a performing musician, his activities include singing, playing the organ and piano, directing the Church choir, and accompanying singers in recitals. He also does live recording of opera, recital and choral events. Restoring the sound for CD compilations of "music that belongs together" - both popular and classical - is his favorite hobby. ------------------------------------------------- A WEBSITE OF INTEREST Members with computers might consider accessing http://www.bruceburroughs.com to read some very interesting material about the distinguished Mr. Burroughs and about his ongoing (and hopefully soon-to-be-published) Zinka Milanov biography, two large portions of which are posted on the site. Also to be found are many fascinating opera reminiscences, photographs of opera stars, etc. ------------------------------------------------- ANOTHER WEBSITE OF INTEREST, PARTICULARLY TO FANS OF FRITZ WUNDERLICH Members with computers may also want to access http://dorissimo.net/fritzy/synopsis.html to learn more of the great tenor's after-death activities. No, you didn't misread that last phrase, but we can say no more about it here, since we act only as a conduit between our members and their more arcane brothers and sisters where Things Operatic are concerned. Access it and you'll understand. ------------------------------------------------- IT'S NOT EXACTLY ARCANE, BUT IT CERTAINLY IS UNEXPECTED The most famous bass of the eighteenth century was surely Luigi Lablache - of Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti renown - and there is now a biography of him available, written by a descendant, Clarissa Lablache Sheer. It is in hardcover, priced at $35 (postage included), and can be ordered from Ms. Sheer at 1834 Saratoga Terrace, Sanford, Florida 32771. ------------------------------------------------- Advance Notice: You may want to hold Wednesday, December 9, 2009 open, as The Wagner Society of New York is planning an evening devoted to Mattia Battistini, this in connection with the American publication of his biography, MATTIA BATTISTINI - KING OF BARITONES AND BARITONE OF KINGS. We will have complete details in the December VRCS announcement. ------------------------------------------------- |
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