1812 Overture (Tchaikovsky): 1927 recording

[Menophanes]

I have just digitised an early electric Parlophone recording of this popular warhorse by the Berlin State Opera Orchestra (playing anonymously) under Frieder Weissmann, the Lindström group's house conductor from about 1921 to 1933. I thought this, with its message of triumph over adversity, might serve as a suitably rousing 'anthem' for these anxious times. I cannot make videos and there seems to be no means of including sound files directly in postings, but you can hear it on my web page http://www.horologia.me.uk/discs_02.html (second item from the top).

Oliver Mundy.

[fran604g]

Wonderfully done Oliver, bravo!

The recording captures the essentials very nicely I'd say, and the church bells have an especially nice clarity to them.

The 1812 Overture is literally my all-time favorite composition - across any era and media.

Thank you for this uplifting recording,
Fran

[melvind]

yes very nice. Fun and interesting.

[phonojim]

Nicely done. I also listened to your transfer of the Raymond overture which was also first-class. I was absolutely amazed by the sound of the orchestra. I don't believe I have ever heard an acoustic orchestral recording with such a realistic sound and presence (best way I can describe it) as this one has. It almost sounds electrically recorded. Thank you for sharing these. I will listen to more from your site as soon as I have time.

Jim

[AZ*]

Very nice. It kinda makes me hungry for Quaker puffed cereal.

[VanEpsFan1914]

Mr Mundy: Thank you for sharing both this recording and your website. I think it's neat that you decided to document your hobbies like that, and I very much enjoyed your home recordings on the Graphophone--specifically "When All Night Long." The homebuilt gramophone you are playing these discs on was also an impressive machine.

The 1812 Overture is great music, and the acoustical recording really did (as you say) sound like a human performance. Thank you for making it.

[marcapra]

Peter Tchaikovsky played the 1812 Overture, then called the Overture Solenelle at the opening of Carnegie Hall in May, 1891. He also conducted his Suite No. 3, and Piano Concerto No. 1. I don't think he included cannons at that performance! Walter Damrosch, the young conductor of the New York Symphony, was the co-conductor at the opening. Years later, in the 1947 Hollywood movie Carnegie Hall, Damrosch told of that opening concert that he did with Tchaikovsky so many years before. Luckily, you can see this movie on Youtube. The Walter Damrosch part starts at 1:12:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruvljAjzscg

[Menophanes]

Thank you all for your supportive comments. I am aware that my chief area of interest (early orchestral and chamber-music recordings) probably seems highly eccentric to most people, and it is most encouraging to find that I am not quite alone in my enthusiasm.

Oliver Mundy.

[Governor Flyball]

...it is most encouraging to find that I am not quite alone in my enthusiasm.

Oliver Mundy.

You are certainly not alone. There is much to be enjoyed from earlier orchestral performances. I also appreciate your sharing of this.

[drh]

I am aware that my chief area of interest (early orchestral and chamber-music recordings) probably seems highly eccentric to most people, ....

Oliver Mundy.

Not to this collector!