William Tell Overture, Classical On Victor Batwings

[Governor Flyball]

Trombonist Arthur Pryor split from Sousa's Band in 1903. His Band focussed on recording for Victor for the next 25 years.

Pryor' s Band recorded the WTO numerous times, mostly before the Batwing era. Rather that the label, you need to look at the catalog number (s) on the disc. The most common versions are from 1909 and I recall 1912.
35000 series double sided 12" black label began with Victor' s first issuing double sided discs from 1908-09. If you look at the 1909 pressings of 35120 and 35121, you will also see the single sided catalog number from the 31000 series from 1903 when Victor first issued 12 inch discs.

Looking at the disc, with the catalog number at the 12 o'clock position, look at the 9 o'clock position to find the "take" number. Looking at the DAHR site you will find which version and date of the Pryor WTO you have as more than one version was issued with that catalog number.

[smitharthur]

The one I have is Arthur Pryor, Batwing, I believe a rerelease of the recording, pressed in 1914. I could be wrong.

[smitharthur]

Likely Arthur Pryor's Band on 35120 and 35121.

16380 & 16381

[msherman]

One of Victor's earlier efforts at this classic.

[Wolfe]

Likely Arthur Pryor's Band on 35120 and 35121.

16380 & 16381

Oh alrighty. That's a 10" version, from 1909.

I was pleased to find a two disc 12' set of The William Tell Overture. What also surprised me was to see that it was not a Red Seal release, but black batwings.

[marcapra]

There is lots of "classical" music on the popular labels of Victor as well as Edison. If it's popular enough, it often shows up in the popular series unless the artist is a Red Seal artist like a Caruso or Stokowski. The William Tell overture is so popular, it is not really considered classical. Neither are things like Wagner's Wedding March, the Beautiful Blue Danube, or the 1812 Overture.

[marcapra]

Wow Mike, those are some early Victor records from 1903. both are from 1903 despite the very different serial numbers!