The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is a very nice record from Vocalian. I am always amazed how quiet these red Vocalian records are. I am guessing this was made about 1921, but it was at least the early 1920s. This duet is arguably one of the most beautiful opera duets there is. Two nice singers that were both singing at the Metropolitan Opera at the time this would have been recorded.

I am looking for a reference to recording dates for Vocalion records. If anyone can provide guidance to that information I would appreciate a post.

(Double-click the video above or click this link to watch the video on YouTube in HD.)

https://youtu.be/4nUyfKgFYTs

The recording is mentioned in the September 1921 issue of The Musician, so the 1921 date seems right. The review makes mention of the duet being sung in “true operatic style”.

Bill

I have a few of these 12" Vocalion opera discs. They are indeed high quality. My favorite also features Giulio Crimi, singing the duet "O Terra Addio" from Aida with Rosa Raisa. I hope to have a chance to put it up on Youtube soon.

1921 sounds right. 'S also the same year the "red records" were put on sale.

Catalog # puts it early in this series : http://78discography.com/VOC52000.htm

52089 wrote:I have a few of these 12" Vocalion opera discs. They are indeed high quality. My favorite also features Giulio Crimi, singing the duet "O Terra Addio" from Aida with Rosa Raisa. I hope to have a chance to put it up on Youtube soon.

I wish I had a copy of the Aida recording. The only record I actually possess is her Casta Diva on Aeolian-Vocalian. To my ears is it painful to listen to. A terrible record. But I understand how good she was and have heard some of her other recordings and they are amazing. Maybe I will record Casta Diva and see if I can listen to the whole thing.

These Vocalions sound terrific.
Please post the Aida record.