“Liberty Forever!” by the Victor Military Band 1918 (Caruso)

[melvind]

Here is a 1918 March written during and for World War One. Enrico Caruso wrote many songs that he recorded, but this one was only recorded as a March and recorded by a military style band. There are lyrics also written by Caruso. Actually the music and lyrics were co-written by Enrico Caruso and Vincenzo Bellezza. Written and recorded 102 years ago, this is a very nice record.

“Liberty Forever!” by the Victor Military Band 1918

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

https://youtu.be/btZCSEIgLFU

The record runs too fast at 78 RPM to my ear. The music was published in the key of G, but at 78 the record is in A flat. The recording on the DAHR page is recorded at 78. I think the band sounds better in the original key of G, so that is how I transferred it. (corrected... Thanks Henry)

[Henry]

The recording you've posted checks out to be in G major, actually a tad sharp (with trio, as typical, in the subdominant, here C major). Not a likely key for band music, as it puts the Bb instruments in A (three sharps), but not impossible. A more usual key for band would be Ab (key of four flats), as it puts the Bb instruments in Bb (key of two flats). How did you determine the main key of the recording to be D? That's incorrect, to put it bluntly. I'd say that playback at 78 is the accurate one, as that would bring the key up to the more likely band key of Ab. It would indeed sound a faster tempo at 78, though; right now it's approx. MM =116-120

[melvind]

The recording you've posted checks out to be in G major, actually a tad sharp (with trio, as typical, in the subdominant, here C major). Not a likely key for band music, as it puts the Bb instruments in A (three sharps), but not impossible. A more usual key for band would be Ab (key of four flats), as it puts the Bb instruments in Bb (key of two flats). How did you determine the main key of the recording to be D? That's incorrect, to put it bluntly. I'd say that playback at 78 is the accurate one, as that would bring the key up to the more likely band key of Ab. It would indeed sound a faster tempo at 78, though.

You are correct, but I still stand by the fact that it was recorded at a slower speed and sounds more natural as I recorded it. I understand what you are saying about the instruments, and it is possible I am wrong. I doubt we will never know.

Thanks for pointing out my idiotic mistake with the key. It starts on a D, and I just had that in mind instead of the key of the actual song which is G. I will correct the notes on the YouTube post.

caruso liberty forever music.jpg

[Henry]

The sheet music (piano reduction) and the key of the band arrangement are not necessarily the same, in fact they are apt to be different. I daresay the typical amateur pianist would have an easier time in the key of G than in Ab, likewise the singer would appreciate the half-step lower range. As to what sounds more natural, that's purely subjective. Certainly the tempo of your playback sounds appropriate, no doubt about it. Goosing it up to Ab (it's about halfway there now, anyhow) would make it sound just a little more brisk but not impractical by any means.

[Wolfe]

Caruso was the composer and lyricist on two songs that he recorded. He's either the composer or lyricist on a couple others.

[melvind]

Here is what I found with him as singer and composer in DAHR:

Victor matrix C-23151. Serenata / Enrico Caruso

Victor matrix C-17343. Tiempo antico / Enrico Caruso

Victor matrix C-11616. Dreams of long ago / Enrico Caruso

And another he composed sung by someone else and not by him

Columbia matrix 30236. Adorables tourments / Florencio Constantino

[Wolfe]

Here is what I found with him as singer and composer in DAHR:

Victor matrix C-23151. Serenata / Enrico Caruso

Hmmm, I have this as composed by Calogero Adolfo Bracco. Lyrics by Caruso.

And another he composed sung by someone else and not by him

Columbia matrix 30236. Adorables tourments / Florencio Constantino

Caruso recorded a song with this title in 1908. Co-credited with Richard Barthelemy as composer.