The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

“On This Day in the History of Recorded Sound…”

November 18, 1882: Born: Amelita Galli-Curci, popular lyric coloratura soprano whose exclusive contract with Victor spanned 1916-1930.

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/

My favorite early 20th century soprano. She was absolutely terrific. On an amusing note, one of my favorite Victor recordings of hers is “Twilight”, which I believe was recorded in 1917. At about 37 seconds in, you can hear the Campbells Soup factory whistle going off in the background…. An ode to life in Camden, NJ in the days before soundproof studio rooms!

John

My favourite also. Her voice, effortlessly produced, was ideally suited to the acoustic recording process.
26th November is the anniversary of her passing in 1963, overshadowed as it was by the assassination of President John F Kennedy on 22nd November 1963.

She was one of the greatest natural singers ever.
Beautiful timbre, smooth legato, elegant phrasing, and communicative ability. Plus, an instantly recognizable tone quality which was so lovely. And “fior di labbra” tone production.
Who today can claim that?
Always been one of my favs!

The first record I got by her was a Victor Red Seal scroll label of her singing "My Old Kentucky Home"/"Love's Old Sweet Song". Absolutely beautiful rendition.edisonplayer.