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General Category => Gustav Mahler and Related Discussions => Topic started by: David Boxwell on September 16, 2020, 08:43:34 PM

Title: Brice/Reiner "Songs of a Wayfarer" 1946 Re-Mastered
Post by: David Boxwell on September 16, 2020, 08:43:34 PM

The newly-released Fritz Reiner "Complete Columbia Album Collection" (14 discs) features the FIRST studio recording of "Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen," recorded in Pittsburgh in February 1946--remastered by Andreas K. Meyer (of first Bernstein cycle fame).

Carol Brice was an African-American contralto, and her closely-miked performance reveals a warm mid-range and an effortful top, with a fast vibrato.  Reiner conducts for 78 sides: 3:19; 3:44; 3:01; 4:33--so under 15 minutes.

A curio, with a great deal of cultural significance (especially now), but worth acquiring for historic Mahler collectors.

Title: Re: Brice/Reiner "Songs of a Wayfarer" 1946 Re-Mastered
Post by: barryguerrero on September 16, 2020, 08:59:28 PM

It's good to know that there was another African-American contralto around in those earlier years of sound recordings, other than Marion Anderson. I wonder if any recording exists of Reiner's Pittsburgh performance of Mahler 7(?)    .    .    .   or was that in Cincinnati?

Title: Re: Brice/Reiner "Songs of a Wayfarer" 1946 Re-Mastered
Post by: waderice on September 17, 2020, 12:05:00 PM

Quote from: barryguerrero on September 16, 2020, 08:59:28 PM

I wonder if any recording exists of Reiner's Pittsburgh performance of Mahler 7(?)    .    .    .   or was that in Cincinnati?

Barry, that was in Cincinnati.

Wade