Albert Spalding's Last Recital at Boston University

This was a terrific find.  It shot to the top of the queue based on my own selfish, personal preferences. From a Halo lp, this record contains the contents, minus Spalding's vocal introduction to Malguena, of the violinist's last public recital (really a master class presentation) at Boston University, a mere two weeks prior to his death at sixty four in 1953. This program features piano accompanist Jules Wolffers.

The style of playing here is from a time when people were still fascinated by the sight of a horseless carriage and musical entertainment was most convenient for people by attending a band concert in the park. With gentle and lyrical phrasing and judicious use of portamento, Spalding coaxes the listener into special, personal musical world. Just listen to the two Hungarian Dances of Brahms and you'll get my drift. This is not to say that Spalding is a relic from the past, he is in perfect tune to the music of  deFalla and Albeniz and he creates quite an authentic Iberian sound if I say so myself. This is playing, that though it is far from technically perfect, is nevertheless self assured, direct, and well, joyful. Oh, and if Ave Maria does not cause your knees to buckle......

This Halo recording has ok sound and was probably recorded in some cheap setup. However, it is an important document of one of the first great American born violinists and that's treasure enough for me!

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Mitch Miller on the oboe - works of Vaughan Williams and de Falla

Last week, Buster at the Big Ten Inch posted a lovely lp featuring the oboe talents of Mitch Miller in works of Mozart, J C Bach and J S Bach. Most people know Mitch as "sing along with Mitch" however ,they are unaware of his talents as a classical oboist and musical impresario. His importance in the musical environment of our country cannot be understated.

Inspired by Buster, I dug out two of those leathery green Mercury albums featuring Mitch on the oboe, but the vinyl contents were in a sorry shape. I was hoping that Buster had these items but alas, it wasn't to be. So, in earnest, I took them out and retrieved what I could for mine, and I hope,your listening pleasure. This amounted to two of four sides.

Mitch is featured as soloist in the Vaughan Williams oboe concerto and the Pavana and Gigue of Luis Milan, the latter a 16th century composer. He is ably backed by the Saidenberg Little Symphony. As a supporting artist, Mitch plays in de Falla's harpsichord concerto with the esteemed Ralph Kirkpatrick as the soloist. The first two works were recorded in 1947 and the de Falla, I'd say c. 1950.

No doubt, Mitch Miller was a self assured artist on the oboe. His technical command of the instrument is beyond reproach and his ideas on phrasing are sound and musical. A true musician Mitch Miller and an American icon at that!

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