It contains the first recordings of two works that British composers produced for the instrumentalist. Perhaps best known is Ralph Vaughan Williams' Romance, recorded in October 1952 with accompaniment directed by Malcolm Sargent. But equally as enjoyable is Arthur Benjamin's compact Harmonica Concerto, in an August 1953 recording with the London Symphony and Basil Cameron. The Vaughan Williams was originally issued on a single recording, then coupled with the Benjamin for this 10-inch LP.
I have a particular affection for such lowly instruments as the harmonica and the accordion, and the amazing skill and artistry that Adler displays in these works is fascinating to me. No doubt he is helped by close miking, but he makes other performances sound pale.
The sound here is good, although as I recall I needed to adjust the speed up about a half-step. The download includes reviews of the day and of course scans.
10 comments:
Glad to see this. My uncle, who died back in the 1970s, always liked Adler, and claimed that he received his first harmonica from the celebrity. As you no doubt know, Adler got into real trouble here in USia back during the Red Scare of the late 1940s and 1950s, and moved to the UK. His soundtrack for the British comedy, Genevieve, is outstanding; in fact, the whole film is excellent. I recommend it to you, and thank you for reminding me of a fine musician.
My dad loved George Gershwin & one time gave me a CD of Larry Adler doing Gershwin. That was my introduction to Larry.
This record looks like it must have been a very exciting find for you. Did your eyes pop out of your head when you found it?
glinka - Yes, watching Genevieve is what reminded me to post this transfer.
Doug - Ha! I have an Adler LP where his eyes almost look like they are on stalks. I found this album in a record store (remember them?).
Many thanks Buster.
This is entirely new to me. Thanks much!
Thanks! I know his Rhapsody in Blue, which is terrific ...
Thank you Buster.
Richard N
Hi, could you please reload this? The Mega link has become dead. Thanks!
New link:
https://mega.nz/#!WQUngKAK!cwKy90GQp6D8R4vo_Ti40W0AXARHCt4Cyj1aktaPHCw
Post a Comment