caveinspiredmusic.com

CLASSICAL MUSIC

FINGAL’S CAVE OVERTURE 1940 to 1959

_____________________________________

FURTHER RECORDINGS OF

FINGAL'S CAVE OVERTURE In chronological order by release dates

CL-FG-P2-1 United Kingdom 1941

HEBRIDES OVERTURE (FINGAL'S CAVE) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix MENDELSSOHN Bartholdy Perf: THE HALLÉ ORCHESTRA

Cond: Sir Malcolm SARGENT Prod. Co: The Columbia Graphophone Co. Ltd.; Hayes, Middlesex Rec. Loc: Houldsworth Hall; Manchester Rec. Date: July 28, 1941 Matrix: CAX 8892 & CAX 8893 Time: 9:05 1. 78: Columbia DX 1053

12" 78rpm (Sides 1 & 2) 2. Reissue on CD: HALLÉ TRADITION (2004) Hallé Tradition CDHLT 8002 (Tk 3) Notes: Malcolm Sargent was the permanent conductor of the Hallé Orchestra from 1939 to 1943. “During the war, Sargent directed the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester (1939–42) and the Liverpool Philharmonic (1942–48) and became a popular BBC Home Service radio broadcaster. He helped boost public morale during the war by extensive concert tours around the country conducting for nominal fees. On one famous occasion, an air raid interrupted a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. Sargent stopped the orchestra, calmed the audience by saying they were safer inside the hall than fleeing outside, and resumed conducting. He later said that no orchestra had ever played so well and that no audience in his experience had ever listened so intently. In May 1941 Sargent conducted the last performance held in the Queen's Hall. Following an afternoon performance of [an Edward] Elgar [piece], the hall was destroyed during a night-time incendiary raid.” (Anon. 2013) Ref: Anon. 2013, Malcolm Sargent, Bio, Wikipedia Barr, Steven C. 1992, The Almost Complete 78 RPM Dating Guide (II), Huntington Beach, CA, p.118 Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), King’s College London, p. 4, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk The Hallé Orchestra, Manchester, History, Wikipedia Johnston, Blair 2013, Artist Biography, Allmusic Oron, Aryeh 2009, Malcolm Sargent, Bio & Photos, bach-cantatas

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-2 United Kingdom 1945

FINGAL'S CAVE ("THE HEBRIDES") LA GRUTA DE FINGAL CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix MENDELSSOHN Bartholdy Perf: THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (ORQESTRA SINFÓNICA NACIONAL DE LONDRES)

Cond: Dr. Heinz UNGER Prod. Co: Decca Record Co. Ltd.; London Rec. Date: Dec. 15, 1944 Matrix: AR 8974 & AR 8975 Time: 9:27 A. British 78: Decca DK 1120 B. American 78: London T 5271 C. French 78: (1945) Decca GAG 1120 D. Spanish 78: Columbia RG 16081 Spec: (All) 12" 78rpm (Sides 1 & 2) Notes: “In 1933 Unger settled in London. He conducted the Northern Philharmonia 1933-47 and was a guest with the major British orchestras including the London Philharmonic, with which he made over 100 wartime appearances throughout Great Britain. In the 1930s he conducted in other countries, notably Spain, made his North American debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra 9 Nov 1937, and returned by invitation in 1938. Having enjoyed his visits to Toronto, Unger settled there in 1948.” (Anon. 2012)

The two audio samples here are – Decca 5271, side 1 at lafauniere.info and Decca matrix AR 8975 or side 2 (factory sample) at lafuaniere, together these two samples present the entire recording of the overture. The only photo that could be found of Heinz Unger was a poor quality halftone newspaper photo dated 1940. Ref: Anon. 2012, Heinz Unger, Bio, The Encyclopedia of Music in Canada, thecanadianencyclopedia Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), p. 2, King’s College London, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk Heinz Unger 1945, Overture Fingal’s Cave, Decca 5271 – Side 1, Archive Canada, lafauniere.info (◄AUDIO SAMPLE) Heinz Unger 1949, Overture Fingal’s Cave, Matrix 8975 – Side 2, Archive Canada, lafauniere.info (◄AUDIO SAMPLE) Mendelssohn, Hebrides Overture “Fingal’s Cave,” Compilation CD, Released 2013, Tk 3, Apple National Symphony Orchestra of London, History, orchestranet.co.uk

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-3 United States 1945

FINGAL'S CAVE CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix MENDELSSOHN Bartholdy Perf: BOSTON "POPS" ORCHESTRA

Cond: Arthur FIEDLER Prod. Co: (78s) RCA Victor & Music Branch, Special Services Division, Army Service Forces

& (LPs) RCA Victor

Rec. Date: Nov. 20, 1944 Rel. Date: Jan.-Feb. 1945 Matrix: VP 1525 & VP 1526 Time: (?) A. American Releases: 1. Commercial 78: RCA Victor 11-8745

12" 78rpm (Sides 1 & 2) 2. Military Radio 78: V-Disc 531A

12" 78rpm (Sides 1 & 2) 3. Reissue on LP: [with Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakoff, & Chopin] RCA Victor LM-9027 (mono) 12" 33rpm B. Reissue on French LP: [with Tchaikovsky & Rimsky-Korsakov] (1953) Voix de son maître FMLP-1003 10" 33rpm Notes: At the end of the Second World War this rendition of the overture was released to the American

civilian public and separately to the armed forces radio stations around the world. An unusual aspect here is that this record was pressed on vinyl (not on shellac which was considered a strategic material and was rationed during the war) making it a very early use of vinyl in record manufacturing. Arthur Fiedler “was a long-time conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, a symphony orchestra that specializes in popular and light classical music. With a combination of musicianship and showmanship, he made the Boston Pops one of the best-known orchestras in the country. Some people[ criticized him for over-popularizing music, particularly when adapting popular songs or edited portions of the classical repertoire, but Fiedler kept performances informal and sometimes self-mocking to attract more customers.” (Anon. 2013) “Under Fiedler's direction, the Boston Pops Orchestra reportedly made more recordings than any other orchestra in the world, most of them for RCA Victor.” (Oron 2010) The magazine advertisement shown here specifically promotes this recording of the overture. The contemporary art illustration with its

stalagmites and other features has curiously little resemblance with the actual cave. In 1953 this was the first 33rpm long-playing release of the overture in France. Ref: Anon. 2013, Arthur Fiedler, Bio, Wikipedia Disques de Longue Durée, n. 1, Autumn 1953, p. 65 Henri-Jacques 1954, Disques, n. 62, Jan.-Fev. 1954,p.100 Oron, Aryeh 2010, Arthur Fiedler (Conductor), Bio, bach-cantatas

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-4 West Germany ca.1945

FINGAL'S CAVE OVERTURE CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix MENDELSSOHN Bartholdy Perf: THE ORCHESTRA OF THE STATE OPERA HOUSE, BERLIN

Cond: Leopold LUDWIG Prod. Co: The Gramophone Co. Ltd.; London Time: (?) A. British 78: His Master's Voice

(Gramophone) DB 11513 12" 78rpm (Sides 1 & 2) B. Swiss 78: His Master's Voice FKX 206 Photo by Carmen, 1954

12" 78rpm (Sides 1 & 2)

C. American Releases: [as by German State Orchestra] 1. Reissue on EP: RCA Victor WBC-1028 (Set of 3) 2X 7" 45rpm (Sides 4 & 5 of 6) 2. Reissue on LP: [with Sibelius, Elgar, Weber, Berlioz, & Wolf-Ferrai] (ca.1954) RCA Victor LBC-1028 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) Notes: Leopold Ludwig “became the Music Director of the Oldenburg Staatsoper (State Opera) in 1936. Frequent guest conducting appearances in Berlin brought him to national attention, leading to his appointment as Principal Conductor of the Vienna Staatsoper in 1939. He became Principal Conductor of the Berlin Städtische Oper in 1943.” (Stevenson 2013) Ref: Leopold Ludwig, Biography, Naxos, naxos Stevenson, Joseph 2013, Leopold Ludwig, Artist Biography, Allmusic

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-5 United Kingdom 1947

FINGAL'S CAVE (HEBRIDES OVERTURE) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix MENDELSSOHN Bartholdy Perf: LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Cond: Eduard VAN BEINUM Prod. Co: Decca Record Co. Ltd.; London Time: 9:09 A. British 78: Decca K 2237

12" 78rpm (Sides 1 & 2) B. French 45: Decca 71019

7" 45rpm (Sides 1 & 2) Notes: In 1947 van Beinum took over the leadership of the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), but left

after two successful seasons. Ref: Eduard van Beinum, Biography, Wikipedia Mendelssohn, Hebrides Overture “Fingal’s Cave,” Compilation CD, Released 2013, Tk 4, Apple

________________________________

CL-FG-P2-6 United Kingdom 1948

OVERTURE "THE HEBRIDES" (FINGAL'S CAVE) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix MENDELSSOHN Bartholdy Perf: THE HALLÉ ORCHESTRA

Cond: Sir John BARBIROLLI Prod. Co: The Gramophone Co. Ltd.; London Rec. Date: Apr. 30, 1948 Matrix: 2EA 12957-1 & 2EA 12958-2 Time: 9:10 A. Original Release on 78:

His Master's Voice C.3770 12' 78 rpm (Sides 1 & 2) B. Reissue on EP: His Master's Voice 7P 217 (1949) 7” 45rpm (Sides 1 & 2) C. Reissue on LP: THE GOLDEN HOUR OF OVERTURES (2/1972)

Pye Golden Hour GH 508 (stereo) 12" 33 rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 2) D. Reissue on CD: [Mendelssohn, Grieg, etc.] (1999 & 2005)

Memoir Classics (?) (Tk 6) Notes: John Barbirolli was the permanent conductor of the Hallé Orchestra from 1943 to 1958 but it is unlikely that this overture would be issued on 78 any later than 1950 since long-playing micro-groove

records had been introduced in 1947. Barbirolli died in 1970 and it was no doubt in his memory that this recording was reissued on 33rpm stereo in Feb. 1972. Both the matrix and the catalog numbers point to a release date of 1948. The YouTube complete audio-video sample by 2ndviolinist uses stills of Barbirolli, nice color and black & white shots of the cave entrance and interior to illustrate the music. Old engravings by Boutrois (1797) (see top of page) and by William Daniell (1817) (see just below) are also used. The last photo is a fisheye shot from the back of the cave. Ref: Barr, Steven C. 1992, The Almost Complete 78 RPM Dating Guide (II), Huntington Beach, CA, p. 122, 126 John Barbirolli, Biography, Wikipedia John Barbirolli, Overture “The Hebrides,” Discogs John Barbirolli, Overture “The Hebrides,” europeana (◄AUDIO SAMPLE) John Barbirolli, Mendelssohn, Grieg, etc. CD, Amazon.fr John Barbirolli, Hebrides Overture (9:10), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)

________________________________

Drawn & Engraved by William Daniell, 1817

________________________________

CL-FG-P2-7 United Kingdom 1949

OVERTURE “THE HEBRIDES” DIE HEBRIDEN OUVERTURE LES HÉBRIDES CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix MENDELSSOHN Bartholdy Perf: DIE WIENER PHILHARMONIKER (The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra)

Cond: Wilhelm FURTWÄNGLER Prod. Co: The Gramophone Co. Ltd.; London Rec. Loc: Musikverein Brahmssaal; Vienna Rec. Date: Feb. 15, 1949 Matrix: 2VH 7108/ 9 Liner Notes: (A2) Heinrich Lindlar Time: 10:12 A. British Releases: 1. Original 78: HMV DB 6941

12" 78rpm (Sd 1 & 2) 2. Reissue on LP: “POP” CONCERT WITH THE VIENNA PHILHARMONIC

His Master’s Voice ALP 1526 12” 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1) B. German Releases: 1. LP: OUVERTÜREN Electrola WDLP 662 10” 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 2) 2. Boxed Set LPs: OUVERTÜREN-SERENADEN (1979)

EMI 1C 149 03584 3X12” 33rpm (Disc 2 – Sd 2 – Bd 1) C. French Releases: 1. 78: La Voix de son maître DB-6941 (1950)

12" 78rpm (Sides 1 & 2) 2. Reissue on EP: (Apr. 1953)

La Voix de son maître 7 RF 102 7" 45rpm (Sd 1 & 2)

3. Reissue on CD: (2004) Takra Furt 108 (Boxed Set 4 CDs) (CD 2 – Tk 1) D. Reissue on Spanish LP: OBERTURAS (1971)

EMI O53-01.154 12" 33rpm E. Reissue on American LP: (ca.1962)

Electrecord 60655 10" 33rpm F; Reissue on Japanese CD: Toshiba/ EMI TOCE-6070 Notes: Furtwängler had also recorded another version with this orchestra almost two months earlier on Dec. 7, 1948, but this was never released. (Gray 2009) Strangely enough, the French 45rpm release of the earlier British 78rpm recording presents the same inconvenience to the listener of having to turn the record over to hear the second half of the piece. Wilhelm Furtwängler recorded an earlier performance of the overture with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1930 (see under Part 1). Ref: Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), p. 1 & 2, King’s College London, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk & rhul.ac.uk Scherchen’Thémine 2004, Furtwängler une CD-graphie (in French), furtwangler Wilhelm Furtwängler, Bio, Wikipedia Wilhelm Furtwängler, Discography, Les Hebrides, 1949, blog.naver Wilhelm Furtwängler, Les Hebrides, French 78, Discogs Wilhelm Furtwängler, Ouvertüren-Serenaden LPs, Discogs Wilhelm Furtwängler, “Pop“ Concert with the Vienna Philharmonic LP, Discogs

Wilhelm Furtwängler, Die Hebriden 78, Furtwängler une CD-graphie, 15 Feb. 1949, patangel.free.fr Wilhelm Furtwängler, The Hebrides, Feb. 15, 1949, (10:12), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Wilhelm Furtwängler, Mendelssohn – Oberturas LP, Johns Hopkins Libraries, jhu;edu

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-8 United Kingdom 1950

THE HEBRIDES OVERTURE (FINGAL'S CAVE) LES HÉBRIDES (GROTTE DE FINGAL) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: ROYAL PHILARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Cond: Sir Thomas BEECHAM Prod. Co: Columbia Rec. Loc: EMI Studio No. 1, Abbey Road; London Rec. Date: Feb. 7, 1950 Time: (?) A. British Releases:

1. LP: (Album title unknown) Columbia AAL-7

2. Reissue on EP: MENDELSSOHN – OVERTURE THE HEBRIDES (1958) (PC-RE)

Fontana CFE 15004 7” 45 rpm (Sd 1) B. French LP: OUVERTURES CELEBRES (1959) Fontana CL-699.037 12" 33rpm C. American LP: MENDELSSOHN – RUY BLAS OVERTURE & THE HEBRIDES OVERTURE

Columbia AL-7 10" 33rpm (Side 2) Notes: Regarding the recording, Marnat notes – "gravées selon des normes dépassées (basses compactes, aigus scintillants)." [cut using outmoded norms – dense basses and sparkling trebles.] Sir Thomas Beecham recorded an earlier performance of the overture with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1938 (see under Part 1). Ref: Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), King’s College London, p. 3, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk Marnat, Marce 1959, Disques, n. 110, Juin 1959, p. 522 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham, Overtures EP, 45cat Sir Thomas Beecham, Bio, Wikipedia Sir Thomas Beecham, Mendelssohn, Overtures EP, 45cat & Discogs Sir Thomas Beecham, Mendelssohn, Overtures LP, Discogs

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-9 West Germany 1951

[DIE HEBRIDEN] CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: DIE WIENER PHILHARMONIKER (The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra)

Cond: Wilhelm FURTWÄNGLER Prod. Co: Gema Rec. Loc: Festspielhaus; Salzburg Rec. Date: Aug. 19, 1951 Time: (?) 1. LP: KONZERT VOM 19 AUGUST 1951 IN SALZBURG Gema F 667 497/98 2X 12” 33rpm (Disc 1 – Sd 1 – Bd 1) 2. LP: [Album Title Unknown] Recital Records RR314 12” 33rpm Notes: This was yet another recording of the overture by Furtwängler with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra following the one he did in 1949 (see above CL-FG-P2-7). No further information could be obtained on this recording. Ref: Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), p. 1, King’s College London, (No longer online), kcl.ac.uk Wilhelm Furtwängler, Bio, Wikipedia Wilhelm Furtwängler, Discography, Les Hebrides, 1951, blog.naver Wilhelm Furtwängler, Konzert vom 19 August 1951 in Salzburg LPs, Discogs

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-10 West Germany 1952

[DIE HEBRIDEN] FINGAL'S CAVE OVERTURE CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: BERLINER PHILARMONIKER (Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra)

Cond: Fritz LEHMANN Prod. Co: Deutsche Grammophon Rec. Loc: Jesus Christus-Kirche, Berlin Rec. Date: June 26, 1951 Matrix: DG-MG 5241 Time: 10:00 A. West German Releases: 1. LP: [with another overture] Deutsche Grammophon 17.044 10" 33rpm 2. Singles 78 & 45: Deutsche Grammophon 32016 B. American Releases: 1. LP: [Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage Overture] Decca (Gold Label Series) DL 4015 10" 33rpm 2. Reissue on LP: [Schubert & Schumann] (1960) Decca (Gold Label) 9905 (mono) 12" 33rpm Notes: Fritz Lehmann was a noted German conductor. Nothing further could be learned about the original Deutsche Grammophon releases. Ref: Fritz Lehmann, Bio, Wikipedia Fritz Lehmann, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, American LP, Discogs Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), p. 2 & 3, King’s College London, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-11 United Kingdom 1954

THE HEBRIDES OVERTURE "FINGAL'S CAVE" CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Cond: Dimitri MITROPOULOS

Prod. Co: Columbia Records Rec. Loc: Columbia 30th Street Studio; New York, NY Rec. Date: Nov. 2, 1953 Time: 9:02 A. American Releases: 1. LP: [Album Title Unknown]

Columbia Masterworks AAL-52 12” 33rpm 2. 45: THE HEBRIDES OVERTURE Columbia Masterworks A-1923

Flip Sd: Ruy Blas Overture 7” 45rpm B. British EP: (As by THE PHILHARMONIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

OF NEW YORK) (1956) (PC-RE) Philips ABE 10006 Flip Sd: Ruy Blas Overture 7" 45rpm (EP) (Sd 1)

Notes: In 1949 Mitropoulos began his association with the New York

Philharmonic, the peak of his orchestral career. As for the British EP, this may be the first time that a picture of Fingal's Cave figured on the jacket cover of a recording of the overture (see PC-RE).

Ref: Dimitri Mitropoulos, Bio, bach-cantatas & Wikipedia

Dimitri Mitropoulos, Discographie, patachonf.free.fr Dimitri Mitropoulos, Overture: The Hebrides, British EP, 45worlds & Discogs Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), p. 3, King’s College London, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-12 France 1954

OUVERTURE LES HÉBRIDES CL – OR Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: THE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (ORCHESTRE PHILHARMONIQUE)

Cond: Karl LIST Prod. Co: Allegro-Elite Rec. Date: Jan. 1, 1954 Time: 10:33 LP: MENDELSSOHN: CONCERTO POUR VIOLIN

Allegro-Elite LDA-45 12" 33rpm Notes: The French critic – "Karl Liszt (sic) se révèle comme un bon chef et sait donner une impulsion vigoureuse et colorée à cette célèbre 'marine' " (Karl List appears to be a fine conductor and he knows how to give vigorous and colorful stimulus to this celebrated "seascape") (Henri-Jacques 1954) Ref: Disques de Longue Durée, n. 3, Printemps 1954, p. 85 Henri-Jacques 1954, Disques, n. 65, Mai-Juin 1954, p. 381

Karl List, Mendelssohn: Concerto pour violin, 2016 CD, Amazion.de (◄AUDIO SAMPLE)

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-13 United Kingdom 1954

FINGAL'S CAVE OVERTURE CL – Orchestral – Cave Pic Cover

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: WIENER PHILHARMONIKER (The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra)

Cond: Carl SCHURICHT Prod. Co: Decca Record Co. Ltd.; London Rec. Loc: Grosser Saal, Musikverein; Vienna Rec. Date: Apr. 26, 1954 Matrix: TRL.423-1B Rel. Date: Dec. 1954 Time: (CD) 10:03 A. British Releases: 1. Original LP: MENDELSSOHN OVERTURES Decca LXT.2961

12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1) 2. Reissue on LP: FINGAL’S CAVE OVERTURE (1955) (PC-RE) Decca LW.5193 10" 33rpm (Side 1) 3. Reissue on LP: [with 3 other Mendelssohn overtures]

Ace of Clubs ACL-33 (1959) (PC-RE) 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1) 4. Reissue on CD: MENDELSSOHN OVERTURES Theorema TH 121186 (Tk 1) 5. Reissue on CD: CARL SCHURICHT (2002) EMI Music 75130 (2XCDs) (Disc 1 – Tk 1)

B. American LP: MENDELSSOHN OVERTURES (1955) London LL-1048 (mono) Spec: (All except No. A2, A4, & A5) 12" 33rpm Notes: Henri-Jacques comments – "Schuricht interprète cette oeuvre avec grandeur pleine de mesure et en fait ressortir les détails (on pourrait presque dire les épisodes) avec une précision et une puissance magistrales! On peut préférer l'allure romantique adoptee par certains chefs; il faut reconnaître la majestueuse ordonnance du tableau brossé par Schuricht, où passent les appels du vent et la mauvaise humeur du large." (Henri-Jacques 1956) [Schuricht interprets this work with a full degree of grandeur and he brings out the details – one might even say the episodes – with precision and masterful power. Some might prefer the romantic approach adopted by certain conductors, but one must recognize the majestic order of the painting drawn by Schuricht where the wind currents and the bad temper of the sea come across.] The British 10” LP was probably the first time that an illustration of Fingal’s Cave was used on a record cover. Ref: Carl Schuricht, Bio, Wikipedia Carl Schuricht, Carl Schuricht CD, Allmusic Carl Schuricht, Mendelssohn Overtures LP, Discogs Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), p. 3, King’s College London, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk Henri-Jacques 1956, Disques, n. 80, Août-Sept.1956, p. 448 Stricker, Rémy 1959, Disques, n. 109, Mai 1959, p. 436 Hunt, John et al. 2020, Carl Schuricht CD List, carlschuricht

________________________________

Drawing by Gilbert & Engraving by Lechard

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-14 France 1955 LA GROTTE DE FINGAL (LES HÉBRIDES) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: ORCHESTRE DU THÉÂTRE DES CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES

Cond: Ernest BOUR Prod. Co: Ducretet-Thomson Time: 9:58 LP: SONGE D’UNE NUIT D’ÉTÉ Ducretet-Thomson 270-C-064 10" 33rpm (Side 2)

Notes: Henri-Jacques, speaking about the overture itself, says that it – "évoque en une superbe 'marine' pleine de mouvement et de coloris, le conflict de la houle et du roc." [evokes in a superb seascape full of movement and color, the conflict between the crashing waves and the rock.] Bour was considered at the time as one of the best French conductors. He is "toute précision et volonté" (full of precision and purpose). Henri-Jacques also comments on the quality of this recording and he recommends it to high-fidelity fanatics. Ref: Ernest Bour, Bio, (in French), Wikipedia & (in English), Wikipedia

Ernest Bour, La Grotte de Fingal (Les Hébrides), gallica.bnf.fr (◄AUDIO SAMPLE) Ernest Bour, Songe d’une nuit d’été LP, catalogue.bnf.fr Henri-Jacques 1956, Disques, n. 80, Août-Sept.1956, p. 448

___________________________ CL-FG-P2-15 Switzerland 1955

“HEBRIDEN” OUVERTÜRE (DIE FINGALSHÖHLE) “LES HEBRIDES“ OUVERTURE (LA GROTTE DE FINGAL) CL – Orchestral Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: ZURICH TONHALLE–ORCHESTER (ORCHESTRE DE LA TONHALLE DE ZURICH)

Cond: Walter GOEHR Prod. Co: Musical Masterpiece Society Liner Notes: (A) Arthur Holde (in German) Time: 9:39 A. Swiss LP: GRIEG – KLAVIER-KONZERT IN A-MOLL Musical Masterpiece Society MMS-123 10” 33rpm (Side 2) B. French Releases: 1. LP: MENDELSSOHN – SONGE D’UNE NUIT D’ÉTÉ

Guilde Internationale du Disque MMS-2005 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 4)

2. LP: GRIEG – CONCERTO DE PIANO Guilde Internationale du Disque MMS-123 10" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 2)

Notes: Walter Goehr was a German composer, arranger, and conductor. Ref: Walter Goehr, Bio, Wikipedia Walter Goehr, Bio (in French), rene-gagnaux-1.ch Walter Goehr, Klavier-Konzert in A-Moll LP, Discogs Walter Goehr, Mendelssohn – Les Hébrides LP, renegagnaux.ch Walter Goehr, Mendelssohn – Songe d’une nuit d’été LP, catalogue.bnf.fr & Discogs

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-16 West Germany 1955

HEBRIDEN OUVERTÜRE "LES HÉBRIDES" OUVERTURE CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: SINFONIE-ORCHESTER DES SÜDDEUTSCHEN RUNDFUNKS

(ORCHESTRE SYMPHONIQUE S.D.R., STUTTGART)

Cond: Carl SCHURICHT Prod. Co: Musical Masterpiece Society Liner Notes: (B1) Claude Rostand

Time: 10:25 A. Original LP: EIN SOMMERNACHTSTRAUL Musical Masterpiece Society M-2214 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 5) B. French Releases: 1. LP: Guilde Internationale du Disque SMS 2214

12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 5) 2. Reissue LP: LE SONGE D’UNE NUIT D’ÉTÉ (1978)

Festival Classique FC 454 (stereo) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 5)

C. British LP: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Concert Hall M-2214 Notes: A year after recording the overture with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (see above CL-FG-P2-13), Carl Schuricht recorded it again with the Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra. Ref: Carl Schuricht, Bio, Wikipedia Carl Schuricht, Ein Sommernachtstraum LP, Discogs Carl Schuricht, Le Songe d’une nuit d’été, Reissue LP, Discogs Hunt, John et al. 2020, Carl Schuricht CD List, carlschuricht

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-17 United States 1956

THE HEBRIDES (FINGAL'S CAVE) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: PHILHARMONIC PROMENADE ORCHESTRA

Cond: Sir Adrian BOULT

Prod. Co: Westminster Recording Sales Corp.; New York, NY Liner Notes: (No. 1) James Lyons Time: (?) 1. LP: MENDELSSOHN OVERTURES Westminster XWN-18163 2. Reissue LP: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Westminster XWN-18244

12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) Notes: Sir Adrian Boult recorded an earlier performance of the overture with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 1934 (see under Part 1). Ref: Adrian Boult, Bio, Wikipedia Adrian Boult, Mendelssohn, A Midsummer Night’s Dream LP, Discogs

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-18 France 1956

LES HÉBRIDES (GROTTE DE FINGAL) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: BERLINER PHILARMONIKER (ORCHESTRE PHILHARMONIQUE DE BERLIN)

Cond: Paul VAN KEMPEN Prod. Co: Philips Rec. Date: May 26, 1951 Time: (?) LP: LE SONGE D’UNE NUIT D’ÉTÉ Philips S-06.054-R (Ser.– Classiques Pour Tous) 10" 33rpm Notes: Again Henri-Jacques, in comparing the three versions of the overture which were released in France in 1955, comments – "Nous sommes ici devant une marine d'une vibration

plus subtilement sensorielle, avec une impression mystérieuse et légendaire, très contrastée …Van Kempen, recherche des contrastes, échos lointains et violences soudaines." (Henri-Jacques 1956) [Here we have a seascape of a more subtly sensorial vibration with a mysterious and legendary feeling and lots of contrasts … Van Kempen is looking for contrasts, distant echoes, and unexpected forces.] Ref: Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), p. 3, King’s College London, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk Henri-Jacques 1956, Disques, n. 80, Août-Sept.1956, p. 448 Paul Van Kempen, Bio, Wikipedia Paul Van Kempen, Le Songe d’une nuit d’été LP, Discogs

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-19 United Kingdom 1956

THE HEBRIDES (FINGAL'S CAVE) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: THE PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA

Cond: Nicolai MALKO Prod. Co: The Gramophone Co. Ltd.; London Rec. Loc: Kingsway Hall Rec. Date: Feb. 17, 1956 Time: 8:55 1. LP: OVERTURES

His Master’s Voice CLP 1110 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1)

2. Reissue on LP: 1812 AND OTHER FAMOUS OVERTURES (1966) EMI MFP (Music for Pleasure) 2034

12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) Notes: Nicolai Malko was an American conductor born in the Ukraine. He recorded extensively for EMI in Copenhagen and then with the Philharmonia Orchestra in London. Ref: Nicolai Malko, Bio, Wikipedia Nicolai Malko, The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave), (8:55), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Nicolai Malko, Overtures LP, Discogs Nicolai Malko, 1812 & Other Famous Overtures LP, Discogs

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-20 United Kingdom ca.1956

OVERTURE “THE HEBRIDES” (FINGAL'S CAVE) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: THE PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA

Cond: George WELDON

Prod. Co: Columbia Graphophone Co. Ltd. Rec. Loc: Kingsway Hall; London Rec. Date: Mar. 12, 1956 Liner Notes: (No. 1) George Weldon Time: (?) 1. LP: POPULAR CONCERT NO. 3 Columbia 33SX 1054

12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) 2. Reissue on Compilation LP: PHILHARMONIA FAVORITES (1966) Music for Pleasure MFP 2037

12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) Notes: George Weldon made a considerable number of recordings throughout the 1950’s for EMI (Columbia & HMV), including some in stereo, with the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ref: George Weldon, Bio, bach-cantatas & Wikipedia George Weldon, Popular Concert No. 3 LP, Discogs George Weldon, Philharmonia Favorites LP, Discogs Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), p. 2, King’s College London, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk

___________________________________ CL-FG-P2-21 France 1957

LES HÉBRIDES - OVERTURE CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: ORCHESTRE ARS MAGNIFICA

Cond: Michaël HELMUTT Prod. Co: Guilde Européenne du Microsillion Time: (?) LP: MENDELSSOHN – CONCERTO EN MI MINEUR POUR VIOLIN

Guilde Européenne du Microsillion GEM 95 (mono) 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) Notes: Nothing further could be learned about this recording. Ref: Michaël Helmutt, Mendelssohn – Violin Concerto, etc. LP, catalogue.bnf.fr Michaël Helmutt, Mendelssohn – Violin Concerto, etc. LP, Discogs

___________________________________ CL-FG-P2-22 Romania 1957

HEBRIDELE (GROTA LUI FINGAL) CL – Orchestral Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: ORCHESTRA SIMFONICĂ DIN BAMBERG (ORCHESTRE SYMPHONIQUE DE BAMBERG)

Cond: Jonel PERLEA Prod. Co: Electrecord S.A.; Bucharest Liner Notes: (in Romanian) Edgar Elian Time: (?) A. Romanian LP: UVERTURI Electrecord STM-ECE 0921 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 2) B. French LP: [with Schubert] Panthéon XPV-1042 10" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1) C. American LP: OVERTURES Vox PL 9590 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) Notes: The critic, Germain, had this to say – "La conception de Perlea ne me paraît pas atteindre à la virtuosité de Bour ou au pouvoir évocateur de Van Kempen. Son style un peu gros n'évoque pas le Mendelssohn, elegant et racé, classique parmi les romantiques, sensible à la poésie de l'Ecosse, ses bruyères et ses 'Chaussées des géants'. Il ne rend pas davantage sensible l'allusion dramatique, l'évocation avant la lettre du climat fantastique des legendes de mer que Wagner évoquera pour son Vaisseau fantôme. Nous restons résolument au concert." (Germain 1958) [It doesn't seem to me that Perlea's conception attains the virtuosity of Bour or the evocative power of Van Kempen. His somewhat coarse style does not evoke the elegant breeding of Mendelssohn, a classicist among romantics, sensible to the poetry of Scotland, its heather, and its Giants Causeway (sic). He doesn't make the dramatic innuendo any more tangible, the precipitate evocation of the fantastic climate of the sea legends, which Wagner captured in his The Flying Dutchman. Decidedly, all we have here is a concert.] Ref: Germain, Jean 1958, Disques, n. 95-96, Jan.-Fév. 1958, p. 89 Jonel Perlea, Bio, Wikipedia

Jonel Perlea, Uverturi LP, Discogs Jonel Perlea, Mendelssohn & Schubert LP, catalogue.bnf.fr

___________________________________ CL-FG-P2-23 United Kingdom 1958

THE HEBRIDES OVERTURE (FINGAL'S CAVE) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Cond: Antal DORÁTI Prod. Co: Mercury Records Rec. Loc: Walthamstow Assembly Hall; London Rec. Date: July 5, 1956 Liner Notes: (B1) Evelyne Clement Time: 10:26 A. British Releases: 1. LP: [with Symphony n. 3] Mercury MMA 11048 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 2) 2. Reissue on Compilation LP: ORCHESTRAL FAVORITES (1962) Philips SDAL 502 2X12” 33rpm (Disc 2 – Sd 1 – Bd 3) 3. Reissue on CD: [Symphonies 3 & 4] (1995) Mercury (Living Presence) 434 363-2 (Tk 1) B. French Releases: 1. LP: [with Symphony n. 3] (1958)

Ser: Olympienne Mercury 50.123

2. LP: OUVERTURES CÉLÉBRES Philips 642.216 GL (mono) Philips 837.816 GY (stereo) C. American Releases: 1. LP: [with Symphony n. 3] (1959) Mercury 50.123 (mono) & SR 90.123 (stereo) 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 2) 2. LP: [with Symphony n. 3] (ca. 1962-65) Ser: Mercury Wing Classical Favorites Wing (Mercury) MGW 14056 (mono) Wing (Mercury) SRW 18056 (stereo) Spec: (Nos.B1,C1,& C2) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 - Bd 2) (Nos. B2) 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 2) Notes: Halbreich wrote – “…l’Ouverture de la Grotte de Fingal, à laquelle Dorati imprime de très beaux accents et un climat fort voisin de la 3e Symphonie.” (Halbreich 1959) [For the Fingal’s Cave Overture Doráti brings out some very beautiful strains and a strong atmosphere similar to the 3rd Symphony.] Ref: Antal Doráti, Bio, Wikipedia Antal Doráti, Fingal’s Cave Overture, etc., British LP, popsike Antal Doráti, Fingal’s Cave Overture & Symphony No. 3 LP, Discogs Antal Doráti, Fingal’s Cave Overture, (10:30), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Antal Doráti, Mendelssohn – Symphony No. 3 & 4 CD, prestomusic Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), King’s College London, p. 3, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk Halbreich, Harry 1959, Disques, n. 106, Fév. 1959, p. 143

___________________________________

CL-FG-P2-24 United States 1958

FINGAL'S CAVE (THE HEBRIDES OVERTURE) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Cond: Fritz REINER

Prod. Co: RCA Victor Records Rec. Loc: Orchestra Hall; Chicago Rec. Date: Jan. 7, 1956 Liner Notes: (No. 1) Charles O’Connell (No. 2) Robert A. Simon Time: 9:39 1. LP: 1812 OVERTURE. FINGAL’S CAVE OVERTURE, etc.

RCA Victor LM-2071 (mono) RCA Victor LSC-2241 (stereo) 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 2)

2. Reissue on LP: OVERTURES AND DANCES (1969) RCA VICS-1424 (stereo) Time – 9:29 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1)

3. Reissue on Compilation CD: [with Brahms - Symphony No. 3] (1995) RCA Victor Gold Seal 09026-61793-2 (Tk 9) Notes: When Fritz Reiner became music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1953 he had an international reputation. By common consent, the ten years that he spent in Chicago mark the pinnacle of his career, and are best-remembered today through the many recordings he made in Chicago's Orchestra

Hall for RCA Victor from 1954 to 1963. Ref: Fritz Reiner, Bio, Wikipedia Fritz Reiner, 1812 Overture, Fingal’s Cave Overture, etc. LP, Discogs Fritz Reiner, 1812 Overture, Fingal’s Cave Overture, etc. LP, rateyourmusic Fritz Reiner, Hebrides Overture (Fingal’s Cave), (9:39), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Fritz Reiner, Brahms – Symphony No. 3, etc. Compilation CD, Discogs Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), p. 3, King’s College London, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk Discover Music Archives, dismarc

___________________________________ CL-FG-P2-25 German Democratic Republic 1958

DIE HEBRIDEN OUVERTÜRE CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: RUNDFUNK SINFONIE ORCHESTER BERLIN

Cond: Horst STEIN Prod. Co: VEB Deutsche Schallplatten; Berlin Rec. Loc: SRK, Berlin Rec. Date: Dec. 23, 1956 Time: (?) LP: DIE HEBRIDEN OUVERTÜRE& MEERSESSTILE UND

GLÜCKLICHE FAHRT OUVERTÜRE Eterna 7 20 008 10" 33rpm (Side 1) Notes: VEB Deutsche Schallplatten Berlin was the only official record company in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) 1955 to 1990. Ref: Gray 2009, Mendelssohn – Fingal’s Cave Overture, AHRC Research Centre for the History and Analysis of Recorded Music (CHARM), p. 2, King’s College London, (No longer online), rhul.ac.uk Horst Stein, Bio, Wikipedia Horst Stein, Die Hebriden Ouvertüre, etc. LP, Discogs

____________________________

CL-FG-P2-26 United States 1959

HEBRIDES OVERTURE CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: VIENNA FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

Cond: Victor DESARZENS Prod. Co: Westminster Records ; New York, NY Liner Notes: James Lyons Time: 10:14 LP: MENDELSSOHN – VIOLIN CONCERTO, etc.

Whitehall WH 20003 (mono) Whitehall WHS 40003 (stereo)

12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 2)

Notes: Victor Desarzens was a Swiss conductor and violinist. The Discogs site gives the release date as 1962, two other sites clearly state it as 1959. Ref: Victor Desarzens, Bio (in French), Wikipedia Victor Desarzens, Felix Mendelssohn – Violin Concerto, etc. LP, Discogs Victor Desarzens, Felix Mendelssohn – Violin Concerto, etc. LP, rateyourmusic

Victor Desarzens, Felix Mendelssohn, Les Hébrides ou La Grotte de Fingal Ouverture, renegagnaux.ch

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-27 United Kingdom 1959

THE HEBRIDES (FINGAL'S CAVE) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: SOVIET STATE RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Cond: Alexander GAUK Prod. Co: Saga Records Ltd.; London Liner Notes: (B1) W.A. Chislet Time: (?) Reissue LP: FAMOUS OVERTURES (1959) Saga XID 5014 (stereo) Spec: (B) 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1)

Notes: From 1932 Alexander Gauk worked in Moscow and became chief conductor of a new radio orchestra in 1936, which evolved into the USSR State Symphony Orchestra. It is not known if this recording was ever released in the United Soviet Socialist Republic. Nor could any information about the original release be obtained. Ref: Alexander Gauk, Bio, Wikipedia Alexander Gauk, Famous Overtures LP, Discogs

_____________________________________ CL-FG-P2-28 United Kingdom 1959

THE HEBRIDES OVERTURE (FINGAL’S CAVE) CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: THE PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA

Cond: Wilhelm SCHÜCHTER

Prod. Co: Columbia Graphophone Co. Ltd.; London Time: (?) Single 45:

Columbia SCD 2087 7” 45rpm (Sides 1 & 2)

Notes: This 45 single splits the overture in two.

Ref: Wilhelm Schüchter, Bio, Wikipedia Wilhelm Schüchter, The Hebrides Overture, 45cat Wilhelm Schüchter, The Hebrides Overture 45, Discogs

________________________________ CL-FG-P2-29 United States 1959

FINGAL'S CAVE OVERTURE CL – Orchestral

Comp: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Perf: LONGINES SYMPHONETTE ORCHESTRA Cond: (?) Prod. Co: Columbia Records Time: (?) Collection LP: WARSAW CONCERTO & OTHER FAVORITES Harmony HL 7156 (mono)

12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 4) Notes: Harmony was a budget label of Columbia Records. Nothing further could be learned about this recording. Ref: Harmony Album Discography – Part 2, bsnpubs Longines Symphonette, Warsaw Concerto & Other Favorites LP, Discogs

________________________________

FURTHER RECORDINGS OF

FINGAL'S CAVE OVERTURE This discography continues in Part 3, 4, & 5

caveinspiredmusic.com