DG 120: The Anniversary Edition The Golden Age of Shellac on CD

Description

The 120th anniversary of Deutsche Grammophon led to an initiative illuminating the very beginning of the recording industry: the legendary Shellac era, historically located between c. 1897 and the 1930s. This is a fascinating epoch of pioneering artists, courageous producers, smart technicians and engineers and truly a Golden Age of unprecedented musical innovation. This album presents the most culturally important of the rediscovered shellac tracks. Pietro Mascagni conducting his own works, including the captivating 'Intermezzo' from 'Cavalleria rusticana'; Caruso's baritone 'rival' Titta Ruffo singing 'Largo al factotum'; legendary violinist Vása Príhoda performing Dvorák and Elgar; Mozart tenor Julius Patzak performing Ottavio's aria from 'Don Giovanni'; and international stars like Louis Armstrong and Lale Andersen contribute some jazz standards. All tracks have been restored from original 'mother' or 'father' discs, digitised with state-of-the-art technology and carefully remastered to the highest standard. The album includes essential track documentation: artists, recording dates if traceable, and the original matrix and catalogue numbers.