To round off Sir Henry Wood’s anniversary year (150 years since his birth and 75 since his death) and anticipating the 125th anniversary of the Proms in 2020, I’ve transferred an early vocal record. The baritone Alan Turner sings A Soldier’s Song by Angelo Mascheroni, a song heard at the very first of Sir Henry’s Promenade Concerts at Queen’s Hall on 10th August 1895, though on that occasion it was sung by David Ffrangçon-Davies. The other side of the record has Turner singing the Toreador Song from Carmen. Ffrangçon-Davies sang this at the prom on 20th August 1895, though the first night did include a Grand Selection from Carmen arranged by Alfred Cellier.
Alan Turner did eventually sing at the Proms, once in 1914, and on three occasions in 1925, but did not sing the two items given here.
Mascheroni – A Soldier’s Song – Alan Turner
John Bull Record No.40354
Recorded December 1910, London
Bizet – Carmen – Toreador Song – Alan Turner
John Bull Record No.40356
Recorded December 1910, London
Both items seem to use mainly a wind orchestra, so have been transferred at A=452Hz
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