Alois Melichar

Alois Melichar (1896-1976) was an Austrian conductor, composer and music critic. His recorded legacy consists mainly of orchestral accompaniments for various well-known singers, such as Gigli. His recordings of the Brandenburg Concertos were a rare excursion into the orchestral repertoire. The violinist Szymon Goldberg recorded extensively, and in the 78 period was known particularly for his partnership with Lili Kraus. His 1933 account of the Brandenburg No.1 has appeared on an Andante CD set, and the finale of this Brandenburg No.2 appeared on an International Trumpet Guild CD devoted to European Cornet and Trumpet Soloists 1888-1950. Otherwise the recording has not been reissued, as far as I can determine.
Mussorgsky-Ravel – Pictures at an Exhibition Glinka – Kamarinskaya – Fantasia on two Russian Folk-songs – Wedding-song and Dance-song Side 1 – Promenade. No.1 – A Gnome – Promenade Side 2 – No.2 – The Old Castle Side 3 – No.3 – In the Tuileries Gardens. No.4 – A Polish Ox Wagon Side 4 – No.5 – Ballet of new-born chicks. No.6 – Rich Mr. Samuel Goldenberg and poor Schmuyle. No.7 Limoges Market Side 5 – No.8 – The Catacombs Side 6 – No.9 – The Hut of the Baba-Yaga Side 7 – No.10 – The Great Gate of Kiev Side 8 – Glinka – Kamarinskaya Berlin State Opera Orchestra, Alois Melichar	Decca “Polydor” Series LY.6053-6 Matrices: 1139½ BI, 1140 BI, 1141 BI, 1142½ BI, 1143½ BI, 1144½ BI, 1145 BI, 1184½ BI-I Recorded 1931, Berlin The sound is somewhat rough in places, as the records are worn, and 5 of the 8 sides run to around 5 minutes, so there congestion in loud passages. The performance is interesting, though. Tempi are unexpected in places: Schmuyle is rather fast, and the trumpet doesn’t find it easy, Limoges and the chicks are a little on the slow side.
J. S. Bach – Brandenburg Concerto No.2 in F major BWV1047 I. First Movement, Part I: Allegro II. First Movement, Part II: Allegro III. Second Movement: Andante IV. Third Movement: Allegro assai Philharmonic Orchestra, Berlin, Alois Melichar Soloists: Paul Spörri, trumpet A Harzer, flute Gustav Kern, oboe Szymon Goldberg, Violin Hans Bottermund, cello Dr Kruttge, Harpsichord	Brunswick 90244-5 Matrices: 1251bi, 1252½bi, 1253½bi, 1254½bi Recorded 1932, Berlin
Franz von Suppé – Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna – Overture Berlin State Opera Orchestra, Alois Melichar	Decca “Polydor” Series PO5051 (10”) Matrices 3078½bh, 3079bh Recorded 1932, Berlin
Johann Strauss II – Die Fledermaus – Overture Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Alois Melichar	Decca “Polydor” Series CA8228 Matrices 568½gs, 569gs Recorded 1935, Berlin
Bach-Melichar – Toccata and Fugue in D minor Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Alois Melichar	Polydor 15243 Matrices 1044-2, 1045-2 Recorded 1939 The Polydor sound is excellent, and it is possible around 4:50 to make out the sound of Melichar grunting along with the bass line. It is interesting to compare Melichar’s orchestration with those of Stokowski and Henry Wood (in the guise of Klenovsky!)

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