This collection features a collection of Concert Hall broadcasts produced by the Armed Forces Radio Service. Hosted by Hollywood legend Lionel Barrymore, the show featured selections of classical music from talented musical artists of the World War II era.
Barrymore is better known for his film career, most notably for his role as the dour Mr. Potter in the film It's a Wonderful Life. However, Barrymore's rich voice and unique delivery was well suited for radio, in which he had a long and distinguished career. His performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in the radio adaptation of A Christmas Carol was so beloved it played annually from 1934 through 1951.
Enjoy the soothing auditory combination of Lionel Barrymore's warm narrative voice with timeless classical music.
For additional classical and opera radio shows, see also:
This is a real gem--one that I had never had about before. Disc 4 with Lily Pons and Sir Thomas Beecham is mesmerizing. Delightful arias from Massenet's Manon and the Shadow Song from Meyerbeer's Dinorah are breathtaking. Beecham's performances of music by Delius and Debussy are a real delight. Vols 1 and 2 are fine also. Take time to enjoy Ezio Pinza singing the great spiritual Deep River.
I do need to caution you about a few errors in the labeling. Programs 3 and 13 are duplicates of the 1st program featuring Maggie Teyte and Vera Brodsky. (Unfortunately, no Myra Hess or Marian Anderson--despite the labels.) Programs 6 and 7 are also mislabeled--duplicates of admittedly great programs.
However, this is still a priceless collection. If you are a Lionel Barrymore fan, you will enjoy his rich voice and introductions to the performers. He is an outstanding host for this program.
This is one of the best collections in OTR classical music that I have experienced. A great start is program 4 with Lily Pons and Sir Thomas Beecham. Enjoy!! I know I did
This is a review of disc #7 of Concert Hall. It is a program of classical music from 1943 and 1946. The first includes James Melton singing several selections and A Russian violinist playing diferent pieces. The later program features the singing of Lily Pons and the pianist James Hoffman. He played Clair De Lune and the 1st movement from Beethoven's Emperor Piano Concerto. Music of all types could be heard during the Golden Age of Radio and this is a good example of that.
This collection features a collection of Concert Hall broadcasts produced by the Armed Forces Radio Service. Hosted by Hollywood legend Lionel Barrymore, the show featured selections of classical music from talented musical artists of the World War II era.
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