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Wonderful Singing by Gluck

Doug - Haydn Fan | California | 12/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alma Gluck sold millions of records for Victor back when Caruso was King. Not a monster operatic voice, she instead was perfectly suited to the early acoustic recording process, and turned out a wealth of pot-boiler tunes. Along with these she also recorded a considerable number of art songs and some operatic pieces. A fine linguist, Gluck was pretty much the perfect lyric soprano, merging a beauty of a voice with marvelous technical skills. Her popularity should never disquise the quality of her artistry.

Gluck and Caruso recorded one selection together, a fine record, but it is to her solo selections you should hear for the true range and measure of this endearing singer. If you care for singing, and are not averse to the older style prevalent at the turn of the 20th century, you should give this CD a long careful look. There are two Cds and a wealth of selections to sample. They should give you a very clear idea if Gluck is for you.

Marston did a fine job on the transfers; aided in part by the luxury of Gluck's great popularity most of her records can be found in superb condition. I believe many of the records came courtesy Lawrence Holdridge, the premier auctioneer in America of older opera records. Lucky us!

The enclosed booklet does a fine job discussing Gluck's career and life. She was married to the outstanding violinist Efrem Zimbalist, and they made several recordings matching his beautiful playing to her fabulous singing. Her singing of the famous aria "Depuis le jour" from Louise is enchantment itself.

For Remington Steele fans, Stephanie is Gluck's granddaughter.

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