Monday, November 30, 2009

Three Waring

My third and final Waring share for the day is this succinct, yet great, version of The Nutcracker Suite. I think this ranks right up there with the version by the master himself, Spike Jones. This is a recording of the 45 I found many years ago, but I have since discovered it on 12" 78 RPM shellac. I keep meaning to record that one, just to see how it sounds, but I need to get a record player that spins at the appropriate speed, and a needle that fits those big fat grooves. I guess I've got something to look forward to for next Christmas. Anyhow, first shared at Christmas 2006, this is Fred Waring And His Pennsylvanians-Nutcracker Suite (Decca 1-111 7", Mono, 1950).

1. Overture
2. Dance Of The Sugar Plums
3. Trepak
4. Dance Of The Toy Flutes
5. Waltz Of The Flowers

5 comments:

  1. You don't need a record player at 78rpm, merely the correct stylus. Play at 33rpm and retime in software - many audio editing programs will do this - and the overall result is usually very good.

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  2. "Audacity" is more or less infinitely variable with percentage speed changes between input and output speeds with fixed points at 33/45/78.

    Frequency responses can also be varied. Transcribing at slower speeds can usually eliminate or reduce thumps and swishes caused by warped and off centre records. I suspect tracking might be more accurate at slower speeds also. I also find that the subsequent removal of clicks within the software is slightly easier - they don't have such a long trail time nor are they so pronounced.

    Arbie

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  3. I see on the back on the sleeve the choir lyrics are credited to Harry Simeon, of 'Little Drummer Boy' fame. Interesting and well done.

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  4. Wow, I am just now hearing this for the first time, and it's really delightful. I wouldn't have guessed that writing lyrics for the Nutcracker would be a good idea, but this version is so lively and fun, and it really works. Waring strikes again! Thanks a lot for sharing this, Ernie!

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  5. What a kick--don't know if I'll ever be listen to these songs the same way again! Thank you so much for sharing!

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