John McCormack (tenor) - The Lord is My Light (Allitsen) (1917)

A few days ago, I found myself responding to a social media post in relation to John McCormack (1884-1945) where the writer used the words 'attempting to sing' in relation to arias such as 'Il mio tesoro.' My response was to the effect that however else I might describe the art of the great Irish tenor, 'attempting to sing' would be a formulation that wouldn't even enter my mind. Michael Scott - an admirer who still retained a few reservations - used the term 'ineffably beautiful' to refer to one example of McCormack's singing, and elsewhere wrote of his 'exquisite enunciation of the text' and his ability in ballad and song where he 'spoke with the eloquence of a minstrel.'
In any event, I thought that before I upload a few more of Bratza's discs it was time to post a McCormack recording. His version of Frances Allitsen's setting of Psalm 27, recorded for Victor on 23 October 1917, has long been a favourite of mine. It is sung with passionate commitment and exhibits a real understanding of the text. Although McCormack was a light tenor, it is quite apparent that the voice was not a small one. It can - and does at times - thrill us with its power.

[@The-Organised-Pianist]

Thanks for the helpful signpost that led me to this & the inspiration available here!

[@vintagesounds3878]

Yes, this is a great version.

[@leongreen8088]

Two classics at once. Thanks!

[@siouxsie1954]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this.

[@vintagesounds3878]

Thank you!