Florence Foster Jenkins orig 78 rpm shellac Charmant oiseau
$
148
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Description
The inimitable Florence Foster Jenkins is once again in the news, thanks to the new movie starring Meryl Streep. Jenkins remains a legend for the strange reason that she was an absolutely terrible operatic singer.
As far as we know, Jenkins made only 6 records, between 1941 and 1944 and all were accompanied by Cosme McMoon. These were privately produced, by the Melotone Recording Studio ("Your portrait in sound"). The number of copies pressed is unknown but was certainly very limited since these were primarily made for Mme. Jenkins to give as Christmas gifts to members of her club (The Verdi Club). They became so popular that Mme. Jenkins sold them to the general public. They were not generally available in stores, aside perhaps from the Gramophone Store in NYC, who described one of the recordings as “a most unusual record which must be heard to be believed”. A very succinct description.
Offered here is one of those very rare pressings. This record contains “Charmant oiseau” from David’s La perless du Brasil and it takes up both sides of the disc. In addition to Mr. McMoon as pianist, Louis Alberghini plays the flute obbligato. This 78rpm recording is 12" in diameter and is unusually thick and heavy. The condition is mint.
There are many CD compilations of Jenkins' recordings but originals almost never appear on the market.
I will pack it very securely for safe shipping.
NOTE: this record is a shellac pressing, not an acetate.
This disc is from the private collection offered by Norbeck, Peters and Ford.
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