3 Kirsten Flagstad Opera 78rpm Acetates, one dated 1935
$
63
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Description
Hello. Up for sale are three 12” double-sided acetates that play at 78rpm. The condition on all three is excellent. Some surface noise on them but the recordings are well done.
Kirsten Flagstad’s Metropolitan Opera debut was broadcast live nationwide on Feb. 2, 1935 and it made her an instant star.
Here is what is written on the Audio-Scriptions Inc. labels:
Disc #1: (typed) FLAGSTAD; (handwritten) Act I, Die Walkure, 2 February 1935. There is something written after the word Walkure but I can’t quite make it out – looks like “Bodanzka.” Side 2 reads: (typed) FLAGSTAD; (handwritten) Norwegian Song. This is the track that may be very rare. It is an appearance by Flagstad on the Kraft Music Hall radio program before a live audience. She sings a song accompanied only by a piano. After the song there is light-hearted conversation between Flagstad and Bob Burns. She refers to him as “Bob.” At one point Flagstad notes how she is a big fan of his Bazooka music – referring to Burns’ homemade instrument. The song is complete as is the banter. Excellent recording.
Disc #2: (typed) FLAGSTAD; (handwritten) Debut I, S II, Do Not Play. Side 2 reads: (typed) FLAGSTAD: (handwritten) Debut II, S II, Do Not Play. Note that there is nothing wrong with these recordings. They play fine. Don’t know why the “don’t play” reference is there.
Disc #3: (typed) FLAGSTAD; (handwritten) Debut III, S II, Do Not Play. Side 2 reads: (typed) FLAGSTAD; (handwritten) Debut IV, S II, Do Not Play. Once again, both sides play fine.
I purchased these discs from a NYC collector several years ago. Along with the Flagstad discs were many one-of-a-kind live orchestra rehearsal acetates recorded during WWII featuring music by Gail Kubik (he also conducted) that would later become soundtracks for films, and a live radio tribute to Jerome Kern (3 discs) that may very well be one-of-a-kind.
The winning USA bidder to pay $4 for Media shipping with Delivery Confirmation. Overseas and Canada would be $20 for USPS First Class International. Thanks and good luck!
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