Phonoland

Hello All,

Newbie here with an unusual question.

I was wondering if anyone has a copy of a Toscanini with the NBC Symphony Orchestra or Rafael Kubelík then Fritz Reiner with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra record where orchestra personnel are listed?

My late father-in-law, who actually died when my wife was only 10, had lived a full adventurous life by the time he passed away. Apparently he played violin with Toscanini, Kubelík, and Reiner and was with them in their recording years. I can't recall the details exactly, but he may have even been first violin for either Reiner or Kubelík.

I'm looking for recordings as a present for my wife (Christmas, birthday, any time) where - even if it's symbolic - she can listen to her father playing again. We can deduce certain periods based on family legends and a few published photos - late 40's through the mid 1950's. Apparently, he often told anecdotes of playing with the three directors, as well as with Heifetz and other notable orchestra guests. (Sadly some of those anecdotes are either fading with advanced years of family members, or are being exaggerated in genuine enthusiasm of relaying his story.)

I don't know if any recordings ever listed orchestra personnel, but I thought I'd ask - just in case. Please PM me if you have one and we can discuss further details. For privacy reasons I will not post his name here.

Thanks!

Try the Chicago AFM Union Local to find out.

Wow, an unusual request, indeed.

I plan on taking a few weeks off in January. I have thousands of LP's/78's and hundreds of Classical boxed sets and, who knows, there may be something in there. I can burn directly from Vinyl to CD in a heartbeat without a computer through my Tascam deck.

I printed your message as a reminder, and will do some searching for you. The gift of music is to be enjoyed and shared by all. Lord knows, I've been at it for a long time. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona