"Kathleen Mavourneen", John McCormack

[narutardourannote]

My Aunt's husband's mother told me to listen to this because my name is Kathleen. This is indeed a lovely song.

[ReneeOfTheFae]

This is fantastic! Backstory: I bought an antique book of sheet music (pub. 1862) a few years ago because I sing and my uncle plays piano. Well, our Christmas theme this year is "Civil War era Victorian" (once again.) Auntie and I thought it would be fun to do Tableau Vivant and other entertainments. We randomly picked this song out of the book for me to sing. And I'm glad we did! It's such fun (and a challenge) to sing in my range!

[PiscaCPT]

Bravo! Cheers from Brazil

[BrendanVlogs4You]

I think my mom said one of my ancestors wrote this. Pretty cool! =) ...I love history.

[TheBarmbrackthecat]

I adore this man's voice.......I have everything on CD's.it's awesome that they leave all the 78 recording crackles in.....the song isnt about a woman it's about a country........

[redhorsesrock26]

This is absolutely wonderful to hear, my dear dad loved and sang this song often, and wished to have it played at his funeral. He had a beautiful tenor voice and even looked like John McCormack.

[ShadowFlame62]

I saw the lyrics to this song in a book I've been reading and I finally remembered to look up the song. It's beautiful. "It may be for years and it may be forever", that line hits me pretty hard. Thank you for uploading this.

[schlusnus]

Isn't he wonderful..at his best in this deep caring and loving song..I feel he is to

music as is and was kathleen ferrier...do many folks appreciate his gift,I often

disagree with critics... training is one thing...without the voice there's nothing.!!!

[ernstbecker1]

Holy Mary, what a voice !

[boazyu]

Count John McCormick was a Past Master of his time.

This song brings a tear to my eye for many reasons that shall remain a secret.

[Lateboomer059]

@boazyu Mine too.

[schlusnus]

This is my definate favorite of J. M.'s his tone, breath control, the ideal voice for

for his interpretation of these wonderful Irish songs that ring out Celtic feelings.

[tenorismo]

This recording is almost 100 yrs old . Imagine. The Victrola produces a wonderfull sound

[nnsor]

The choral version by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from the CD 'Songs of the Civil War' is also worth a listen.

[JamesEncliffe]

I just replayed this a dozen times! Beautiful.

[neraweh]

thank you for  this

[egapnala65]

I have a version by a Harold Harmsworth which is incredibly intense.

[fuzzbear6240]

Egapnala65, I'm not familiar with Harmsworth. What era and what label is the recording from? I'd be interested in looking for it. Thanks you watching. I hope you enjoyed this version.

Regards, J.

[egapnala65]

Scala record label no.128a. I am guessing circa 1912. b side is "Kilarney" but the "Mavoruneen" is very powerful.

Ironic thing, Scala Record, Italian opera house, German made 78 of a couple of Irish songs.

[fuzzbear6240]

Egapnala65, Thank you for the info! I'll look for it.

Regards, J.

[egapnala65]

@fuzzbear6240 I've just uploaded it now.

[meltzerboy]

Much as I love John McCormack' singing in general and his rendition of this beautiful ballad, it must take second place (for me) to the magnificent performance by Dame Clara Butt. Also wonderful are the two recordings by Adelina Patti.

[fuzzbear6240]

Meltzerboy, This is one of my favorite recordings-I'll have to make a special effort to hear the recordings you mention-thank you!

YF, J.

[pjdonagh]

I have not yet been able to source the Patti recordings of this song, so must suspend judgement. The Butt rendition I do know, however, and here I confess that the fault may be all mine, I find the great Dame almost alarming in her declamatory style. I recognise from the recording all that is undoubtedly great....tone ,range , style, interpretation etc. but still feel uncomfortable with the result.

Perhaps her voice was "too much" for early mechanical recording?!

[amyjohjed]

Thanks for posting this. I am a home school mom and am currently reading Ralph Moody's "Little Britches" series to my children. This song is mentioned in the second book and my children wanted to hear it. Don't you just love the internet?!!

[fuzzbear6240]

Amyjohjed, Yes the 'net is an amazing resource! Glad to have been of assistance. I do hope your children enjoyed the song.

Regards, J.

[Republicrat74]

This has always been one of my favorites! This voice along with Caruso is what I remember most from the old Victora in the late 1930's.

[fuzzbear6240]

Republicrat74, (Sorry for the delay in responding.) Thank you so much for watching-I'm pleased it brings back fond memories of youth.

Regards, J.

[solsticecelt]

my dad died when I was eight, he had a beautiful singing voice, which I am told I inherited. He was a big Jphn count Mc Cormick fan, I always feel close to him when I listen to the Irish maestro!

[fuzzbear6240]

Solsticecelt, (Sorry for the delay in responding.) I am sorry to hear you lost your father while so young. I am pleased that listening to these wonderful old recordings reminds you of and makes feel closer to your father. I like to think that our departed loved ones are always nearby looking out for us.

Regards, J.

[solsticecelt]

The horn of the hunter is heard on the hill! Beautiful song, but ban fox hunting. I LOVE ANIMALS! John Mc Cormick fan forever.

[fuzzbear6240]

Solsticecelt, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

Regards, J.

[c1ineurekaca]

Oh, does this ever take me back to my childhood. I would sing all my mother's favorites for her on St. Patrick's Day, squeaky as I was.

[fuzzbear6240]

c1ineurekaca, We are never 'squeaky' to our mothers! I hope it calls to mind many happy memories. thank you for sharing your memory and thank you for watching. Happy St. Patrick's day.

Regards, J.

[c1ineurekaca]

Thanks for your prompt and kind reply. I "shared" this on my Facebook page and hope to include The Wearin' o' the Green on my "blob" on Tuesday.

Christine in Chapel Hill

[fuzzbear6240]

Christine, Thank you very much-that's very kind of you. I am always pleased and honored when viewers want to share my little video clips.

Regards, John

[barbaricyawper14]

I love John McCormack and just about every one of his blessed records. His later electric recording of Kathleen Mavourneen, while very different, is just as good as this acoustic. Beautiful, haunting...perfect.

[fuzzbear6240]

Barbaricyawper14, I'm with you! I'm a McCormack fanatic. I'll be looking for that electric recording now. Thank you for watching. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

Regards, J.

[sirjimis]

This song strangely haunts me and to think, I disliked it as a child.

Must be getting old. Thanks for posting.

[fuzzbear6240]

Sirjimis, Thank you for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Regards, J.

[fuzzbear6240]

Monty271, I do hope it calls to mind only the fondest memories.

Regards, J.

[duffield2000]

thanking you for sharing, have you got if i can help somebody, it is my favourite

[fuzzbear6240]

Duffield2000, I don't think so-it doesn't sound familiar, but I'll have a look see. Thanks for watching!

Regards, J.

[cladagh]

Both this song and Macusla break my heart. Both sooo beautiful!. Thank you fuzzybear for posting.

[fuzzbear6240]

Cladagh, Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. They are both beautiful songs.

Regards, J.

[jedmarum]

Wow! Beautiful song, beautiful performance!

[fuzzbear6240]

Jedmarum, McCormack's voice was indeed a gift from God. I'm pleased you enjoyed the recording. Thank you.

Regards, John

[lorgain2]

I was weaned on McCormack`s voice, in Ireland this man was king.

[fuzzbear6240]

Iorgain2, Yes he was truly a king of great music. He managed to put so much emotion in his voice one can't help but be moved. Thank you for the great comments.

Regards, J.

[mrsinn]

does this dude have ahits collection

[fuzzbear6240]

Mrsinn, There are many McCormack compilations out there. Regards, J.

[guetary]

Wonderful - what a magnificent singer. I had not heard this particular version before, so many thanks. I have the 1927 version with Edwin Schneider at the piano, which allows McCormack to indulge in a lot more rubato. I heartily recommend it to you. A great artist.

[fuzzbear6240]

Guetary, So glad you enjoyed it. I will make note of the later recording and look for it. Thank you! Regards, J.

[dinastein44]

Right, I know that version. It was an electronic recording by then and much clearer but Mac's voice had lost some of its freshness, though it was still incredible. I prefer this one, his tone is simply incomparable. McCormack was generations before my time but he has fascinated me for years. Thanks for sharing!

[fuzzbear6240]

Dinastein44, Thank you for the comment. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. It is a beautiful recording-one of my favorites.

Regards, J.

[Corrie121]

Worthy of a five stars rating.

Thanks for sharing.

[fuzzbear6240]

Corrie121, Thank you very much. Regards, J

[meltzerboy]

The great Australian contralto Clara Butt made a

fabulous recording of this song as did Adelina Patti (two performances). The Butt performance is on YouTube and well worth hearing. McCormack, of course, excelled in these songs with his beautiful tone, superb

technique, refined musicianship, and clear diction.

[fuzzbear6240]

Meltzerboy, This is a wonderful number. I'll have to check out the Butt rendition. thank you. Regards, J.

[solsticecelt]

My late father was a john mc cormick fan, and I obtained a copy of his album 'voice of Ireland'and I too am now a fan.I am often singing this song to myself. On this album I particularly like the piano accompaniament on many of the tracks. TG4 Ireland recently broadcast a tribute to john count mc cormick. This involved footage of his performances and input from remaining members of his family. We will never see or hear his like again.

[fuzzbear6240]

Solsticecelt, So true John McCormack was truly one of a kind! One of the greatest voices ever. So glad you enjoyed it. Regards, J.

[solsticecelt]

My late father was a john mc cormick fan, and I obtained a copy of his album 'voice of Ireland'and I too am now a fan.I am often singing this song to myself. On this album I particularly like the piano accompaniament on many of the tracks. TG4 Ireland recently broadcast a tribute to john count mc cormick. This involved footage of his performances and input from remaining members of his family. We will never see or hear his like again.

[ramqen951]

in answer to your e mail, i think the date of his later recording was 1919.sorry i have no further info.

[fuzzbear6240]

Ramqen951, I'll have to look for it, thank you. Regards, J.

[fuzzbear6240]

Ramqen951, It looks like 1927, so it'd be an electric recording. he recorded it three times in '04, once in '06, then in '11 (this one) once more in '27 and finally a broadcast recording from '33. According to the McCormack Society page, if I'm reading it correctly. Now I really want to track it down. Thank you for the lead. Regards, J.

[ramqen951]

as nice as this is,i prefer his later recording in which he really "performed"this lovely song. ps richard crooks also sung it beautifully.

[fuzzbear6240]

Ramqen951, I'm curious what year McCormack recorded this again. Do you have a record number? I'd like to track it down to give it a listen. Thanks. Regards, J.

[kspm01]

Perfection!

[fuzzbear6240]

Kspm01, Thank you! YF, J.