"Macushla", John McCormack

[DerryCummins]

Ahhhh, the great Silver Tenor, Count John McCormack......... brings back many happy memorys of innocence & simplicity so long ago past on. thank you much!

[madamputnam]

Not having heard this recording for more than 40 years all I can say is thank you, thank you.

Louis D'Agostino

[jobywonkinobi]

reminds me of michael collins when they find out britain surrendered,,,, the tenor is singing this in he backround,,,,,,fantastic

[crystalswingareclass]

Truly awesome wonderful vintage music - moving - John

[paulostroff99]

Awesome! Were there ever any his equal in so many ways. TY for sharing.

[swellofthespeakers]

Oh, 1:40-1:42! The hairs on the back of my neck still stand up no matter how many times i hear it! Beautiful!

[Sewell534]

This is recording history.Without doubt one of the greatest recordings ever.Pure gold the man didn't have a shout in him.

[cheapy2006]

my da's in his 70s and loves John McCormack, but through the yerrs that have rendered tape obsolete it falls to me to try and collect some of his (and his father's before him) music. he will cry with happiness when he hears this. thanks for posting it!!!!

[Manxboy11x]

I listened to this as a child in the '60's, John McCormack was one of my Father's favourite singers, along with Caruso. It brings back great memories, what a fantastic voice! My Father was an Irish Gaurdsman during WW2 and also enjoyed Joseph Locke, who I think was another Irish Gaurdsman.

[roseimes]

My parents called me Chuisle. I like this song, but is so sad, Very enjoyable and a treat, thanks.

[MrMickmonk]

Ive heard of this guy but never really heard him till now .. divine voice and diction I'm a fan now 10/10

[JoeJC]

A masterpiece of a song.

[jorna284]

I have loved John McCormack since I was young. At that time (1970's) it was strange for a young teen to listen to McCormack instead of Led Zeppeln LOL. Thank you so much for these files.

[MrKnockna]

Breathtaking

[moo7chi7ld]

what are the last two words--awaken Oh ______.? The text says 'to stay', but Mccormmack seems to be saying ''Oh Fair. . . " what ever it is, it sounds miraculous, a piannissimo on such a high note as b natural.

[SEANFIR]

I just discovered this song tonight, on an acetate transcription disc from Fort Dix, made Mothers' Day 1942. I always transcribe and listen to the discs when I find them as they are someone's private messages from long ago. It was a similar version, but not the same... the Fidelity was better than this one from some 30 years earlier. The other side was a baby laughing and not much else! Wonder if that baby is still alive!?

[Hokita00]

Love it.....

[naniwadog]

Sublime. Thank you for posting this.

[PhilomenaAnnWaddell]

What an artist - such a perfect rendition!

McCormack reveals and personifies the depth and sad emotion of this air like nobody else. Thanks for this pleasure, and posting.

[MrAlfstone]

Just been given this link and I think it is wonderful and what a beautiful room. Can anybody tell me what building that is in the picture on the wall behind the standard lamp?

[solsticecelt1]

My late father had a beautiful voice and used to sing this.

[Teresa9866]

Thank you so much for putting these recordings on Youtuvbe.  The Count is one of my all time favourite singers and these songs hold such sweet memories.

[paullynskey1]

video? its the song i love . michael collins film. ahh brillo

[paulostroff99]

Awesome

[preruminator]

Macushla - your voice is still calling!

[foxyboy11]

Nice to hear this recording, my Grandfather was always singing this whilst playing his piano, when I was a small boy in Wales. Brings back very happy Memories

[Bocc5495]

nice i have a 1906 victrola and can u re-use the needles

[dramamonster]

This guy is great. I love listening to his voice; his tone and breath control are superb. I've often wondered what his singing was like, while walking through Runyon Canyon in Hollywood. Now I know. No wonder he was so well respected. I read on Wikipedia that he was a friend of Victor Herbert's. It's understandable. "Thank You, " for putting his work on YouTube.

[paulostroff99]

ne of John's very best recordings.

[patthecatman]

i remember some time after mccormack's death, a classical radio program featured a certain christopher lynch in the former's memory. lynch sang "macushla"; i was only around nine, but i do remember it. i asked an acquaintance recently if he knew anything about lynch; sadly, he said lynch faded into obscurity with a drinking problem.

[fuzzbear6240]

Patthecatman, Thank you for watching. I'm pleased you enjoyed the recording. Did Lynch make any recordings that you know of?

Regards, J.

[patthecatman]

i will have to wait until i cross paths with my elderly friend again, who is a brother of a dear, departed friend of ours. he would know of any recordings if made.

[patthecatman]

@fuzzbear6240 i just heard lynch on youtube. the recording is faulty but enough of the sheen of his voice can be discerned. 

[fitzclarence29]

We used to have this version on a 78, in the 1950s. So lovely to hear it again - many thanks.

[stu63]

I don't think anyone has ever equaled his vocal performance at the end of this song. Simply indescribable.

[fuzzbear6240]

Stu63, I agree, I'm very pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

Regards, J.

[BaldGrace]

I just heard this in The Dead School, adapted from Patrick McCabe's novel, at the Civic Theatre in Dublin. The song was beautifully used in the production and I couldn't get it out of my head. Great to hear it on the Victrola!

[fuzzbear6240]

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

Regards, J.

[saltburner2]

Amazingly, McCormack recorded this lovely song only once: on 30.03.1911.

His soft ascent from G to A to B flat at the end is simply breathtaking. What a master!

[fuzzbear6240]

Saltburner2, This is one of my favorite recordings of all time. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I'll add the recording date to the descriptive.

Regards, J.

[lgbob1]

I recently heard Macushla by Count Mc Cormack in a play "Dead School", by Pat Mc Cabe, performed by Nomad Theatre Company, directed by Padraig Mc Intyre, in Backstage Theatre Longford, it brought back such beautiful memories, it made me cry. Thank you for giving us this wonderful treasure to so enjoy.

[fuzzbear6240]

Lgbob1, It is a beautiful song, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

Regards, J.

[ninakimbrough]

I also recommend you listen to Anthony Kearns sing Macushla. It's on the Irish Tenor's Ellis Island CD. This concert is also available on DVD. If I knew what I was doing I'd post the DVD (are you allowed to do that - does it violate copyright?). I attended a concert by Anthony Kearns in Naples FL in 2004 or 2005, and he performed it at my request. I cried - it's such a beautiful song. Thanks for posting the McCormack version - I never heard it before.

[fuzzbear6240]

Ninakimbrough, I'll look for it, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed this version as well.

Regards, J.

[akaRazz2]

Thank you fuzzbear6240 for putting this together and onto YouTube. It brought tears to my eyes recalling family memories of when I was 6/7/8 years old in the late '30s/early '40s. Excellent sound quality too. Beautiful voice. I woke this morning with the word "macushla" on my mind. Can't think what might have prompted it, and I wasn't even sure of the spelling, but I did have it right and a Google search brought up your splendid offering. Thank you again.

[fuzzbear6240]

AkaRazz2, Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I'm always so happy to hear of viewers' fond recollections of days gone by.

Regards, J.

[batman1952]

My 11 brothers and sisters used to listen to John McCormick on a Victrola exactly like this one when we were young, Thanks for bringing back the memories

[fuzzbear6240]

Batman1952, Thank you for watching, I pleased you enjoyed it.

Regards, J.

[darraghtank]

very beautiful and haunting top marks

[fuzzbear6240]

Darraghtank, Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the recording. It is one of those very special performances in my opinion. I'm very happy to be able to share it with everyone.

Regards, J.

[CanadaPisces]

The lovely becanto voice of McCormack!

Thank you John for posting and Paul for sharing!

[fuzzbear6240]

CanadaPisces, Thank you so much-I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Is this our Herbert Berliner fan?

Regards, J.

[fuzzbear6240]

Tinsista, (Sorry for the delay in responding.) Thank you yet again. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.

Regards, J.

[missgreeneyes56]

Dear, Fuzzybear6240,

Thanks for repies on youtube. My mother left us on June 13. Her funeral was last Tuesday 30 June. She is singing "Macushla" in heaven, please God.

I arranged a beautiful requiem Mass for her. I had music for the "wake" arranged but we didn't need any. She was her own mucic. God bless you. XX

[fuzzbear6240]

Missgreeneyes56, My condolences on your loss. God rest your mother's soul. Thank you so much for all your kind comments. God Bless you too.

Regards, J.

[pjsmaher]

one of my fathers songs, may god rest his soul.

nice to listen to it on fathers day.

[fuzzbear6240]

Pjsmaher, (Sorry for the delay in responding.) Thank you for the wonderful comment. I hope the record brings back only the fondest memories of your late father. God Bless.

Regards, J.

[missgreeneyes56]

Purest of voices. Nothing else to be said. Gorgeous.

[fuzzbear6240]

Missgreeneyes56, (Sorry for the delay in responding.) So true. Thank you.

Regards, J.

[SirCyrano]

Great performance! Nobody could ennoble a popular song the way McCormack did. His fadeout at the end is a killer; it brought tears to my eyes, and I'm usually a hard case. For the record: I love the old acoustic-era sound, too.

[fuzzbear6240]

SirCyrano, (Sorry for the delay in responding.) Thank you for your kind words, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the recording. It is one of my all time favorites.

Regards, J.

[ellyc19111]

It's a beautiful rendition but have any of you ever heard Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns sing it? It's breathtaking.

[fuzzbear6240]

Ellyc19111, (Sorry for the delay in responding.) No I haven't but I will look for it. Thank you and thank you for watching.

Regards, J.

[gregbu69]

Its a wonderful song... We will be playing this for my granfathers funeral next week... it was one of his favourites songs he liked to sing.

[solsticecelt]

I don't know you but I am sorry for your loss, you have good taste,God bless.

[fuzzbear6240]

Gregbu69, (Sorry for the delay in responding.) My condolences. I certainly hope this clips calls to mind fond memories. God Bless.

Regards, J.

[deyurge]

So beautiful,thank you so much.

[fuzzbear6240]

Deyurge, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you for your kind words.

Regards, J.

[patthecatman]

patterson is NOT to be mentioned in the same breath as john mccormack.

[fuzzbear6240]

Patthecatman, Two different classes of performers, yet Patterson's version performed in 'Michael Collins' was beautifully done. McCormack's will always be my favorite though. Thank you for watching, I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

Regards, J.

[CaLifOrniALARoCks]

Such A sad song... makes me cry........

[fuzzbear6240]

CaLifOrniALARoCks, Yes it never fails to move me. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

Regards, J.

[patthecatman]

patterson was strictly minor league. like comparing babe ruth with eddie stanky.

[missgreeneyes56]

So beautiful. My mum used to sing it ti my dad at parties. I am the baby and I never heard.

[treacyd]

Fantastic

I have been looking for song for ages in the shops (never thought it would be available on youtube)

I just played it for my 2 year old daughter and she loved it - her name is Cushla

Daragh

[fuzzbear6240]

Daragh, Thank you for the kind words. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. It is one of my all time favorite recordings, it never ceases to move me.

Regards, J.

[menapia1]

Absolutely fantastic! I agree wiht your comments on Patterson. I watched Michael Collins on Stephens Night and always the part where Patterson sings this whilenews of the treaty gets me, subtle camera work, 10 different things happening during the song, brilliant singing and cinema

[fuzzbear6240]

Joe, It was a brilliantly filmed scene, it never fails to move me. I've been looking for a commercial release of Frank Patterson's rendition of this for many years. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the clip. Thank you for watching.

Regards, John

[davipianos]

I think that we mostly would agree that this particular recording is a masterpiece and perhaps is most effective rendered through a classic mechanical phonograph... Has Sound reproduction progressed from that point....certainly yes..but there is alot to be said for the atmosphere and purity of an old victrola.

[fuzzbear6240]

David, Thank you much for your kind words. These clips are but a pale imitation of the real sound of an acoustic Victrola, yet it, at least in a small way, conveys the feeling and atmosphere you speak of. I am pleased you enjoyed it.

Regards, J.

[ironlake2]

Thanks for all your fine John McCormack music. My grandmother used to sing his songs and play his recordings on the old Victrola.

[fuzzbear6240]

Ironlake2, Thank you for you kind words. I hope my videos recall to mind fond memories of your grandmother.

Regards, J.

[OperaBuff1935]

I listened to John McCormack recordings on a victrola over at my Granny and Aunt Helen's apartment in S.E. Washington, D. C. That was a great experience. He was also a favorite of Aunt Harriet and her sisters. I loved them then and later when I really got into opera I learned that he did opera, as well, although I'd have to google him to pull up specifics. A great singer. A great piece. Thank you for the posting.

[fuzzbear6240]

OperaBuff1935, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the clip. I do love reading fond reminisces recalled by one of these great old recordings. Thank you for sharing one.

Regards, John

[thatcanyon]

This is a beautiful song rendered so sensitively by the Count. Whenever I hear it, I return to the little parlour in my childhood home where no one failed to be moved to tears by this music - happy tears, my mother would say.

[PhysicistAtWork]

My Celtic-Luso blood boils with this song. Thank YOU.

[fuzzbear6240]

PAW, Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Regards, J.

[snapespants]

This song brings tears to my eyes - it's just perfect, isn't it? And the original version, so special. Thanks!

[fuzzbear6240]

Snapespants, Thank you so much for your wonderful compliment. I so pleased you enjoyed it.

Regards, J.

[bluecell99]

It brings back memories.Was one of my grandmothers favourite songs and she actually met Mc Cormack in Dublin in the early forties in Dublin."A nice big countryman!" she said.

[fuzzbear6240]

Bluecell99, Thank you. That's a wonderful anecdote. Thank you for sharing it. I'm pleased you enjoyed my clip.

Regards, J.

[homousios]

I love this song. I just heard Dennis O Neill cd at ITUNES. It was a beautiful rendition and then I found this version here. I ordered the sheetmusic and cant wait to start singing it.Thanks again for this video

[fuzzbear6240]

Homousios, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. It is one of my absolute favorite recordings. The late Frank Patterson also did a wonderful rendition of 'Macushla'. Thank you for the kind words.

Regards, J.

[stuartylad]

Hi Wannock,

I'm very pleased that my comment lead you down memory lane. I've got to go out singing tonight as it happens so I'll do that one and mention this thread and a 65 year old Canadian who's having requests sung by a 31 year old Englishman... What a VERY strange concept!

[stuartylad]

How wonderful to hear this stuff again. I was brought up on music of this type when I was a child accompanist for a concert party. I've got the music for it somewhere - I think I'll have a go at singing it and uploading it for your opinion.

Great stuff, many thanks. Do you have Sunshine of Your Smile by any chance? It's my favourite song in the world and regularly sing it.

[fuzzbear6240]

Stuartylad, I'm glad you enjoyed it-hope it brings back many fond memories. I'd love to hear your version of 'Macushla'. I don't think I have 'Sunshine of Your Smile', but I'll keep an eye out.

Regards, J.

[Wannock1]

"The Sunshine of your Smile" is a dear, dear old memory. I'd forgotten until you mentioned it. One of my Dad's favourites, and consequently one of mine.

[idiotnumber8]

No other rendition like it. (Like McCormack, himself.) Thank you.

[fuzzbear6240]

Idiotnumber8, I agree whole heartedly. So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

Regards, J.

[yammyrob]

stunning in every way. the last 3 notes hit are like pure silk. my grandads favourite and mine to. thankyou for posting . rob

[fuzzbear6240]

Rob, So very glad you enjoyed it. It is as near perfect performance as humanly possible in my humble opinion. I hope it rekindles fond memories. Thank you for the kind words. Regards, J.

[fybough]

How much for the Lamp ?

[fuzzbear6240]

Fybough, I think the shipping to Ireland would be prohibitive. Regards, J.

[Corrie121]

Very moving. Thank you for the information and words.

[fuzzbear6240]

Corrie121, Thank you for the compliment. Glad you enjoyed it. Regards, J.

[griffcats]

Brilliant and tender too

[fuzzbear6240]

Griffcats, Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed McCormack's wonderful rendition of this wonderful song. Regards, J.

[meltzerboy]

McCormack was probably the greatest interpreter of Irish/Scottish/English folksongs on record. In this song, the emotion is almost tangible and the pianissimo at the end magical.

[fuzzbear6240]

Meltzerboy, I agree. This recording is probably the most moving and touching recording I have. It affects me in a very special way. So glad you enjoyed it. Regards, J.

[paulostroff99]

Spectacular! Certainly one of his best-if there is such a thing!Bravo! TY.

[fuzzbear6240]

Paulostroff99, I agree. It is one of my all time favorites. So glad you enjoyed it. Regards, J.

[paulostroff99]

Best regards!

[lasultanica]

thank you sooo much, paulostroff99 : )

[WillesdenHerald]

my grandad (peter moran) used to sing this on radio eireann/2rn. amongst other things. beautiful.

[fuzzbear6240]

WillesdenHerald, It's an amazing song-one of my favorites. That's wonderful. I hope it brings back fond memories. Regards, J.

[WillesdenHerald]

macushla is from the irish "mo chuisle" meaning "my pulse". quite a romantic idea, to say the least.

[fuzzbear6240]

WillesdenHerald, Yes, a wonderful idea of closeness and intimacy. True love! Such a beautiful sentiment it is-and a beautiful song. Regards, J.

[brychar66]

That certainly sounds wonderful, your gramophone has a tremendous tone and the record sounds almost new. Can't hear enough of JM!

[fuzzbear6240]

Brychar66, Thank you! The fibre needle is what does the trick on this one. It imparts a wonderful mellow tone that compliments McCormack's voice I think. Regards, J.

[kspm01]

Probably the best version ever... after all those years.

[fuzzbear6240]

Kspm01, Yes indeed, it's my all time favorite. I have heard some wonderful versions of Macushla, but none touch me as McCormack's! Regards, J.

[keyboardtunes]

This is wonderful Fuzz...

You know, back when John McCormack recorded this, I believe it was around 1910, he did so without the benefit of our "modern day" recording equipment. So, it just goes to show what a tremendous, natural singing voice he had. Five stars for this one!

[fuzzbear6240]

Jim, Yes I still find it amazing that McCormack and all the great artists of the early days of recording didn't have the benefit of microphones. Of course they didn't have them on the stage either. These men and women knew how to project! Thank you for the kind words. Regards, John

[zciweslab]

Tá sé go h-alainn. Go raibh maith agat!

[fuzzbear6240]

Zciweslab, Thank you (I hope! ;-) ) YF, J.

[fuzzbear6240]

Tá fáilte romhat. YF, J.

[Ichkovitch]

Beautiful sound quality. Thanks for the new word -- Macushla.

[fuzzbear6240]

Ichkovitch, Thank you. I think the fibre needle makes a big difference. Also, while closing the lid makes the clip less interesting, it does improve the sound somewhat. I wanted this clip to sound as good as we could make it. Regards, J.