Leo Blech/Berlin Phil. - Donna Diana Overture

Leo Blech conducting the Berlin Philharmonic performing von Reznicek's Donna Diana Overture for HMV circa 1935. An obscure, forgotten piece. However, it was the theme song for a very popular American TV show in the 1950's - Sgt. Preston of the Yukon (with his dog King).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Bleck
• Berlin
• Philharmonic
• Victor
• Orthophonic

[CalebCallister]

this is a beautiful piece. i loved it, thanks for posting. i like how the conductor was also a profound nazi.

[merrihew]

Blech was Jewish and was forced out of Germany.

[Brace67]

"On King, on you huskey" The theme music of the great TV series "Sergeant Preston of The Yukon" How I loved it as a boy and the great overture of Reznicek. Thank you for this posting.

[merrihew]

Did you get your deed for one square inch of land in Alaska offered by the sponsor?

[thor8wold]

"Well King, as far as we're concerned, this case is closed.": Sgt. Preston of the Yukon.

The music and the memories bring tears to my eyes after more than 50 years. Does anyone still have their "Deed" from the Square Inch Land Company?

[merrihew]

Actually I do but I can't find it. Maybe its hidden in a box of Quaker puffed wheat (shot from guns).

[MrCatneko]

Wonderful gramophone in a super condition!

[alternatehistories]

@merrihew Yes, in 1937 he was exiled to Riga, Latvia...which eventually fell under Nazi control. Paradoxically, Blech was rescued by the intervention of a high ranking Nazi. Due to Blech's international reputation...Hermann Göring issued an order to major Karl Heise, head of the Schutzpolizei in Riga to issue an exit visa for Blech for neutral Sweden - making Blech the only Jewish survivor of Riga to escape by such high level intervention

[golfshopbob]

I too when I hear this melodic tune, esp recalling Sgt Preston, my eyes swellup. listening with my Dad infront of the TV and on radio, I might add....I'm now 70yrs young and this music is still as fresh as the box of Quaker Oats with my glass of Ovaltine. Bob Vassallo

[valdengo1]

...you could always count on Sgt Preston to save the day, with help from this music

[setunle]

Have always loved it. Also, has anyone heard of the humorous mnemonic for first few bars:

"Donna Diana sat at the piano and tried to play Grieg's piano concerto"?

[kend16]

Brings back very old memories.

Ten out of ten for those who know what was on the other side of the record.

Just for fun.

[zipper179]

@rgriswold43 Yep! That's right! I'm one of 'em..Sponsored by the Quaker Oats Company..Quaker Puff Wheat; and Quaker PuffRice,,The cereal shot from guns! And, I believed it, too..'On. you huskies..! On, King..!'

[Brace67]

A wonderful piece of music and the theme from Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. The Donna Diana Overture by Reznicek.

[jlaurson]

Most famous piece, perhaps... but "greatest"? Shlemil is wonderful, for example (the "Anti-Heldenleben", if you wish). Or the Four Songs of Prayer and Repentance. Plenty to explore and some gems among the lot, with E.N.v. Reznicek

[KarlKaefer2]

This the indicative from "Erkennen Sie die Melodie" with Ernst Stankovski (1969 to 1985)