"The Crown Of The Year". Mr. Harry Dearth (Easthope Martin, piano).

"The Crown Of The Year"
From "Songs Of Open Country" by Easthope Martin.
Mr. Harry Dearth.(Bass),piano accompaniment by the composer.

I'm not sure for certain when this was recorded though the record is in the 1918 HMV catalogue. I bought the record when on holiday recently, played it and liked it. And as here in England we are in the 'Crown of the Year' season, I thought it would make a fitting upload.

I don't often use the acoustic Gramophone but this is an acoustic record and it comes across rather well.

Harry Dearth (1876- 1933)a popular Bass in ballad concerts and a member of the Royal Choral Society, made many records up to the early 1930's appearing on HMV, Columbia and Broadcast.

Easthope Martin (1882 - 1925) also composed the lovely "Song's of the Fair", a great favourite of mine, especially the syncopated version by Jack Hylton & His Band recorded in 1926.

Enjoy this little piece of Edwardiana.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Harry
• Dearth
• British
• Bass
• The
• Gramophone
• Co.
• HMV
• 78rpm.

[scoterpool]

I think this song is taking over my life. I am trying to imagine being in the studio hearing (and seeing) this recording being made - oh to have been an employee of the gramophone company and be allowed in, on the proviso you don't make a sound, to the studio to hear live recording. I guess "listening" sound booths only came in with the mike,it must have been skillful acoustic sound engineering combined with a bit of trial and error before that development. I'd love to have been in on this one!

[85scampi]

I will send you some articles about early recording , from around the time this record was made. So glad you like this record. I think it is wonderful too.

[scoterpool]

Still playing this magic song!

[85scampi]

I love the 20's and 30's but also the Edwardian era too. In my mid 20's all things 'Edwardian' totally absorbed my interest.

[scoterpool]

My word! What a voice! And what a solid sounding tune! Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness! This breathes the English countryside into the earholes and the reproduction is most impressive. What a heritage of music this country has; the country which gave ballads to the world, this is one to be enjoyed over and over again;

[85scampi]

Do you know 'Songs Of The Fair'?

[scoterpool]

I sung "Come to the Fair" at church once, a good number of years ago and guessed it had an English, Ketelby/Grainger style to it so expected I'd find it on record at some point-the only version I've heard though is Jack Hylton's on Pete Feint's website, which is very pleasant and "come to the fair" is the last song before the reprise, if that's what you call it; you know, the bit at the end. I'd like to hear any other versions available though!

[kspm01]

Delightful, and the tone this soundbox delivers indeed is perfectly suited for this record.

[85scampi]

Yes, I would love to hear him sing 'Come to the Fair'. This song is fast becoming a favourite!.

[duettists]

A lovely recording, the song reminiscent of Easthope Martin's "Come to the fair". I like Harry Dearth's straightforward singing and his impeccable diction.