John McCormack, Interview

Ireland's number one breakfast show discusses the life and career of John Count McCormack, one of the greatest singers of the 20th century.

Anthony Kearns, Ireland's foremost tenor and Gordon Ledbetter, broadcaster, author and biographer of John McCormack contribute.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• John
• McCormack
• Irish
• Tenor
• Music
• Singer
• Documentary
• Celebrity

[missgreeneyes56]

Oh, God. Is there any recording anywhere of Count John McCormack singing at the Mass at the 1932 Eucahristic Congress? My father said that it was so wonderful that men were crying. In those days Irish men didn't cry. They left the women to do it. A phenomenol,gorgeous voice. I love him.

[JMCTV]

Unfortunately the recording from the event is very poor and is not available to the public. The piece your father refers to is 'Panis Angelicus', which John McCormack did record in 1927. It is available on many CD reissues one of which is the box set 'John McCormack, Icon Of An Age'. McCormack's recordings is a real treasure trove. Enjoy!

[missgreeneyes56]

Thanks

[beggo321]

I saw footage of him singing at the 1932 Eucahristic today on TG4, if they show a repeat ill record it at put it up on this.

[genesisofpain]

John Mccormack's voice was so beautiful..It's like listening to an angel sing to you.

[blakemooney]

Exactly. And don't think McCormack didn't know the ins and outs of this difficult aria that many top tenors have trouble with--that is--if they do it as Mozart wrote it which is way McCormack sang it so beautifully...and...seemingly effortlessly. That's where the separation of McCormack and the others begins.

[GreekCallas]

I was just repeating what he said in the video, I never said I agreed with him. :P

[klokheten]

It is very awkward to point out Alma Gluck together with Caruso and McCormack. She was great and sold many,many records,but I can´t believe she would be the third on such a list.

[klokheten]

As far as I remember Count John also recorded a few of Mozart songs,in his prime,and when that was is another discussion,but it is not the point. I only meant that since McCormacks vast recorded legacy is so rich,I am rather disappointed when experts always come back to Il mio tesoro. When songs like Swans or Ah!Moon of My Delight is much more unique in my opinion,as vocal art.

For example Stuart Burrows´ rendition of the Don Giovanni aria keep just the same length of phrase and beauty of line.

[GreekCallas]

He said it was his only Mozart recording during his prime, he never said it was "the supreme recording of all his work."