"Holy Night", Evan Williams

Victrola (RS) 64106 "Holy Night" (Cantique de Noël) [Christmas Song] (Adolphe Adam), Sung by Evan Williams (tenor in English), 'cello obbligato by Louis Heine. Post-1914 re-pressing of a recording originally issued late 1909. Played on my VV-X.

I urge everyone to give Jazzbaby's clip of Lucy Isabelle Marsh performing this carol on Victor Blue Seal Batwing a listen. It's wonderful. It will be in the related videos box on the right and it should appear in the view box at the conclusion of my clip. or click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIw8lROVi28

From Gmmix:
Evan Williams (1867-1918) ... He's among those fine singers of yesteryear now nearly forgotten because he preferred recitals to opera. Think I once read that he gave over 1,000 concerts in the U.S., not counting his many and much admired appearances in oratorio--here and abroad. He was born and died in Ohio. He parents came from Wales." Thank you G.

Please check-out his clips at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/gmmix

Thank you.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Victor
• Victrola
• RedSeal
• VV-X
• HolyNight
• EvanWilliams
• obbligato
• tenor
• Christmas
• carols
• 1909
• 1910's

[saltburner2]

In his Record Collector Discography [1978], the late Dr. Gareth Lewis gives the recording date of this item as 20 November 1908 [an earlier version issued as by William T Evans was made on 28 August].

Dr. Lewis gives the playing speed for both as 75rpm, which puts it down a semitone into E flat, with B flat as the highest note [not E, with a high B natural, as here].

[fuzzbear6240]

Saltburner2, Thank you for the info. I'll certainly make a note of the proper speed on the sleeve! I hope you enjoyed the clip.

Regards, J.

[gmaureen]

Well, that was quicker than I expected!! I found an article online from the Akron Beacon Journal dated May 14, 2007 regarding Evan Williams. I can't access the entire article (you need a library card) but it says he was 3rd in record sales early 1900's with Caruso and John McCormack being #1 and #2 resoectively.

[fuzzbear6240]

GMaureen, (Sorry for the delay in responding...again.) Thank you once again for your kind words. As Gmmix says Williams is no nearly as well known today as he should be-I hope to post more of his recordings in the future-stay tuned. I will look up Rhydian-Thanks.

Regards, J.

[gmmix]

Didn't know that Evan Williams (1867-1918) recorded this number; this was a first hearing for me. THANKS! 5 Stars. He's among those fine singers of yesteryear now nearly forgotten because he preferred recitals to opera. Think I once read that he gave over 1,000 concerts in the U.S., not counting his many and much admired appearances in oratorio--here and abroad. He was born and died in Ohio. He parents came from Wales.

[fuzzbear6240]

Gmmix, Fascinating-thank you for sharing that with us. I have a few Evan Williams recordings-I'll have to dig them up and post more. My he died awfully young. A lot of people died too early in 1918. YF, J.

[avnostlga]

Fuzzbear6240 - Do you by chance have Evan Williams - "Forgotten"? I have a copy (Red Seal Bat Wing 74160) that is one of my favorites. It's been a favorite of mine for 20 years. Was wondering, if you had a copy, would you mind posting a recording of it onto youtube? Mine has always been worn, and not since I acquired a gramophone, has it sounded anything good. (Funny how modern technology sounded worse than a gramophone. Hmmmm...)

[juanlugo100]

i liked many his videos and his songs for disc of 78 rpm.i have a victrola rca of 1929 and they are a marvel,regards of venezuela my friend...

[reverendbryan]

Beautiful. I love the sound of Evan Williams' voice.

[gmaureen]

Thank you for this recording. I had never heard of Evan Williams. His voice is beautiful and his interpretation of this lovely hymn is exquisite. Now I'm curious to know more about him. Those Welsh genes are amazing!! The latest Welsh wonder has got to be Rhydian...on youtube look up: Rhydian-Not a dry eye in the house and/or Rhydian- I'm coming home again..