John McCormack sings "The Vacant Chair." 1915

The great tenor in a sentimental favorite from the American Civil War, where it became popular with both Union and Confederate troops. The message is universal, and focusses the terrible losses of war at the most private and intimate level--the family gathered around the dinner table. I would call attention to the extremely high note McCormack sings at the end of the song, a high D natural. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only recording where he sings so high a note. I may be mistaken, but none comes to mind.

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Category:

Music

Tags:

• John
• McCormack
• tenor
• opera
• The
• Vacant
• Chair

[thefreedomlass]

Lovely hymn to the fallen. Thanks for posting this version.

It is always a pleasure to listen to J Mccormack's interpretation of the old songs and ballads.

[EdmundStAustell]

@thefreedomlass Thank you very much. Yes, he was a great master of song, no doubt about it.

[younglemeshevist]

A beautiful recording! Thanks for posting.

[EdmundStAustell]

My pleasure! Welcome back! I missed you!

[Bivolari]

Ah, we miss you John.

[EdmundStAustell]

@Bivolari Yes, indeed, John, old buddy. You, along with Mario Lanza, are permanent testimony to the fact that great tenors CAN actually sing in English and be understood!

[EdmundStAustell]

@lilythepink123 My pleasure, Lily. I thought of you when I put it up. Check out the one I just put up called "The Barefoot Trail," but only if you are in a very sentimental mood:) :)

[EdmundStAustell]

@dantitustimshu Yes, it's seamless. Works very well.

[dantitustimshu]

A lovely little gem from a great artist. The high D natural is beautifully integrated with the overall feeling of fervent longing in the song. Thank you, Edmund, for posting.