"Macushla", John McCormack

Vicrola (RS) 64205, "Macushla" (Rowe-Macmurrough), John McCormack, Tenor with orchestra. Played on my 1916 vintage VV-X. First issued circa late 1911; this pressing is a post-1914 pressing. Played at approximately 76.60 rpm using an Exhibition Sound-Box fitted with a N.O.S. Halls Fibre needle.

"MACUSHLA"

Macushla! Macushla! Your Sweet Voice Is Calling
Calling Me Softly Again And Again
Macushla! Macushla! I Hear Its Dear Pleading
My Blue Eyed Macushla, I Hear It In Vain.

Macushla! Macushla! Your White Arms Are Reaching
I Feel Them Enfolding Caressing Me Still
Fling Them Out In The Darkness My Lost Love
Macushla, Let Them Find Me And Bind Me Again If They Will.

Macushla! Macushla! Your Red Lips Are Saying
That Death Is A Dream And Love Is For Aye
Then Awaken Macushla, Awake From Thy Dreaming
My Blue Eyes Macushla, Awaken To Stay...

Macushla is an Irish term of endearment. My heart, my pulse. It is used as My dear, my darling.

This is one of my favorite all time recordings. The only singer I have ever heard who even came close to the passion McCormack sings this with was Frank Patterson. This recording moves me every time I listen to it.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Victor
• Victrola
• phonograph
• JohnMcCormack
• RedSeal
• tenor
• orchestra
• Macushla
• 1911
• 1910's

[patthecatman]

i remember some time after mccormack's death, a classical radio program featured a certain christopher lynch in the former's memory. lynch sang "macushla"; i was only around nine, but i do remember it. i asked an acquaintance recently if he knew anything about lynch; sadly, he said lynch faded into obscurity with a drinking problem.

[fuzzbear6240]

Patthecatman, Thank you for watching. I'm pleased you enjoyed the recording. Did Lynch make any recordings that you know of?

Regards, J.

[stu63]

I don't think anyone has ever equaled his vocal performance at the end of this song. Simply indescribable.

[fuzzbear6240]

Stu63, I agree, I'm very pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

Regards, J.

[BaldGrace]

I just heard this in The Dead School, adapted from Patrick McCabe's novel, at the Civic Theatre in Dublin. The song was beautifully used in the production and I couldn't get it out of my head. Great to hear it on the Victrola!

[fuzzbear6240]

BaldGrace, Thank you for watching. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

Regards, J.

[gregbu69]

Its a wonderful song... We will be playing this for my granfathers funeral next week... it was one of his favourites songs he liked to sing.

[DerryCummins]

Ahhhh, the great Silver Tenor, Count John McCormack......... brings back many happy memorys of innocence & simplicity so long ago past on. thank you much!

[madamputnam]

Not having heard this recording for more than 40 years all I can say is thank you, thank you.

Louis D'Agostino

[jobywonkinobi]

reminds me of michael collins when they find out britain surrendered,,,, the tenor is singing this in he backround,,,,,,fantastic

[crystalswingareclass]

Truly awesome wonderful vintage music - moving - John

[paulostroff99]

Awesome! Were there ever any his equal in so many ways. TY for sharing.

[swellofthespeakers]

Oh, 1:40-1:42! The hairs on the back of my neck still stand up no matter how many times i hear it! Beautiful!

[Sewell534]

This is recording history.Without doubt one of the greatest recordings ever.Pure gold the man didn't have a shout in him.

[cheapy2006]

my da's in his 70s and loves John McCormack, but through the yerrs that have rendered tape obsolete it falls to me to try and collect some of his (and his father's before him) music. he will cry with happiness when he hears this. thanks for posting it!!!!

[Manxboy11x]

I listened to this as a child in the '60's, John McCormack was one of my Father's favourite singers, along with Caruso. It brings back great memories, what a fantastic voice! My Father was an Irish Gaurdsman during WW2 and also enjoyed Joseph Locke, who I think was another Irish Gaurdsman.