(Oskar Fried - Mostly forgotten today - but did introduce Mahler to Russia)

Since everyone is more than familiar with The Nutracker Suite (not to mention hearing it adnauseum during the holidays), I thought I would offer two historic recordings of the same work. One by the legendary, but largely forgotten conductor Oskar Fried and the other by the more well-known-but-getting-obscure-by-the-minute Paul van Kempen. Both were conductors who were well established in their day and whose recordings have been sought after by collectors for years.

First up, a 1927 (early electric so it could be 1926) recording featuring Oskar Fried and the Berlin State Opera. I believe one of the first recordings of the Nutcracker done by the electrical method. And the second, a 1939 recording featuring the Dresden Philharmonic conducted by Paul van Kempen. Both recordings were made for the Deutsche Grammophon (Polydor) company. The Fried was issued in the States on the Brunwick label and the van Kempen was probably not issued overseas as war broke out shortly after the recording was made.

(Paul van Kempen - less obscure but no less collectable)

Two recordings with two different points of view - both from the 78 rpm period.

Enjoy and don't forget to hit the "donate" button at the bottom. Pennies, nickels and dimes are welcome. We slaved for hours over these things. . . sort of.