The Mercury Shakespeare - recordings?

Radio programs, Music CDs & LPs, etc.
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Orson&Jazz
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Postby Orson&Jazz » Fri May 06, 2005 10:48 pm

I've actually got a hold of the "Mercury Shakespeare" book a while ago, and just reading it I was amazed. But then again, any thing Orson Welles does amazes me.


But, I was wondering is there actually still recordings floating around of the plays that they have done to accompany the book?


If there are, I'm really anxious to hear it, and looking for a copy; from anybody!!
"I know a little about Orson's childhood and seriously doubt if he ever was a child."--Joseph Cotten
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NoFake
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Postby NoFake » Thu May 19, 2005 4:59 pm

There are several (Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar and The Merchant of Venice) dating from 1937-8 -- not Todd vintage, but as far back as we can go -- remastered by the Pearl Plays & Poets label and issued on CD.
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Glenn Anders
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Postby Glenn Anders » Thu May 19, 2005 6:28 pm

Well done, NoFake.

Orson & Jazz will also find Macbeth on that lablel.

Glenn
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NoFake
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Postby NoFake » Thu May 19, 2005 7:24 pm

Thank you. Glenn -- and thanks for completing my list with Macbeth. Don't know how I could have missed it! (I have all four.)
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Orson&Jazz
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Postby Orson&Jazz » Tue May 31, 2005 4:46 am

Sorry for the late thank you!



Thank you for that information No Fake and Glenn. I will try my darndest to find the Pearl Plays & Poets label. I am very interested in hearing the plays.
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NoFake
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Postby NoFake » Tue May 31, 2005 11:41 am

Try this, Orson&Jazz:

http://www.pavilionrecords.com/html/pearl/pearl_frma.html

NoFake
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Orson&Jazz
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Postby Orson&Jazz » Wed Jun 01, 2005 12:48 am

Thank you again NoFake!

That link was great!!

Not only was I able to track down the Mercury Shakespeare recordings, I was also able to track down Orson's Dramatic Readings; which was another little gem I was also very interested in!


It was very helpful. Thank you. :D
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Glenn Anders
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Postby Glenn Anders » Wed Jun 01, 2005 4:30 pm

Somewhere in the Pearl back list, Orson & Jazz, you may also be able to search out an edition of the Original Cast Recording of "The Cradle Will Rock," often said to be a "first of its kind."

Glenn
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NoFake
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Postby NoFake » Wed Jun 01, 2005 10:44 pm

My pleasure, Orson&Jazz! And Glenn -- I didn't realize "Cradle" was available from Pearl. I had an old LP once which I gave to a fellow Wellesian, and never thought I'd have the chance to own the recording again. You can bet I'll be back at Pearl! :D
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Orson&Jazz
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Postby Orson&Jazz » Fri Jun 03, 2005 7:13 am

A "Cradle Will Rock" recording?


That is absolutely fantastic! I will definitely make the hunt for that particular recording as well.



Thank you again once more.
"I know a little about Orson's childhood and seriously doubt if he ever was a child."--Joseph Cotten
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Knowles Noel Shane
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Postby Knowles Noel Shane » Sun Jul 24, 2005 3:10 am

The "Dramatic Readings" CD compiles two of Orson's records on the Decca label from the forties, "In the Amercian Tradition" and "No Man Is An Island." It also contains the Decca recording of The Song of Songs from the same period. All the Pearl releases are great.

For you truly fanatical collectors (like me) the orginal 78-speed record sets of The Mercury Shakespeare recordings are occasionally offered on Ebay. I've found a few of them and they are treasures. Along with the 1934 Todd Press printing of Everbody's Shakespeare I spent $150 dollars on.

I love Ebay.
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Knowles Noel Shane
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Postby Knowles Noel Shane » Sun Jul 24, 2005 3:12 am

The "Dramatic Readings" CD compiles two of Orson's records on the Decca label from the forties, "In the Amercian Tradition" and "No Man Is An Island." It also contains the Decca recording of The Song of Songs from the same period. All the Pearl releases are great.

For you truly fanatical collectors (like me) the orginal 78-speed record sets of The Mercury Shakespeare recordings are occasionally offered on Ebay. I've found a few of them and they are treasures. Along with the 1934 Todd Press printing of Everbody's Shakespeare I spent $150 dollars on.

I love Ebay.
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