Adelina Patti (soprano) - The Last Rose of Summer (Moore/traditional) (1905)

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Anyone remotely interested in the art of singing should hear at least some of the records of Adelina Patti. Well-recorded for their time, they preserve the voice of one of the greatest singers of the nineteenth century, albeit past her vocal prime.

Much has been written about Patti. Michael Scott referred to her as 'the finest exponent' of 'the old school' of singing. 'From her adult debut, at the age of 16, at New York's old Academy of Music in 1859,' wrote Scott, 'Adelina Patti (1843-1919) was the Queen of Song, and during 50 years her name was a by-word for her art...'

Patti recorded 'The Last Rose of Summer' on two occasions. This version - the first recording, which was unissued - was made at 'Craig-y-Nos,' Patti's home in Wales, in December 1905. The piano accompaniment was provided by Landon Ronald. The soprano was 62 at the time, and she had been singing for close to half a century but - in Scott's opinion - 'her singing remains more affecting in itself than anyone else's on record. In her recordings, we can hear so many of the ancient graces of singing; here are the real portamento style, the elegant turns and mordents, the trill free of any suggestion of mechanical contrivance.'

I transferred this recording from Historic Masters HMB 78. There is obvious damage to the metal part used for the pressing, but the recording is both important and worthwhile.