Found in the New York City
Municipal Archives was a March 15, 1949 recording of the Branscombe Choral
performing on WNYC. The women’s chorus was
led by “one of America’s foremost woman musicians,” Gena Branscombe.
The four pieces featured on this broadcast were arrangements of folk tunes about the out-of-doors and the beauties of nature:
1.
“Girls in the Garden” - arranged by H.A. Schemerling
2.
“O River
Flowing Dark and Wide” – A Czech folk tune – arranged by Gena Branscombe
3.
“The Soldier” – a Kentucky folk tune – arranged by
Katherine Davis
4.
“Murmur on, Sweet Harp” – a newly discovered
Stephen Foster song – arranged by Gena Branscombe
The year 1949 marked the 15th
Anniversary of The Branscombe Choral with members celebrating at an anniversary
dinner. They began the year performing
on WNYC, then Town Hall in May and completing the year with their annual
Christmas concert at the Broadway Tabernacle Church in December.
Scroll to the bottom of this hyperlink and you will find the 13 minute performance. Another blog posting will feature Pilgrims of Destiny.
Enjoy listening to the
broadcast which is Courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives.
#BringingBackBranscombe
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