Classic Recitals AE James McCracken

Decca's recorded legacy is dominated by the huge number of complete opera recordings and vocal recitals. While a vast number of these recordings have seen CD release in the past 20 years, many of the original LP recitals have been reissued with other material in order to increase the overall playing time due to the longer time available on CD and modern covers have replaced the originals.

This new mini-series is unashamedly nostalgic and presents original recitals as they were first published during the 1950s and 1960s. Original LP cover art is reproduced and the original back of the LP is used as the inside of the digipack. A clear tray is used with a detail from the original LP sleeve as a background, and the back of the digipack gives the tracklist and artist details in a uniform, current style.

This is the second group of Classic Recitals.

The American tenor James McCracken (1926-1988) was hailed as one of the great Otello's of the post-war period and his debut in the role at the Washington Opera in 1960 is what really brought his name before the public. He had earlier appeared at New York's Metropolitan Opera in 1953 as Parpignol (La Bohème) and in other houses, and in 1957 left the United States for Europe. In Europe he sang major roles such as Radamès, Canio and others and quickly established a formidable reputation as a performer of great emotional intensity and vocal power. In the 1963-64 season at the Metropolitan Opera he caused a sensation when he sang his calling-card role, Otello. He later recorded the role complete with Barbirolli but this recital made for Decca in 1965 includes an aria from Otello and showcases McCracken in several of his other key roles.