The Mercury Shakespeare - recordings?

Orson&Jazz · Post by **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!!

NoFake · Post by **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.

NoFake · Post by **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.)

NoFake · Post by **NoFake** » Tue May 31, 2005 11:41 am

Try this, Orson&Jazz:

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

NoFake

Orson&Jazz · Post by **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.

Glenn Anders · Post by **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

NoFake · Post by **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!

Knowles Noel Shane · Post by **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.