Re: Bertha Kalich & Recordings of the Yiddish Theater

[Joel Bresler <jbresler...>]

HI, all.

I don't know much about Kalich, but I'm always game for discographic questions.

First, Josh, you wrote:

>As you know the recordings prior to 1925 were
>mechanical, direct to disc. Therefore each take got a different matrix
>number. I don't know if that means that the disc you have is a later
>RECORDING as the ones in the Spottswood listing are *rejects*. Check the
>matrix number on your disc and see if it matches the one above.

I think the main difference between pre-and post-1925 recordings are that 
the former are mechanical and the latter were recorded with microphones. 
But I don't believe that that made any different in how the actual 
performances were fixed, in other words, they still cut a master in real 
time, so each take would still have a different matrix number. (Even though 
not all the takes would find their way into the actual recordings.) Or at 
the least a different take number. The use of magnetic tape in the industry 
of course came much later. Or am I missing something here???

As for Kalich's recorded performances, the Rigler Deutsch lists a number of 
recordings. (Don't ask me what these listings mean, I'm just channeling 
them! If you really need to dive in go to a reference library and look up 
Kalich using the Eureka online information service.)

Last, her paper's are at the NYPL if anyone is REALLY interested.

See more below.

Best, Joel

Papers:

Version: New York Public Library Rare Books & Manuscripts
Location: The Billy Rose Theatre Collection, The New York Public Library 
for the Performing Arts, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498.
Call Number: 8MWEZ/28811-832


Notes: I. Personal Papers; II. Professional Papers; III. Photographs; IV. 
Three-Dimensional Images; V. Clippings; VI. Originals; VII. Papers of 
Lillian Kalich Spachner; VIII. Papers of Leopold Spachner.
  One oversize scrapbook of clippings [1918-1922] is available on 
microfilm; The Billy Rose Theatre Collection, The New York Public Library 
for the Performing Arts; call number *ZC-342.
  Original was discarded after filming.
  Bertha Kalich was a Polish singer and actress who emigrated to the United 
States in 1895 with her husband, Leopold Spachner, and daughter Lillian 
Kalich Spachner. In the United States she starred in the Yiddish theater, 
in mainstream live theater and in the cinema until 1928, when her health 
deteriorated. One of her best known roles was the title character of the 
play MAGDA. She performed as well in numerous other productions including 
RIDDLE WOMAN and THE SOUL OF A WOMAN. Performing sporadically throughout 
the last 11 years of her life she died in 1939.
Summary: The Bertha Kalich papers consist of correspondence, posters, 
programs, flyers, business records, clippings, scripts, sides, scrapbooks, 
photographs and three-dimensional images pertaining to her career in the 
theater during the years 1905-1935. There are also the papers of both her 
husband Leopold Spachner and her daughter Lillian Kalich Spachner which 
cover the years 1882 to 1955.
Notes: The majority of the materials are in English, though a great many 
clippings and some scripts are in Yiddish, and some early official 
documentss are in German and Hebrew.
  Finding aid available in repository: folder level control.
  Catalog cards in Cage catalog.


Other Authors: Fiske, Harrison Grey, 1861-1942.
  Dreiser, Theodore, 1871-1945.
  Fields, W. C., 1879-1946.
  Tucker, Sophie, 1884-1966.


Subjects: Kalich, Bertha, 1874-1939.
  Spachner, Lillian Kalich, 1891-
  Spachner, Leopold, 1871-1952.
  Theater, Yiddish--United States.
  Actresses.


Genre Or Form: Scripts.
  Correspondence.
  Clippings.
  Photoprints.
  Scrapbooks.
  Playbills.


Record ID: NYPW91-A96

---

Rigler Deutsch Discography (I have not de-duplicated these listing or 
cross-checked with the Spottswood:)

Author: J Gordon Ponchielli, Ponchielli.
Title: Matouschka Goloubouschka (Mother Dear) (Fun Sappho) La Gioconda. Gia 
Ti Vedo Immota E Morta Concertato Finale Atto Iii Matouschka Goloubouschka 
Ponchielli J Gordon Ponchielli.
Published: Victor [19--]
Publisher Number: VICTOR: 55019-A.
Physical Details: [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]

Other Authors: Kalich, Bertha.
  With Orchestra F Lotti.
  De Gregorio, F.
  Badini, E.
  Della Scala, Coristi.
  Con Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich.
  With Orchestra.


Notes: 55019-A; [Matrix not found]
Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra F Lotti; F De Gregorio; E Badini; Coristi 
Della Scala; Con Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.


Publisher Number: VICTOR: 55019-A
Record ID: RDIXDC8900060027-R
  - Record 28 -
Author: J Gordon Verdi, Verdi.
Title: Matouschka Goloubouschka. (Fun Sappho) Rigoletto. Piangi Fanciulla 
Matouschka Goloubouschka. (Fun Sappho) Verdi J Gordon Verdi.
Published: Victor Record [19--]
Publisher Number: VICTOR RECORD: 45032-A.
Physical Details: [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]


Version: Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)


Other Authors: Kalich, Bertha.
  With Orchestra Francesco Federici.
  Cassani, Albertina.
  Con Orchestra Francesco Federici.
  Cassani, Albetina.
  Con Orchestra.


Notes: 45032-A; [Matrix not found]
  This catalog entry was made possible by a grant from the National 
Endowment for the Humanities and by a grant from Lloyd E. Rigler and 
Lawrence E. Deutsch.
  Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra Francesco Federici; Albertina Cassani; Con 
Orchestra Francesco Federici; Albetina Cassani; Con Orchestra.


Publisher Number: VICTOR RECORD: 45032-A
Record ID: RDIXDC8900060021-R
  - Record 33 -
Author: Kalich, Bertha, 1874-1939.
Title: Papers, 1882-1955.
Physical Details: 11.4 lin. ft. (22 boxes)
  One scrapbook 1 microfilm reel.



Author: Goldfaden Ponchielli A Goldfaden, A.
Title:  La Gioconda. Si, Morir Ella De' Andante Religioso Atto Iii ?2 
Shabes, Jentef In Rischeidesch (Fun Shulamith) A Goldfaden Ponchielli A 
Goldfaden.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Galli, Amleto.
         Con Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich.
         With Orchestra Bertha Kalich.
         With Orchestra.
Notes:  45485-A; [Matrix not found]
         Amleto Galli; Con Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra 
Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.


Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A

Author: Goldfaden Verdi, A.
Title:  Shabes, Jentef In Rischeidasch (Sabbath, Holiday And The New Moon) 
Traviata. Alfredo, Di Questo Core Finale To Act Ii Sabbath, Holiday And The 
New Moon A Goldfaden Verdi.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 1251C.
         VICTOR: 58392.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Other Authors:  Huguet, Mme.
         Pini-corsi, M.
         Badini, M.
         With Orchestra And Chorus Of La Bertha Kalich.
         With Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich.
         With Orchestra.
Notes:  58392; mx 1251C.
         Mme Huguet; M Pini-corsi; M Badini; With Orchestra And Chorus Of 
La Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 58392

Author: Goldfaden, A.
Title:  Fun Shulamith A Goldfaden.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Kalich, Bertha.
Notes:  45485-A; [Matrix not found]
         Bertha Kalich.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A

Author: Goldfaden, A.
Title:  Shabes, Jentuf In Rischoidesch. (Fun Shulamith) A Goldfaden.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Bertha Kalich, Mme.
         With Orchestra.
Notes:  45485-A; [Matrix not found]
         Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A

Author: Goldfaden, A.
Title:  Shabes, Jontaf In Rischoidesch. (Fun Shulamith) A Goldfaden.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Kalich, Bertha.
         Orchestra.
Notes:  45485-A; [Matrix not found]
         Bertha Kalich; Orchestra.

Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A

Author: Gordon A Goldfaden J Gordon, J.
Title:  Sabbath, Holiday And The New Moon. (Fun Shulamith) Matouschka 
Goloubouschka Matouschka Goloubouschka. (Mother Dear) (Fun Sappho) J Gordon 
A Goldfaden J Gordon.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Kalich, Bertha.

Notes:  45485-B; [Matrix not found]
         Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra 
Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B

Author: Gordon, J.
Title:  Matouschka Goloubouschka J Gordon.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Kalich, Bertha.
Notes:  45485-B; [Matrix not found]
         Bertha Kalich.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B

Author: Gordon, J.
Title:  Matouschka Goloubouschka. (Fun Sappho) J Gordon.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Other Authors:  Bertha Kalich, Mme.
         With Orchestra.
Notes:  45485-B; [Matrix not found]
         Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B


Author: Kalich, Berta.
Title: The song of songs which is Solomon / arrangement and melodies by 
Berta Kalich ; musical score by Alberto Bimboni ; piano score.
Published: 1940 Jan.
Physical Details: 1 ms. vocal score (21 p.) ; 35 cm.


Version: New York Public Library
Locations: LOC1 JPB 84-63


Other Authors: Bimboni, Alberto, 1882-1960.
Other Titles: Bible. O.T. Song of Solomon.


Subjects: Monologues with music (Chorus with piano).
  Song of Solomon (Music).
  Bimboni, Alberto, 1882-1960--Manuscripts.


Notes: Holograph by Bimboni, signed, in ink.
  For narrator, choruses (SATB, TBarB, SMzA) and acc. arr. for piano.
  At end: The melodies given by Bertha Kalich ; score arranged by Alberto 
Bimboni, December 1939. January 1940.


Record ID: NYPG84-C5354

Author: Goldfaden Ponchielli A Goldfaden, A.
Title:  La Gioconda. Si, Morir Ella De' Andante Religioso Atto Iii ?2 
Shabes, Jentef In Rischeidesch (Fun Shulamith) A Goldfaden Ponchielli A 
Goldfaden.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Galli, Amleto.
         Con Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich.
         With Orchestra Bertha Kalich.
         With Orchestra.
Notes:  45485-A; [Matrix not found]
         Amleto Galli; Con Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra 
Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.


Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A

Author: Goldfaden Verdi, A.
Title:  Shabes, Jentef In Rischeidasch (Sabbath, Holiday And The New Moon) 
Traviata. Alfredo, Di Questo Core Finale To Act Ii Sabbath, Holiday And The 
New Moon A Goldfaden Verdi.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 1251C.
         VICTOR: 58392.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Other Authors:  Huguet, Mme.
         Pini-corsi, M.
         Badini, M.
         With Orchestra And Chorus Of La Bertha Kalich.
         With Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich.
         With Orchestra.
Notes:  58392; mx 1251C.
         Mme Huguet; M Pini-corsi; M Badini; With Orchestra And Chorus Of 
La Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 58392

Author: Goldfaden, A.
Title:  Fun Shulamith A Goldfaden.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Kalich, Bertha.
Notes:  45485-A; [Matrix not found]
         Bertha Kalich.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A

Author: Goldfaden, A.
Title:  Shabes, Jentuf In Rischoidesch. (Fun Shulamith) A Goldfaden.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Bertha Kalich, Mme.
         With Orchestra.
Notes:  45485-A; [Matrix not found]
         Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A

Author: Goldfaden, A.
Title:  Shabes, Jontaf In Rischoidesch. (Fun Shulamith) A Goldfaden.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Kalich, Bertha.
         Orchestra.
Notes:  45485-A; [Matrix not found]
         Bertha Kalich; Orchestra.

Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-A

Author: Gordon A Goldfaden J Gordon, J.
Title:  Sabbath, Holiday And The New Moon. (Fun Shulamith) Matouschka 
Goloubouschka Matouschka Goloubouschka. (Mother Dear) (Fun Sappho) J Gordon 
A Goldfaden J Gordon.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Kalich, Bertha.

Notes:  45485-B; [Matrix not found]
         Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra 
Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B

Author: Gordon, J.
Title:  Matouschka Goloubouschka J Gordon.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Version:        Rigler-Deutsch (Resource File)
Other Authors:  Kalich, Bertha.
Notes:  45485-B; [Matrix not found]
         Bertha Kalich.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B

Author: Gordon, J.
Title:  Matouschka Goloubouschka. (Fun Sappho) J Gordon.
Published:      Victor [19--]
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B.
Physical Details:       [on 1 side of 1 sound disc :] [78 rpm.]
Other Authors:  Bertha Kalich, Mme.
         With Orchestra.
Notes:  45485-B; [Matrix not found]
         Mme Bertha Kalich; With Orchestra.
Publisher Number:       VICTOR: 45485-B





At 03:39 PM 1/5/00 +0100, you wrote:
>Robert,
>
>the Spottswood catalogue contains the largest list of ethnic 78's made
>in this country since 1893 (- 1942). So, it's the main reference for
>78's (8 volumes long). I simply copied the info down for you with no
>thought about *discographic literacy* as I'm a discographic illiterate
>myself. For quoting Spottswood, here is the info:


<Big snip>


Joel Bresler
250 E. Emerson Rd.
Lexington, MA 02420 USA

Home:           781-862-2432
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Email:          jbresler (at) ma(dot)ultranet(dot)com

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