Description

THEO KARLE (THEO KARLE JOHNSTON) (PERRY, IOWA, JULY 30, 1893 – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, MAY 07, 1972)

 

 

 

 

His career began in the way that was typical for many American singers of the period, as a soloist in church services and oratorio performances. After gaining recognition in the United States as a concert singer, he traveled to Paris for further vocal studies and made his operatic debut at the Opéra-Comique. From 1927 to 1930, he was active in France, appearing primarily at the Opéra-Comique and the Opera of Monte Carlo. In 1930, he returned to his homeland, where he became a major star of the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) radio broadcasts until 1934. At the same time, beginning in 1933, he served as a voice teacher at the New York School of Vocal Art while continuing his successful concert career. He was the tenor of a well-known vocal quartet of the 1930s, which also included soprano Marie Tiffany, contralto Lenox, and bass-baritone Richard Bonelli. Before his departure for Europe, he had already made a number of acoustic recordings for Brunswick Records, although all of them consisted of light popular music rather than classical repertoire.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1927 Paris Opéra-Comique Barbiere di Siviglia (Almaviva)

1927 Paris Opéra-Comique Tosca (Cavaradossi)

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

At Dawning (Eberhart-Cadman) 13095 9426 Brunswick approximately December 1922 New York, New York

Because (d’Hardelot) 5082 6765 Brunswick, New York 1921-11

Bells of St. Mary’s (Adams)13007A 3614 Brunswick approximately February 1920 New York, New York

Bohemian girl (Balfe) Happy and light; I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls; Heart bow’d down; Come with the Gypsy bride; Then you’ll remember me; Oh, what full Brunswick 20020 X11990-X11992 New York, New York Brunswick Light Opera Company 11/27/1923

Bonnie wee thing (Lehmann) 13052 8102 Brunswick approximately May 1922 New York, New York

Bring back the golden days (Gillespie) 13013 3820 Brunswick approximately July 1920 New York, New York. 16 West 36th Street

Cavalleria Rusticana (Mascagni) Siciliana 18061 B-17334 Victor, 12 14 1916 Camden, New Jersey

Chimes of Normandy (Planquette) Silent heroes; That night I’ll ne’er forget; Just look at that; Song of the beggars; As he’s looking somewhat pale; Not a ghost at all; Legend of the bells 20020 X12059-X12062 Brunswick 12/7/1923 New York, New York

Christ in Flanders (Stephens) 13002 3289-3290 Brunswick approximately December 1919 New York, New York

Come where my love lies dreaming with Male Trio 13028 3837-3838 Brunswick approximately July 1920 New York, New York. 16 West 36th Street

Dream (Bartlett) 13070 3550-3551 Brunswick approximately January 1920 New York, New York

Elijah (Mendelssohn) If with all your hearts G 26B G26B Music Appreciation

Evening Song (Blumenthal) 13007 3636 Brunswick approximately February 1920 New York, New York

Floradora (Boyd-Jones-Stuart) Opening chorus; Shade of the palm; Tell me, pretty maiden; Queen of the Philippine Islands; I want to be a military man; Island of love  20021 X12063-X12066 Brunswick Light Opera Company 12/8/1923 New York, New York

From the land of the sky-blue water (Cadman) 13011 3610 Brunswick, New York 1920-02