Description

FRANCESCO LONGO (1885-1933)

 

 

 

Francesco Longo was an Italian-born pianist, flutist, and orchestra conductor who achieved prominent recognition in the United States during the early 20th century.

He made a significant impact on early 20th-century classical recordings and radio broadcasting in the United States.

Career in New York and Historic Recordings

Toscha Seidel Collaboration: In 1923, he served as the pianist for the world-renowned violinist Toscha Seidel. Together, they recorded several tracks for Columbia Records in New York, including Dvořák’s Slavonic Dance No. 2, Schubert’s Valses Sentimentales, and works by Fritz Kreisler.

Opera Directorship: Before moving to the West Coast, Longo established his reputation in New York as a musical director for the prominent Manhattan Opera Company.

Seattle and the Golden Age of Radio

American Salon Orchestra: Around 1929, he relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he became the conductor and director of the 20-piece American Salon Orchestra. Their classical performances were broadcast daily over the KJR radio station and the wider American Broadcasting Company (ABC) network.

Sheet Music Publications: Beyond performing, he was an active composer. He partnered with Seattle music publisher Harold Weeks to publish sheet music, and Longo’s photograph frequently featured on the covers of these period publications.

Later Years

Following the Wall Street Crash of October 1929, Longo suffered severe financial losses. Historical accounts from the Pacific Northwest radio archives note that the economic collapse heavily impacted his career, depleting his resources during the Great Depression. He died in 1933.

 

 

TRACKLIST

 

Angel’s serenade (Braga) Toscha Seidel (violin) Columbia 98046 98046

Indian snake dance (Burleigh) Toscha Seidel (violin) Columbia 33002-D 80821

Slovonic Dance No. 2 in E minor (Dvorak) Toscha Seidel (violin) Columbia 98084 98084

 

Longo Trio Angel’s Serenade (Braga) Francesco Longo (piano), Nicholas Laucella (flute), and Scipione Guidi (violin) Emerson 10702 41834-2D

Longo Trio Serenade (Titl) Francesco Longo (piano), Nicholas Laucella (flute), and Scipione Guidi (violin) Gennett 9002-B 9002B

Longo Trio Si mes vers avaient des ailes (Hahn) Francesco Longo (piano), Nicholas Laucella (flute), and Scipione Guidi (violin) Emerson No. 10463 41979-3D

Longo Trio Somewhere a Voice Is Calling (Tate) Francesco Longo (piano), Nicholas Laucella (flute), and Scipione Guidi (violin) Pathe 22277 22277B

Longo Trio Tales of Hoffman Barcarole (Offenbach) Francesco Longo (piano), Nicholas Laucella (flute), and Scipione Guidi (violin) Gennett 9002-A 9002A

Longo Trio The Herd Girl’s Dream Francesco Longo (piano), Nicholas Laucella (flute), and Scipione Guidi (violin) Emerson 10702 41835

Longo Trio The Meeting of the Waters (Old melody) Francesco Longo (piano), Nicholas Laucella (flute), and Scipione Guidi (violin) Pathe 22353 22353B

 

6226 DUO-ART MASCAGNI – Intermezzo from the Opera Cavalleria Rusticana

6630 DUO-ART R. STRAUSS – Waltzes from the Opera Der Rosenkavalier