Harry Plunket Greene

A recording from 1905 by the Irish baritone. Plunket Greene was a pioneer (late 1890's) in establishing the song recital as we know it today. He was the first to perform Schumann's "Dichterliebe" in London (1895) and had a long musical partnership with the celebrated pianist Leonard Borwick, a student of Clara Schumann. The song was written by the Irish poet and songwriter Francis A. Fahy (1854-1935). Fahy achieved prominence in the Irish Literary Revival in London, where he hobnobbed with the likes of G.B. Shaw and W.B. Yeats. Here is a link to my playlist for Plunket Greene: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVaesGflLES9WbbiAOcAn6TBKlrbzg35L

The Irish baritone is definitely unique! Harry Plunket Greene (1865-1936) was best known as a singer of German lied and English song. He did sing briefly at Covent Garden. Clearly, his interpretive skills far outshined his vocal ability. 1. "Der Leiermann" (The Organgrinder) from Die Winterreise (rec. January 10, 1934) 0:00 2. "Abschied" (Farewell) from Schwanengesang (rec. January 22, 1904) 2:42 Here is a link to my playlist for Plunket Greene: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVaesGflLES9WbbiAOcAn6TBKlrbzg35L Plunket Greene was a pioneer (late 1890's) in establishing the song recital as we know it today. He was the first to perform Schumann's "Dichterliebe" in London (1895) and had a long musical partnership with the celebrated pianist Leonard Borwick (1868-1925), a student of Clara Schumann. The pianist is unidentified on both recordings. (Der Leiermann is not accompanied by Leonard Borwick.)

Baritone Harry Plunket Greene (1865-1936) / (a) Trottin' to the Fair (Irish melody -- arr. C.V. Stanford); (b) The Sailorman (O'Neil & Wood) / Piano - Samuel Liddle / Recorded: January 10, 1934 -- Trottin’ to the Fair Me and Moll Maloney Seated I declare On a single pony How am I supposed to know that Molly’s safe behind With our heads in, oh, that awkward, awkward way inclined? By her gentle breathin’ Whispering past my ear And her white arms wreathin’ Warm around me here Thus on Dobbins back I discoursed the darling Til upon our track Leapt a mongrel snarling "Ah,” say Moll, “I’m frightened, frightened that the pony’ll start!” And her pretty hands she tightened round my happy heart Till I asked her ‘May I steal a kiss or so?’ And my Molly’s grey eye Didn’t answer no Harry Plunket Greene (24 June 1865 – 19 August 1936): Irish baritone who was most famous in the formal concert and oratorio repertoire. Making a great contribution to British musical life, he wrote and lectured on his art, and enriched the field of musical competitions and examinations. He also wrote Where the Bright Waters Meet (1924) a classic book about fly fishing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Plunket_Greene *********************************