Discography

Complete Discography, 1904 – 1942

This is a complete list of McCormack’s recordings as cylinders, 78 rpm discs, broadcast transcriptions, recordings on film, and some few items available only on long-playing and compact discs. Only broadcast and film items known to be extant are included, although other broadcast and film recordings may well exist.
Extant recordings are shown in bold type. Information regarding titles published as 78 rpm recordings versus those which have survived as test pressings is given in the chronological sections of this discography, along with indications as to which of these latter items have been published on LP or CD.
Full credits for composers, lyricists, arrangers, etc. to the best of the editor’s knowledge are given in this section. (Only composers are noted in the chronological sections of this discography.)
Selections are given in alphabetical order by title.
In the case of operatic arias, items are placed under the title of the opera. Opera titles are given in the original language of the opera, and arias are given in the language actually sung.
Matrix codes for Victor and HMV recordings allow one to distinguish between acoustic and electric recordings, and between 10 inch and 12 inch discs. The dividing point between the periods of acoustic and electrical recording falls at the beginning of 1925. Victor matrix numbers denote acoustic recordings with a prefix of “B” (10 inch) or “C” (12 inch). Electrical recordings also use this method of indicating the size of the matrix: “BVE” (10 inch) and “CVE” (12 inch). All recordings with other style matrix numbers from 1910 to 1942 were recorded by the Gramophone Company, unless noted as film originals or broadcast transcriptions. McCormack made studio recordings only in England for the Gramophone Company from 1932 to 1942, his last Victor recording sessions falling in 1931.

This discography is based on the research of Paul Worth and Jim Cartright that was published in their book John McCormack – A Comprehensive Discography (JMACD), 1986 (Greenwood Press).

ALPHABETICAL DISCOGRAPHY

Alphabetical Listing Here

We have an ongoing project to make available a copy of all of John McCormack’s recordings. There are a number of recordings already available alongside individual record listings and this will grow over time. We hope you enjoy this feature.

He was a supreme example of art that conceals art and shear hard work that became maninfest only in its results. There is no one to take his place.
Ernest Newman on the death of John McCormack. (The Sunday Times music critic)