John McCormack's Farewell Concert 1938

On Sunday, November 27, 1938, the great Irish tenor, John McCormack, gave his farewell concert at Royal Albert Hall in London. Thus ended a truly remarkable career that spanned nearly four decades. More than 11,000 people filled the vast hall as hundreds outside were turned away. Although he was not the singer that he was in his prime 20 years earlier, by all accounts of the event, John McCormack gave an astonishing performance. It was noted that, including encores, he sang an incredible 27 songs and did not leave a dry eye in the house. It is unfortunate that HMV/EMI did not have the foresight to record this event, but from the program and listed encores, I have re-created it with available recordings. There were two songs McCormack never recorded and the list of encores was incomplete. This presentation consists of 15 songs. Enjoy this trip back in time! Program Minnelied Where'er You Walk Herr, was tragt der Boden hier Auch kieine Dinge Panis Angelicus The Star of the County Down O Mary Dear The Old House A Cradle Song When I Have Sung My Songs Encores A Fairy Story by the Fire By the Short Cut to the Rosses The Rose of Tralee Just For Today Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms