Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

El mole rachmin (für Titanik) [ORIGINAL 78 RPM RECORD WITH TWO SILVER GELATIN PRINTS]

Rosenblatt, Joseph (Josef "Yossele" Rosenblatt)

Camden, NJ: Victor Talking Machine Co., [1913]. First edition. Framed. Size of frame: 17 6/8 x 23 2/8". Framed and matted 78 RPM and two silver gelatin prints pertaining to Josef "Yossele" Rosenblatt (1882-1933), a Ukrainian-born cantor and composer, who was regarded as the greatest cantor of his time. Indeed, Rosenblatt was known for his remarkable artistry, for the refinement of his timbre, and for his unique capability to shift from normal voice to falsetto, with its characteristic breathy flute-like sound relatively free of overtones. Notes were hit remarkably accurately at high speeds. Fiorituras, similarly, were executed near perfectly, both rhythmically and on pitch. His popularity soared so high that the great Arturo Toscanini approached him to sing the leading role in Jacques Fromental Halévy's "La Juive," but Rosenblatt replied that he would only use his vocal gift for the glory of God, in service to his religion. Similarily, and at about the same time, he was offered $1000 per night to sing at the Chicago opera house, but so great was his love for Yiddishkeit, that he turned it down. Rosenblatt corresponded with many of the great tenors of his day. It is said that upon hearing Rosenblatt sing "Elli Elli", Enrico Caruso was so moved that he climbed onto the stage and kissed him. In April 1912, when the Titanic sank and the first news came of the disaster, Cantor Yossele Rosenblatt felt such compassion for all those who had lost loved ones in the tragedy, that, raising his powerful voice in song, he recorded this “El mole rachmin* (für Titanic)” for Victor records. The record was released in the early months of 1913, and sales soared so high that Rosenblatt was able to collect over $150,000 in royalties, which was promptly and entirely donated to help the distressed families. At the time of this recording, Rosenblatt had just moved to Harlem to take a position at the Ohab Zedek orthodox congregation. Underneath the original 78 RPM (35312-B) are two 3 2/8 x 4 1/2" silver gelatin prints of Josef "Yossele" Rosenblatt. Frame, record and photographs in very good condition. vg. Item #39203

* English translation: "Exalted, compassionate God, grant perfect peace in Your sheltering Presence, among the holy and the pure, to the souls of all our beloved who have gone to their eternal home. May their memory endure as inspiration for deeds of charity and goodness in our lives. May their souls thus be bound up in the bond of life. May they rest in peace. And let us say: Amen."

Price: $1,500.00