VH–When You’re Away

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In November 1914, Victor Herbert came out with another lovely operetta but with only one song that still offers us with lasting value. The song was “When You’re Away.” It is a million miles away from the sound of Kern’s “They Didn’t Believe Me,” which tells us that, once more, the musical clock is turning the page. Operetta may not be finished as a musical form, but other forms are now competing for ticket sales. That said, there is still much to love in the operetta category from Herbert in 1917 and then from Friml and Romberg in the 1920’s.

Here is a 1929 recording by Richard Crooks, who we heard a few weeks ago when we listened to the music from Naughty Marietta. At the end, he takes the last high note softly, supported by an accompanying harp.