This brings us into the 1930s, where that Dec. 21, 1935 Met broadcast and the arrival of Flagstad await. And that’s where I’ll pick it up next week.

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Now for the sad reports, the first of which is the death of Lawrence F. (“Larry”) Holdridge, for so many years a lamp unto the feet of historical record collectors all over the world. The spectacular annual catalogues he issued for his auctions of records, books, and scores (but mainly records!), with their meticulous condition ratings and arcane biographical information, illustrative material, and recommendations on services, dealers, and equipment, will stand as a reference resource for many years to come.

Second, I must record the closing of Norbeck, Peters, and Ford, for a half-century one of the most comprehensive dealerships in classical historical recordings and related items. In recent years, a visit to their well-curated website was as close as we have been able to come to browsing at a fully stocked classical retailer with a knowledgeable staff. That pleasurable and informative experience will be much missed, and its loss reminds us of the importance of continuing to support the companies that still carry on the tasks of maintaining and restoring the 125-year legacy of recordings of great music and its interpreters.

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NEXT TIME: On Friday, April 14, I’ll be finishing up my selective survey of interwar Lohengrin performances, including some attention to the antagonist and royal roles, and proceeding to consideration of François Girard’s production for the Met, in the light of some thoughts on the opera itself and its possible interpretations.

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