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, on Columbia matrices XCO 39387 through XCO 39390. Issued in 1950 on 78-rpm records as Columbia Masterworks Set MX-339 (records 73014-D and 73015-D), and on LP as ML-4303, coupled with David Diamond's "Music for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet." The Harp Concerto by Norman Dello Joio (1913-2008) is in two movements: 1. Introduction (at 0:06) and Passacaglia (at 2:12) 2. Scherzo-March (at 10:34) Dello Joio provided the following notes about his concerto, which were printed in the liner notes to this Columbia set: "The first movement is a passacalgia whose entrance is prepared by an extended introduction. This introduction has in it the melodic elements that emerge into the full passacaglia theme set forth by the cellos and the basses. The movement closes with direct references to the introduction. "The second movement is an amiable scherzo. The rhythmic character of this movement affords the harp the opportunity for a varied virtuoso display. Most of the characteristics of the instrument are exploited by their maximum degree of sonority. The two contrasting themes that serve as the frame for the movement are in a constant state of kaleidoscopic treatment between the harp and the orchestra." The concerto is scored for flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, two horns, strings and percussion. Edward Vito, at the time this recording was made, was the principal harpist of Arturo Toscanini's NBC Symphony Orchestra. To download a higher-quality audio file of this recording, please visit my blog, The Shellackophile - http://shellackophile.blogspot.com - where this and many other vintage recordings may be downloaded.