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Anna Case

Anna Case (October 29, 1887 - January 7, 1984) was an American operatic lyric soprano. She recorded with Thomas Alva Edison, who used her voice extensively in "tone tests" of whether a live audience could tell the difference between the actual singer and a recording. In addition to recordings for Edison Records on both phonograph cylinder and Diamond Disc, Case recorded for Victor and Columbia Records, and made sound film for Vitaphone.

She was born in Clinton, New Jersey, on October 29, 1887. and educated by vocal trainer Augusta Öhrström-Renard in New York. She made her debut in 1909 at the New Theatre in New York as the Dutch Boy in Werther, and from 1909–1916 was a member of the Metropolitan Opera Company. In first American performances, she created the roles of Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier (1913) and Feodor in Boris Godunov (1913). She sang Olympia in Tales of Hoffmann, Mimi in La Boheme, and Micaela in Carmen.

She wrote music and lyrics to several songs during the 1910s and '20s. She made her film debut in the 1919 silent drama film The Hidden Truth, and sang one of her original songs in the 1926 Vitaphone short La Fiesta. She also appeared in documentaries about sound recording. In 1930 she recorded "Just Awearyin' for You" by Frank Lebby Stanton and Carrie Jacobs-Bond.

On July 18, 1931, she married ITT Corporation executive Clarence H. Mackay at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Roslyn, New York, and retired from the stage shortly afterwards. She began write songs more prolifically in 1936, penning over 50 in two years, and sang occasionally at social events. Her husband died in November, 1938, and Case died in New York City on January 7, 1984. Upon her death she bequeathed her 167.97-carat (33.59 g) Colombian emerald ring and Cartier necklace containing more than 2,000 diamonds, 35 emeralds and an oval cabochon-cut Columbian emerald of 167.97 carat to the Smithsonian Institution.

Birth and Death Data: Born January 1, 1888 (Clinton), Died January 7, 1984 (New York City)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1913 - 1930

Roles Represented in DAHR: soprano vocal, composer, lyricist

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor C-13131 12-in. 4/16/1913 Du also bist mein Braütigam? Johanna Gadski Soprano vocal solo, with female vocal trio and orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W147150 10-in. 11/2/1928 My pretty Jane (The bloom is on the rye) Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W147428 10-in. 11/2/1928 My laddie Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W148185 10-in. 4/5/1929 The little red lark Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W148186 10-in. 4/5/1929 Doreen Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W148501 10-in. 5/10/1929 Alleluia Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W148535 10-in. 5/16/1929 Care selve Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W148704 10-in. 6/18/1929 In quelle trine morbide Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W148705 10-in. 6/18/1929 Amor commanda Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W148706 10-in. 6/18/1929 Care selve Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150128 10-in. 3/26/1930 Care selve Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150129 10-in. 3/26/1930 Amor commanda Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150130 10-in. 3/26/1930 In quelle trine morbide Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150564 10-in. 6/3/1930 A perfect day Anna Case ; Carroll Hollister Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150565 10-in. 6/3/1930 Just a-wearyin' for you Anna Case ; Carroll Hollister Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150566 10-in. 6/3/1930 Bendemeer's stream Anna Case ; Carroll Hollister Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150567 10-in. 6/3/1930 Would God I were the tender apple blossom Anna Case ; Carroll Hollister Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150591 10-in. 6/13/1930 A song of India Anna Case ; Carroll Hollister Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150592 10-in. 6/13/1930 The night wind Anna Case ; Carroll Hollister Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150597 10-in. 6/19/1930 My mother bids me bind my hair Anna Case ; Carroll Hollister Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W150598 10-in. 6/19/1930 The lass with the delicate air Anna Case ; Carroll Hollister Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W98599 12-in. 11/8/1928 Ave Maria Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W98605 12-in. 11/8/1928 Angel's serenade Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W98606 12-in. 11/16/1928 O sleep, why dost thou leave me? Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W98607 12-in. 11/16/1928 Connais-tu le pays Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W98648 12-in. 4/2/1929 Angels ever bright and fair Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W98649 12-in. 4/2/1929 Non so più, cosa son Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Columbia W98659 12-in. 5/10/1929 Angels ever bright and fair Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 2460 10-in. 9/16/1913 Charmant oiseau Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 2463 10-in. 9/23/1913 Depuis le jour Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3172 10-in. July 1914 Mi chiamano Mimì Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3173 10-in. July 1914 Ah! Non credea mirarti Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3174 10-in. July 1914 Musetta waltz Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3347 10-in. Oct. 1914 Depuis le jour Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3348 10-in. 10/2/1914 Mi chiamano Mimì Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3351 10-in. Oct. 1914 Quando me'n vo Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3547 10-in. 1/28/1915 My laddie Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3707 10-in. 4/14/1915 A song of India Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3796 10-in. 5/18/1915 Charmant oiseau Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3805 10-in. 5/20/1915 Mad scene Anna Case ; Julius Spindler Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3936 10-in. 7/2/1915 Comin' thro' the rye Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 3968 10-in. 7/14/1915 Bonnie sweet Bessie Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 4877 10-in. 7/14/1916 Cradle song 1915 Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 4878 10-in. 7/14/1916 Annie Laurie Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 4882 10-in. 7/17/1916 Old folks at home Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 4883 10-in. 7/17/1916 Home, sweet home Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 4897 10-in. 7/21/1916 Mighty lak' a rose Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 4898 10-in. 7/21/1916 Little Boy Blue Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 4925 10-in. 8/16/1916 Carry me back to old Virginny Anna Case ; Criterion Quartet Female vocal solo and male vocal quartet, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 5012 10-in. 9/20/1916 Les oiseaux dans la charmille Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 5578 10-in. 5/22/1917 The star spangled banner Anna Case Soprano vocal solo and mixed vocal chorus, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 5647 10-in. 6/28/1917 Somewhere a voice is calling Anna Case Female vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 5649 10-in. 6/28/1917 A perfect day Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6218 10-in. between 6/7/1918 and 6/13/1918 Will o' the wisp Anna Case ; Charles Gilbert Spross Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6232 10-in. 6/17/1918 Mon coeur ne peut changer Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6238 10-in. between 6/17/1918 and 6/20/1918 Jean Anna Case ; Charles Gilbert Spross Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6247 10-in. between 6/21/1918 and 6/24/1918 Angels, ever bright and fair Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6255 10-in. between 7/1/1918 and 7/5/1918 Synnove's song Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6258 10-in. between 7/1/1918 and 7/5/1918 Come where my love lies dreaming Anna Case ; Criterion Quartet Soprano vocal solo and male vocal quartet, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6305 10-in. 8/4/1918 Parle-moi de ma mere Anna Case ; Ralph Errolle Vocal duet (soprano and tenor), with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6476 10-in. between 11/12/1918 and 11/27/1918 Coming home Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6863 10-in. 7/9/1919 Lithuanian song Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6871 10-in. 7/14/1919 O for the wings of a dove Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 6875 10-in. 7/16/1919 It is well with my soul Anna Case ; Criterion Quartet Soprano vocal solo and male vocal quartet, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 7242 10-in. 3/24/1920 No night there Anna Case Female vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 7248 10-in. 10/2/1914 Good-bye, beloved, good-bye Anna Case ; Lyric Male Quartet Soprano vocal solo and male vocal quartet, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 7249 10-in. 3/29/1920 O sleep, why dost thou leave me? Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 7255 10-in. 3/31/1920 Oh, Mother, my love Anna Case Female vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 7257 10-in. 4/1/1920 Boats of mine Anna Case ; Charles Gilbert Spross Female vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 7258 10-in. 4/1/1920 To you Anna Case ; Charles Gilbert Spross Soprano vocal solo, with piano composer, lyricist, vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 7262 10-in. 4/2/1920 How the gates came ajar Anna Case ; Lyric Male Quartet Female vocal solo and male vocal quartet, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 7263 10-in. 4/2/1920 Qui la voce Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 7335 10-in. 4/30/1920 Why thus doth mourn the willow tree Anna Case ; Paul Reimers Female-male vocal duet, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 7748 10-in. 1/19/1921 Boats of mine Anna Case ; Charles Gilbert Spross Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8142 10-in. 7/25/1921 Love lifted me Anna Case ; Lyric Male Quartet Female vocal solo and male vocal quartet, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8217 10-in. 9/14/1921 A song of thanksgiving Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8218 10-in. 9/14/1921 Dearie Anna Case Female vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8227 10-in. 9/26/1921 Nuit d'étoiles Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8228 10-in. 9/28/1921 Le beau rêve Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8341 10-in. 1/16/1922 Will you come back to me Anna Case Female vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8457 10-in. 5/18/1922 Love is the wind Anna Case Female vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8458 10-in. 5/18/1922 Primavera Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8473 10-in. 5/31/1922 These are they Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8480 10-in. 6/7/1922 Rejoice greatly Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8481 10-in. 6/19/1922 Cuncette Anna Case Female vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8491 10-in. 6/14/1922 A night in Venice Anna Case ; Ralph Errolle Female-male vocal duet, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8496 10-in. 6/19/1922 Verranno a te sull'aure Anna Case ; Ralph Errolle Vocal duet (soprano and tenor), with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8505 10-in. 6/26/1922 E il sol dell' anima Anna Case ; Ralph Errolle Vocal duet (soprano and tenor), with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8680 10-in. 12/4/1922 Leonora's lullaby Anna Case Female vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8766 10-in. 10/8/1923 Charmant oiseau Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8984 10-in. 5/16/1923 Jerusalem Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 8987 10-in. 10/2/1914 Twilight dreams are dreams of you Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9004 10-in. 6/1/1923 Villanelle Anna Case ; Charles Gilbert Spross Female vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9009 10-in. 6/5/1923 Amoureuse Anna Case Female vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9010 10-in. 6/5/1923 Dear land of home Anna Case ; Charles Gilbert Spross Female vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9030 10-in. 6/13/1923 Our paradise Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9035 10-in. 6/15/1923 The valley of laughter Anna Case Female vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9039 10-in. 6/21/1923 Le mal du pays Anna Case ; Robert Gayler Soprano vocal solo, with piano vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9054 10-in. 6/29/1923 Printemps Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9059 10-in. 7/5/1923 Open thou, my love, thy blue eyes Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9088 10-in. 10/2/1914 Bye and bye you will forget me Anna Case Soprano vocal solo and vocal ensemble, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9165 10-in. 9/18/1923 Hear how the sweet sound Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9609 10-in. 7/10/1924 How long wilt Thou forget me Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9624 10-in. 7/17/1924 Imi au ia oe Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with instrumental duet vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9639 10-in. 7/23/1924 Na lei o Hawaii Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with instrumental duet vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9640 10-in. 7/23/1924 Sweet lei lehua Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with instrumental duet vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 9647 10-in. 7/28/1924 Beautiful Kahana Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with instrumental duet vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 10110 12-in. 8/13/1926 September sample record no. 10 Anna Case ; Glen Ellison ; Arthur Hall ; Ernest Hare ; Billy Jones ; Jerry Macy ; John Ryan ; Ed Smalle Dubbed recordings vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 10287 10-in. 3/31/1925 Indian love call Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 10296 10-in. 4/3/1925 Indian dawn Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 10297 10-in. 4/3/1925 Open the gate of your heart Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 10301 10-in. 4/7/1925 The mocking bird Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 10302 10-in. 4/7/1925 Good-bye! Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 10312 10-in. 4/10/1925 Beneath the summer skies Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 10314 10-in. 4/10/1925 For all eternity Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 10318 10-in. 4/14/1925 Cuckoo, shall I grow old? Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 11070 10-in. 6/24/1926 Only a rose Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 11071 10-in. 6/24/1926 A night of love Anna Case Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 12043 12-in. July 1927 or later Carry me back to old Virginny André Benoist ; Anna Case ; Criterion Quartet LP compilation : Instrumental and vocal vocalist, soprano vocal  
Edison 12044 12-in. 7/31/1927 or later The mocking bird André Benoist ; Anna Case LP compilation : Instrumental and vocal vocalist, soprano vocal  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Case, Anna," accessed May 10, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/108838.

Case, Anna. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/108838.

"Case, Anna." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 10 May 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/108838

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