1917 Anna Case and Reinald Werrenrath Recital Program Central Concert Company

This lot is a program with inserts for a dual recital presented by the Central Concert Company in Detroit, Michigan. The concert was performed in Arcadia Auditorium on November 13th, 1917. The recital featured Anna Case, soprano and Reinald Werrenrath, baritone.

Anna Case was an American soprano singer born on October 29, 1887, and she passed away on January 7, 1984. She gained prominence as a singer in the early 20th century, particularly known for her performances with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Case's vocal talent extended across various genres, including opera, operetta, and popular music. She was also noted for her recordings, which helped popularize her voice beyond the opera house. Additionally, Case's association with Thomas Edison led to her recording numerous songs for the Edison company, contributing to the early days of the recording industry.

Reinald Werrenrath was an American baritone singer, born on February 7, 1883, and he passed away on September 13, 1953. He was notable for his performances in both opera and popular music during the early 20th century. Werrenrath had a successful career with the Metropolitan Opera, where he performed in numerous productions. He was also known for his recordings, particularly his renditions of popular songs and patriotic tunes, which were widely acclaimed during World War I. Werrenrath's rich baritone voice and expressive performances made him a prominent figure in the music scene of his time.

The program is approximately 7" tall by 5" wide. It includes the concert pieces along with advertising for an upcoming concert by Ethel Leginska, billed as the world's greatest pianist. The back of the program shows a Victrola advertisement promoting Werrenrath's recordings. The concert program has two other inserts. The first is a two-sided sheet with English translations of the foreign language songs on the concert. The second is an order card to get tickets for the Leginska concert.

Ethel Leginska (1886–1970) was a pioneering British pianist, conductor, and composer known for her virtuosic piano performances and breaking gender barriers in orchestral conducting. She gained acclaim for her skillful piano playing in Europe and the United States and made history in 1919 as the first woman to conduct the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Leginska championed contemporary composers and promoted innovative programming throughout her career. As a composer, she created works for piano, orchestra, and voice, leaving a significant legacy in classical music for her exceptional talent and groundbreaking efforts in challenging gender norms within the industry.