Dennis Brain on Record A Discography by Robert Marshall Review, Cornucopia, September 1996

Collecting Dennis Brain recordings started as a hobby for Robert L. Marshall, professor of musicology at Brandeis University, but became a serious research and publication project with the encouragement of Barry Tuckwell, Stephen Pettitt, Dick Mackey, and Gunther Schuller.

Bob Marshall started as a horn player. He grew up when "Brain ruled the world of horn playing," as he says. It was a natural hobby to acquire orchestra recordings that he thought Brain was playing in, and he kept an inventory.

Bob often bought records at Grython Records in NYC and was known to owner Raymond Donnell. One day, Barry Tuckwell was in the shop. Raymond recognized Barry and told him that he knew someone with a consuming interest in Brain. Barry was intrigued and gave Raymond a card to send Bob. He was enthusiastic and put Bob in touch with John Wates and others. Stephen Pettitt, who wrote a biography of Brain, made available unpublished material. Dick Mackey of the BSO contributed tapes of radio broadcasts. Bob says that because of encouragement by so many people, he thought the project was worth following through to publication.

Brain, in his short life, recorded over 1600 items, including many renditions of the solo repertoire not released. He performed with a whole pantheon of great soloists, pianists, singers, and string players. Brain's recording of the Mozart concertos has never been out of print and has sold over 800,000 copies. Bob worked from itineraries, booking sheets, and similar materials to collate and evaluate evidence of when Brain was where. The book lists everything Brain could possibly be on; in some cases, there is an element of uncertainty, and Bob invites listeners to use their ears to decide.

When looking for a publisher, Bob mailed a preliminary copy to his former horn teacher, Gunther Schuller, who founded Margun Music, publishers and producers. Bob was astonished when Gunther phoned him immediately saying it was a terrific idea. Bob prevailed on Gunther to write a foreword with personal reminiscenses.

A listing of the 400 or so pieces reissued on CD is now included with the book.

Dennis Brain on Record is available from Osmun Music and Robert King.

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