Irene Scharrer (1888-1971) was one of the UK’s best known pianists. While perhaps best remembered for her recording with Henry Wood of the Litolff Scherzo, she was in fact a regular in the recording studios from around 1909 onwards. She made concerto recordings with Landon Ronald, and even attempted the Litolff Scherzo with him in 1915, though it was never issued.

Mendelssohn – Rondo Capriccioso
Irene Scharrer, piano

His Master’s Voice 05539
Matrix HO 257z
Recorded 19th September 1912

Mendelssohn’s Andante and Rondo Capriccioso in E minor Op.14 is here shorn of its Andante introduction, and suffers a slight cut towards the end in order to fit on a single side. In addition, the beginning of the record is very badly worn, so the first few notes of the piece are lost, and there is a great deal of noise over the first phrases. Once the noise settles down, one can enjoy this performance recorded more than 95 years ago.

Chopin - Scherzo No.2 in B minor Op.31
Irene Scharrer, piano

Download - Chopin - Scherzo No.2 - Irene Scharrer

(mp3 file – right click the link, then select “Save as”)

Columbia DX 433
Matrices CAX 6604-3, 6605-2
Recorded 5th December 1932, London

Henry Litolff – Concerto Symphonique No.4 – 2^nd Movement - Scherzo
Irene Scharrer, piano
London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Henry J Wood
 

Columbia DB1267
Matrices CA 14108-2, 14109-2
Recorded 30th October 1933, available from December 1933