MUSIC and RECORDS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 144, 14 March 1931, Page 22

MUSIC and RECORDS

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C.J.M.

RECORDED MUSIC Songs on the Cinema Organ. Some of the best cinema organ records in recent months have been from Edward O. Henry, the talented organist at Madame Tassaud’s cinema in London. In his latest disc he gives us a tastefully arranged medley of Wilfred Sanderson’s tine songs, delightfully played (H.M.V. 83551). Another popular artist of the same class 1b Jesse Crawford, whose latest contribution to recorded music is “Little White Lies” (one of Donaldsons songs), and the cabaret ditty “Confession” (H.M.V., E.A.823). Clever Pianoforte Medley. . Rosie da Costa, whose clever pianoforte work in the realm of “popular hit” renditions have gained for her many friends among gramophone listeners, has now given us a sparkling medley of selections from “The Fing of Jazz,” introducing “It Happened in Monterey,” “Ragamuffin Romeo," “A Bench in the Park," and “Happy Feet” (H.M.V., 83538).

A New Gene Austin. Gene Austin’s records have .a wide popularity among those Who like sentimental and comedy songs of the cabaret variety. “Alabama Lullaby and “A Vision of Virginia" are two of bis latest (H.M.V., E.A.832).

Old-time Dances. ' The International Novelty Quartet has given us nothing better in recent months than the quartet of Zonophone discs on which they have recorded those old-time dance hits, “Daisy Bell” and “After the Ball” (4644); “The Veleta” and “Merry Widow waltzes (5587) ; “Over the Waves waltz and “See Me Dance the Polka (5445); “Three Blind Mice” and “Perfection” polka (5631) ; "The Skaters’ waltz and “Teddy Bear’s Picnic (5524). This Is a good haul. A Basket of Good Things. Jack Hylton and bis orchestra have recently recorded for H.M.V. an excellent set of dance records which include the fox-trots “Our Jack's Back —“Tid-dle-id-dle-um-pum!’’ (E.A.829) j “Scottish Medley”—“Chum Song (B 5872 “Over the Garden Wall — “There’s a Good Time Coming” (B 5892); “The King’s Horses” —“Adeline” (E.A.820) ; “Body and Soul — “Falling in Love Again,” the latter a waltz from “The Blue Angel" (BA. 824). A basket of good things, this lot.

A New Clarkson Rose. Clarkson Rose can always be depended upon for a “lively disc.” His latest Zonophone offering Is “Wallahmalaka Lucy” and “All in Favour” (568), in which this Irrepressible and irresistible comedian raises quite a few smiles. .

More Laughs.. Of real mirth-provokers there are not so many that a new voice is not welcome. Douglas Byng is a comedian of parts, and in his Zonophone bracket “Sport” and "Mexican Minnie” (5672) proves it.

Songs with a Guitar. Jimmie Rodgers and his guitar are always welcome to lovers of cabaret songs. His “Any Old Time” and "Anniversary Blue Yodel” are typical examples of his style of entertainment, and quite good for a dull hour (Zonophone E.E.221). American Duettists. The duettist style of entertainment in recent years seems to have become a popular vogue in the United States. In : two recent. Zonophone discs we have this characteristic form •of entertainment presented by Bud and Joe Billings—“ When It’s Springtime in the Rockies” and “Sleepy Rio . Grande” (5405), .and by Bud Billings and Carson Robison, “Never Leave Your Girl Too Long”, and "On Top of the HUI” (E.E.225).

Harmonica Music. ‘ . For the autumn days on the yacht, the riverside, the beach and the veranda, harmonica music is a novel break. The “Two Williards,” harmonica duettists, give us a taste of their unique quality in “Handsome Gigolo,” a tango, and “Polly,” the well-known foxtrot (Zonophone E.E.224). Melba Records.

Ong of the booms conferred upon humanity by the gramophone Is that it enables artistic genius to bequeath its delights to posterity. Melba, the glorious and great, has passed from the scene, but in records she can be recalled, and her marvellous vocal technique studied and enjoyed by students, teachers and the public. Her records for His Master’s Voice Is a very long list of solo performances, in addition to which she has been recorded in duets, quartets and sextets with some of the greatest artists of her generation. In a subsequent note there will be given a list of the most famous recordings of her voice that are still available. Melba recorded very clearly, and her singing affords a perfect example of vocal technique.

“Puttin’ on the Ritz.” “Puttin’ on the Ritz” had a great run as a movetone spectacle, and some of its most popular hits are well worth bearing. “Singing a Vagabond Song” anil “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (H.M.V., E.A.719) ; “With You” and “There’s Danger in Your Eyes” (H.M.V., E.A.713), are four of the best. “Rose Cavalier” Waltzes,

The factor J;hat has given “The Rose Cavalier” such phenomenal popularity is the compendium of Viennese waltzes that enliven the play. Those who pin their faith to the “Blue Danube” and those other waltz masterpieces of the Johann Strauss family will, on hearing this marvellously played disc from the Berlin State Opera House Orchestra, feel inclined to admit that Richard Strauss (no relation, of course) lias out-waltzed them all. (Columbia LOX 67.) Piccolo Pieces,

(1) • “Pizzicato Pierrette” (J. Gennin); (2) “Valse des Mascottes” (.1. Gennln). Flute duets by Jean and Pierre Gennln, accompanied by Sir Dau Godfrey and. the Bournemouth. Municipal Orchestra. (Columbia DO 263.) Last month we bad a pair of piccolo duets by the inimitable John and Peter Gennin. Now we have a recording of two more of brother John’s delicious wood-wind trifles—marvellously played on a ten-inch standard label Columbia. A Lovely Mozart Quintet. Quintet in G .Minor (Mozart —K. 516); played by the Lener String Quartet and J. d’Oliviera, 2nd viola. (Columbia LOX 68-71.) There is no age or race that cannot find joy in this work. The Lener Quartet and d’Oliviera give it a masterly performance; and the recording is crystal clear and without the slightest whisper of scratch.

Fine 'Cello Solos. (1) “Serenata Napoletana” (Sgambati—Op. 24, No. 2); (2) '‘Butterflies’’ (Der Schmetterling) (Sir Hamilton HwrtjQ* Etaed fey. fiaspw

'cello, on Columbia IX) 4. Both pieces contain some extremely attractive my sic; the first deeply poetic and fervent, the other full of effective technical devices and catchy melody. The recording has done full justice to Mr. Cassado’s finished playing. Dame Clara Butt.

(J.) “Rose in the Bud” (Barrow and Foster), Key B Flat; (2) “The Rooks” (B. Waterford), Key of G. Sung by Dame Clara Butt, with piano, on Columbia 09011. These little ballads are just the type in which Dame Clara excels, abounding In tender sentiment, long flowing phrases and opportunities for full lower notes.

Brilliant Kipnis Artistry. (1) “Mondnacht” (Moonlight) (Schumann); (2) “Traum durch die Dammerung” (Dream in the Twilight). Sung in German by Alexander Kipnis on Columbia D 03. Admirers of the polished vocalism of this singer will no doubt be amazed at the soft vocal tones of one who normally is associated with the robusto singing of Warner!

Fine Songs by Norman Allin. (1) “Queen.of Sheba”—Aria; “She Alone Charmeth My Sadness" (Gounod); “Samson”—Aria; “Honour and Arms” (Handel). Sung by Norman AUin, basso, with orchestra. (Columbia DOX 114.) England’s greatest bass, Norman Allin, has given further proof of his operatic artistry in the splendid 12-inch Dark Blue he has made for the Columbia March list. Gounod’s “She Alone < harmeth My Sadness” (from “Queen of Sheba”) is from an opera that has long since gone into obscurity owing to the tremendously popular “Faust” which eclipsed it. “Honour and Arms” (on the reverse) is sung with stirringly sardonic vigour by this great bass. Altogether a brilliant record.

More “Buried Treasure.” Symphony No. 4 In D Minor (Schumann) ; played by Bruuo Walter and the Mozart Festival Orchestra. (Columbia 04244-04247.) Alex McLachlan, the well-known English critic of recorded music, has in his third article in “The Gramophone" (November issue) picked this Schumann Symphony as one of Columbia’s brightest gems. “This is among Columbia’s best orchestral recordings of last year, and if Schumann’s orchestration be truly as crass and crude as some would have us believe, it can at least be claimed that It lends itself uncommonly well to gramophone reproduction.”'

Johann Strauss’s “Gipsy Baron.” “The Gipsy Baron”—Overture (Johann Strauss); played by Bruno Walter and the Symphony Orchestra. (Columbia 01369.) A graceful oboe solo, chorused by the strings, and the inevitable lilting Viennese Waltz, are among the delightful blossoms of this most charmingly scented bouquet. “Monte Carlo” and Other Popular Items. Gil Dech and. His Orchestra play a “Monte Chrlo” selection so well that to expect an improvement on it would be ridiculous. It introduces “Beyond the Blue Horizon”: “Give Me a Moment. Please”; “Trlmmln’ the Women"; “She’ll Like Me and Love It”; “Always iu All Ways.” (Columbia DO 248.) Merle Johnston and Quartet give a splendid version (In full) of the foxtrot “Always in All Ways” on Columbia DO 259. On the reverse is “If I’d Only Listened to You”—played by Fred Rich apd his Orchestra. Two superlative recordings of the theme-foxtrot “With My Guitar and You” are given on Columbia DO 175 and DO 130. The first is played by Beu Selvln’s Orchestra (paired with “Around the Corner”), and the second is a vocal version by Jack O’Hagan, who on the reverse sings “Ramblin’ Down the Roadway.” “Shoo the Hoodoo Away”—also from "Swing High”—is sung splendidly by Colin Crane on Columbia DO 185. The Marvellous Milan .Orchestra, “Mignon"—Overture (Thomas). Cav. Molajoli conducting the Milan Symphony Orchestra. (Columbia 05058.) The Milan Orchestra is one of the biggest orchestras iu the world today. They do this lovely “Mignon music admirably and produce a tone that calls up sunny skies and strong bronzed toilers. We must be grateful for the inimitable delicacy with which they serve up this neat and flowerlike overture. Brunswick.

In the last Brunswick list there are several additional “Songs from Dixie” records, including two waltzes “Good Night” and “Wednesday Night,” played by. the Kessinger Brothers (violin and guitar) (220), two vocal duets by Luther and Robison “Do You Still Remember” and “I Tore Up Your Picture When You Said Good-bye" (262). Al Bernard in “Bill Bailie, Won’t You Please Come Home” and “The Preacher and the Bear” (312), and Charlie Craver in two songs, “The Hobo’s Spring 8ong" and “If I Had My Druthers,” with instrumental accompaniment (449). The Six Jumping Jacks offer two popular and attractive fox-trots of the present moment, “You’re Simply Delish” from “Those Three French Girls” and “It’s a Great Life” from “The Playboy of Paris.” Both are with vocal choruses and are excellent dance numbers (4948). Dari Burtnett’s Orchestra has made a record of “Say ‘Oui’, Cherie,” the theme song from the United Artists’ Talkie, “What a Widow.” Burtnett is responsible for a very skilful arrangement which should prove very popular. On the reverse side is “I’m Yours,” a fox-trot from “Leave It To Lester," played by Beu Bernie’s orchestra. (4898 X. The popular tenor, Frank Marvin, is responsible for a very successful record “You’re Simply Delish” from “Those Three French Girls,” coupled with “My Baby Just Cares For Me” from “'Whoopee.” (4949.) Admirers of Nick. Lucas’s style of singing will be pleased to hear his latest record in which be sings “Three Little Words” from the motion picture “Check and Double Check,” and “Wasting My Love on You,” both with orchestral accompaniments. (4959). Nick Lucas also sings “Just a Little Closer” from the film “Remote Control,” coupled with “Confession,” sung by Chester Gaylord. (4896.) Farloplione. . This week's Parlophone records include an excellent disc by the Dajos Bela Orchestra—“ Chant Hindou” (“Song of India”) and “Valse Triste” (Sibelius). This is a most acceptable bracket. (A 4248. Gems from “Frederike" are the “tour-de-force” of Richard Tauber, the eminent German tenor, in the latest Parlophone issues. These include “0 Madchen, Mein Madcheu” and “HedgeRoses.” The Berlin State Opera House Orchestra enhances the claim of these records. (AR1033.) - Waddlnj; @< th® W aa4

“Schaubrnn Folk,” make a captivating disc of orchestral dainties by the Dajos Bela Orchestra. (Parlophone A 4211.) Lighter fare in the new Parlophone issues includes “I’d Like to Find the Guy That Wrote the ‘Stein Song’ ’’ and “Wasn’t It Nice?” (the “North and Smith” duo, with orchestra. A 3102) ; “Roamin’ Thru the Roses” and “Sunny pays” (Don and Ken, duettists, A 8106) ; and “There’s Something About an Old-Fashioned Girl” and “You are the Melody” (Clem Williams, A 3110). ’ 1