Music from the Disc

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 32, 9 February 1929, Page 22

Music from the Disc

Ignaz Friedman.

(1) "Eoudo alia Turca" (Mozart); (2) "Pastorale" (Scarlatti). Played by Ignaz Friedman. "Pastorale," by Scarlatti, one of tho oldest of. tho mediaeval composers, and a leading exponent of the old Italian classical school, is written in the. classic idiom. It is a quietly joyful, jovial composition suggestive, as its title indicates, of purling streams, and gamboling lambs. "Bondo alia Turca" is from a sonata in A Major by Mozart. It moves along briskly in a captivating manner that has enabled it to survive, in a popular way, tho work from which it was taken.

Wurlitzer King.

The Wurlitzer organ king, Jesse Crawford, contributes two splendid records to this mouth's issue. On the first there is an Irving Berlin number, "I .Can't Do Without You," and a melodious descriptive piece, "Dance of the Blue Danube" (Eisher). On tho second record are "For Old Time's Sake" and "Rosette." Crawford is a genius at the console, and his variations and effects are always in keeping with tho theme. They are artistic embellishments.

Famous Popular Overture,

National Symphony Orchestra in "Stradclla.". FJo tow's popular opera, "Sjtradella," is based on the actual experiences of Alessandro Stradclhi, ii famous Neapolitan singer and composer (1645-1(381). Ho eloped with a beautiful Venetian girl, and his rival employed murderers to avenge himself. In the opera the murderers are about to kill him, when Stradclla sings a beautiful hymn (heard in the overture), which leaves them spellbound, and everything ends happily. The hymn opens the overture, and is also heard towards the end. , The recording is excellent. ■ ' - ■ ' ' / Johnny Marvin. The soft tenor voice of Johnny Marvin has ample scope, in. "I Still Love You" and "My Pet." Theso two sentimental songs are. favourite vaudeville numbers in America... Marvin records excellently.' '".' Lener String Quartet. "Quartet in G Minor" (Debussy). Played by the Lover String Quartet. Debussy's ono and only string quartet is a thoroughly characteristic, work, full to the brim with tho elusivo atmosphere that is the famous Frenchman's greatest -charm. ■ ' It has quickly become one of the favourite quartets in tho modern repertoire, and the Adagio, in particular, rivals the well-known Andante Canfcabilti from Tscliaikowsky's Quartet in D in popular favour. Individual as tho music is in harmony and melody, it has a feeling of absolute naturalness and- enchanting allurement. The playing of the Loner String Quartet is a finely wrought piece of superb workmanship, an undeniably great achievement, and the records can be. as a brilliant work, wonderfully recorded.' "Lilac Time." The Adelphi Orchestra in "Lilac Time"—Selection (Schubert, arr. Clut'sam). Here is a skilful selection of the best;music from ono of the most successful musical plays of recent times. An ideal record for those who favour light orchestral music. Lyric Melody. Marck Weber, the famous Vicuna conductor, has followed up his "Vienna By Night" record with another fine disc in which he gives selections from Gounod's "Faust" arranged by himself. The score of "Faust" is rich in lyric melody, containing, as it does, "Jewel Song," "Soldier's Chorus," "Even Bravest Heart,'' and the waltz. Weber's arrangement gives artistic expression lo all the big moments of tho opera, and his interpretation is equalled only by the splendid recording. Weber has under his baton one of the-''greatest light orchestras of the day. De Groot Again. The theme soug of the ''motion picture "Wings" is played by the violinist ■ De Groot and tho Piccadilly Orchestra. | It lias a tuneful melody. On the other side "My Angel," another dainty number, is attractively played. De Groot plays as only De Groot can, and the performance of both, pieces has the smooth finish and the indefinable charm that is characteristic of him. Clever Duettists. Maurice and Sydney (duettists), with piano, in "In Old Vienna" (Nieholls) and "Toy-town Artillery" (Lynton). Here are two of tho latest and best songs sung as people like them sung nowadays, with a happy combination 'of harmony, rhythm, and expression. Maurice and Sydney rank with the best duettists of the day. Ethel Leginska. ■ Six "Moments Musicaux'' (Schubert—Op. 94). Pianoforte solos by Ethel Leginska. Schubert's. "Moments Musicaux" are a series of short piano pieces of varying moods, but mostly of a "songs without words" character. Some are' short like the spirited No. 1 in C, with its merry first subject like a call on tho Swiss alpenhorn, and the charming No. 3 in F . minor,known to everyone nowadays as the "Bridesmaids' Dance" in "Lilac Time." Some are more extended, such as the No. 2 in A flat, pensive: and at times sombre, and with a very beautiful second subject which certainly suggests a story. No. 2 has an old-world "motto, perpetuo," to which a pastoral and song-like middle part- affords contrast. No. sis more agitated and strongly rhythmic, while No. 6 .is very expressive. Ethel Leginska's renderings of these "musical moments" is exceedingly, well done. These are records which should command a very wide appeal. "Opera At Home." The now edition of "Opera at Homo" should be welcomed by all gramophone lovers. This latest volume is not merely, tho old one with an addenda, but a more ambitious attempt by the H.M.V. Company to givo the listener an adequate conception not only of the arias that have been recorded, but of the operas from which they have been taken, There is a much larger number of photographs of eminent artists in famous roles than in previous editions, and these also help to visualise the operas. . Sir Hugh Allen is again the editor, and he haß presented a volumo that should be welcomed by every lover of good musicl . Elsa Alsen. "Isolde's Liebestod" — In 2 parts (Tristan and Isolde), (Wagner). Sung by Elsa Alsen, soprano. Elsa Alsen's rendition of this great Wagner air. is most brilliant. It was of this that Wagner wrote: "I have put into this music all that I have ever dreamed or imagined of love," and a truly glorious theme he made it. The dramatic incident of Isolde's death when she sings this-song has -provided.some of tho most affecting moments of music. Death of Battistini. In tho death of Mattia BaUislini. tho world has lost one of the most perfect singers ovor before .tho public. Tho great baritone was always looked upon as a model'of artistic style, and not even Caruso could claim groater popularity. Ho was. born in the year 1857 in Italy, and at twenty-one made his debut in. Bomo. His success was iv-

stantaueous, and lie was speedily engaged for the principal operatic stages, of Italy, Spain, Portugal, and South America. Ho paid his first visit to England in 1884, and has visited Covent Garden many times' since. His own countrymen were so enthusiastic at the remarkable results 1 Jie . achieved that they gavo him the title of. "The Glory of Italy." Battistini created many important roles,.and all musical Europe know the sheer beauty of his voice, his warm, true Italian style, and the dramatic force ofhis acting. His post war appearances in London were marked by wonderful tributes to liis voice and his personality, and we are indeed fortunate that the records by this famous artist, are truly magnificent specimens of the great Italian's powers in their maturity. . Their 'fidelity in tone' and volume to the living- voice is nothing short of. remarkable.

Delightful Sextet,

String Sextet, in "Chant dv Berger" (Op. 17), (Galos),- and "Romance" (Kubeiistein). Two delightful compositions played in charming style. There are few more pleasing instrumental combinations than the string sextet, and none capable of so wide a range of expression with so few instruments.

Something New.

Charles \V. Saxby, F.K.C.O. (cinema orgiin solos with vocal choruses), in "For My Baby," and ".You Can Tell I Lev Anythiiig'Undor. the Sun." Tliis is a fine record with vocal rei'rnins, especially "For My Baby." A rhythm number with clover alternation of brass, saxophone,' glockenspiel, and xylophone effects.

La Scala Chorus of Milan.

Otcllo (ycvdi); (1) "La Tempos ta 7'; (2) "Fuoco di gioa." Sung by La Scala Chorus of Milan. Here is an amazing record by the La Scala Chorus of Milan. The thrilling magnificence of the voices, the dramatic intensity of the music, and the spirited playing of the orchestra' have made this a gloriously outstanding recording achievement. Some of the most striking of VerdiV "Otello" music was written for the chorus' at the commencement of the opera, and "La tempesta" and"Fuoco di gioia" (tempest and fire) choruses are wonderful examples of his genius. The raging of the storm is marvellously pictured in clioral and orchestral colours, and tho singing is of an extraordinary fine character. An astonishingly realistic record. . .■ ' ■ ■.■■•■ Evelyn Scotuey. . . \ V - : Kccords by Evelyn Scotney, the Australian soprano, who is at present visiting her native land and who will prob- j ably bo heard by N,ew Zealanders this I year, has been, responsible for several outstanding discs during the last few ..months.. One readily • recalls her "Caro Nome" from "Eigoletto." Now she gives two numbers by English composers of other days, "Bid Mo. Discourse" (Arne) and "Where the ■ Beo Sucks" (Bishop) and in connection with these it is interesting to note that Madame Scotney is going to feature old songs in her forthcoming tour. There she will sing in the costume of the .period. The two songs under discussion are given by an artist who sings easily and joyously. They exhibit a lovely type of soprano voice, coupled with expressive and intelligent singing, free from mannerisms. ,: . John Coates. (1) "It Was a Lover and His Lass" (Shakespeare and Morloy); (2) "Diaphenia" (Whitakcr). Sung by John Coates,' tenor. These are very admirablo records of the great artistry of John Coates, who has long been famed .for tho lino qualities of his song interpretations and vocal ' abilities. In Morley'sl "It Was a Lover and His Lass"—one of "the greatest songs—he shows most delightful vocalism, with very clear and characteristic, diction. Whitakor's VDiaphcnia" and Cripp's "O Mistress Mine" are also most fascinatingly sung. .To all lovers of artistic singing those beautiful songs of John Coates arc models of perfection and will be very highly appreciated. Odds and Ends. : ; Amongst tho odds and ends of recent recordings should be mentioned Jinrmio Bogers's items, "Away Out on the Mountain" and. "Never. No Mo', Blues," with guitar ; Bud Boilings '& tenor whimsicality, "L Tore Up Your Picture When You Said Good-byo, But I.Put It Together Again," and the Billings-Robison duet, "Do You Still Eemember?"—two popular titles capably rendered. Esther Coleman's line contralto disc, "Tho Dear Homeland," and "My Am Folk," and Albert Eichardson's (bass) offerings of old (English folk songs, "The Old Sow," and "Buttercup Joe." Young English Basso. Two of the finest examples from tho modern English composers, who as song writers arc the equal of any in tho world to:day, "Sea Fever!' (Ireland) and "In Summertime on Bredon"(Graham Peel) have been chosen by the young basso Stuart Robertson. The voice is full and resonant. The Ireland song is sung with strength and virility,' and the descriptive nature of "In Summertime on Bredon" is admirably expressed. Will Tyffc.

(1) "Sailing Up the. Clyde"; (2) "Yo Can Come and See tho Baby.", By Will Fyft'o, Scotch comedian..Scotland's great comedian, Will Ifyffe, has made a wonderfully humorous record of these two numbers. "Sailing Up the. Clyde", will rank among ■ the Glassies of sparkling humour, for it is immensely funny, and sung with all the irresistible humour for which he is so well known. This wilj tie a tig favourite. Duets from "La Traviata." > Galli-Curci and Guiseppe do Luca havo re-recorded vunder tho electrical process their two excerpts from "La Traviata" (Verdi) —"Imponete" (Now Command Me) and "Dite Alia Giovine" (Say to Thy Daughter). To sing tho praises of the vocal qualities of these artists would be like painting a lily. They are household words. These two duets are the key-notes of the third act. In them the father pleads with the courtesan Violetta to release his sou, and she makes the sacrifice. No scene could be more poignantly dramatic, and the singers, supported by a fine orchestra, seem to live the parts. Hero is splendid character portrayal combined with excellent singing.