Music from the Disc

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 23, 26 July 1930, Page 24

Music from the Disc

"Tosca" —Complete Recording. After the tremendous success they had v.-itli tho complete recordings of Puccini's "La Boheme" and "Madam Butterfly," it is hardly surprising that Columbia "come at it again," this time with the same composer's "Tosca." "Tosca" lends itself even more admirably to the gramophone than the other two. It is full-blooded melodrama, and its situations are not so delicate and subtlo as to domand tho support of a full stage presentation. Columbia have called together^ a magnificent caste. Bianea Scaceiati's performance as "Tosca" will long be talked of. Her rich, significantly expressive tones are those of a born actress, and the quality of her varying emotions are a revelation of limpid vocalism under wonderful control. Her open-throated attack, the lovely portamenti after some of tho high notes —in "Vissi d'Arte," for example—will endear themselves to the opera-lover at once. Alessandro Granda, whose huge success as Pinkerton in "Madam Butterfly" will bo_ remembered, repeats his triumph as Cavaradossi. In tho Torture Scene he is immense, and throughout he is free from all mannerism and affectation. High praise must also go to Enrico Molinari, the Scarpia of the opera. He' carries through his difficult part with real power. Ou side 11, for instance, in Tosca's presence he has to bo first the courteous gallant, tho insidious lago, and the speaker of dramatic asides. When driving Tosca to save her lover by betraying Augelotti (side 18) he is literally torrible. In support of these principals are Baceoloni, Baracehi, Venturing and Cortellino, and tho vast resources of the Milan Symphony Orchestra, under Cay. Loreuza Molajoli, have.been employed to the full in. this masterpiece of recording. (Columbia, 9930-43). Latest Zonophoaes. The latest Zonophone catalogue covers a wide field. The International Orchestra is well to the fore with "My, Hero," the waltz song from Strauss s "Chocolate Soldier," and another charming waltz by Lincke, "Unrequitted Love" (EF 20) on tho grand organ, B. Arnold Greir, bno.of England's finest musicians, plays Sehu berts "Marche Militaire in D" and Mendelssohn's "Buy Bias" Overture. The tone is very flue. (A 375.) ihe popular basso, Foster Richardson, adds to his collection of ballads and folk songs with' two Sanderson numbers, "Land of Delight" and "Up From Somerset." The voice is always pleasing, and resonant and the orchestra accompaniment is adequate. (A 381.) Barrington Hooper, a beautiful lyric tenor, contributes two old but firm favourites, "Nirvana" and "Lolita." His tone colourings bring out every shade of meaning. (A 382.) Two theme songs from the film "Woman to Woman"—"Sunshino of My Heart' and "To You," are most pleasingly sung by Maurice Elwin, a baritone who has made striking success of songs of this class. (5490.) The Irish tenor, Colin O'More, whose voice resembles that of John M'Cormack, make out standing numbers of "Bantry Bay" and"Norah O'Neale" (5092). Maurice J. Gunsky (tenor), with piano, 'cello, and violin accompaniment, has nevei been heard to better advantage than in "Bird in.'a Gilded Cage" and "Roses of Remembrance" (5336). Tho inimitable Jimmy Bodgers, accompanied on the guitar, a-gain has two novc. songs, "Everybody Does it in Hawaii and "Frankie and Johnny" (EE 189) The beautiful Trinity Choir, accompanied by pipe organ, sings two populai hymns, "Jesus Christ isTSisen To-day' and "All Hail the Power of Jesus'i Name." The blend of voices is perfect (5508). The Zonophono Lighi Opera Company revives pleasant mem ories with vocal gems from "The Belk of New York" (5506). Braga's "Sere nata" and Gounod's 'f Aye Maria' arc exquisitely played by the Zonophone Salon Orchestra (5509). Once agair the National Symphony Orchestra makes a notable contribution. Its new disc includes "The Irish Washerwoman" and "Turkey in the Straw. 1: The recording of these two old airs has been overdue (EE 10/). Clarkson Bose is at his funniest in "The Seven Ages of Man" (an adaptation from Shakespeare's soliloquy. It is said that even Shakespeare would forgive Eosc for this (5517). , A Schubert 'Cello Concerto. A real gem of melodiousness in this month's parcel is a Concerto in A Minor by Schubert, arranged by Gaspar Cassado from a" Sonata. for arpeggione. The "arpeggione was a pisstringed compromise between a guitar and a 'cello, invented by Stauser, a ' i Viennese, in 1823. It had no success, and probably its only justification was in its having led Schubert to writo the Sonata. Cassado —quite the find of the decade among the younger 'cellists— has done well to rescue and arrange this Schubert piece. He has done the job freely—the only way, provided a transcriber has taste and musicianship —and the result is a work for 'cello and orchestra that is worth a place in the repertory. Enterprise of this kind shows the gramophone at its best. Cassado's playing is in perfect taste, and is admirably accompanied by a small symphony orchestra under feir Hamilton Harty. (Columbia, LOX 3-5). Melodious Overtures. The National Symphony Orchestra presents two splendidly-recorded overtures from two popular operas, composed about the same time. Aubcr's "Fra Diavolo'' was produced with great success at tho Theatre Feydeau, Paris,, on 28th January, 1830, just over 100 years ago. The overture has always been a favourite on the concert platform, and its performance by the National Symphony Orchestra could hardly have been improved upon. Herold's "Zainpa" was produced at tho Opera Comique in Paris, on 3rd May, 1831. or to tho very day, 99 years ago. The story strongly resembles.that of "Fra Diavolo," except that the tragic ending may have been borowed from '' Don Giovanni.' In the overture, "Hcrold discarded tho example set by Rossini and other composers, by introducing into the overture tho melody of five numbers from tho opora. Both overtures are recorded in two parts each, "Zampa" being on a 12-inch, and "Fra | Diavolo" on a 10-inch record (Zonophone). Trevor Watkins. Tenor. * Lovers of good vocalism will admire Trevor Watkins for his refined, gently soothing tenor and very clear diction. These qualities aro heard to advantage in bis new Columbia record of "Danny Boy" and "Ay, Ay, Ay." "Danny Boy" is, of course, the Londonderry air set to words by the late Frederick Weatherly; the Spanish Serenade became popular as "Caroli,' and Trevor Watkins's English version —arid it is not an easy song to, translate—innkes a very charming song. (Columbia, DO6). , Elgar String Music. John Barbirolli and his chamber orchestra have made a real success with Elgar's Introduction and Allegro for string quartet and string orchestra, recorded in four parts. Mr. Barbiro'.li's reading of this fino work shows his full sympathy with Elgar's music. Elgar's individuality is strongly expressed in this score, and Barbirolli has responded to it excellently. The reproduction

is first rate, and the tone quality is very rich iudeed. Perhaps these two recordings will help to bring this well wrought and beautiful music that wider recognition is deserves. (H.M.V., ClOitt-5 A'Fine Vocai Quintette. The Maestros havo already scored one big hit on tho records, and many of tho same admirable qualities are here again. The singing is rich o and finely balanced, tho diction cultured and distinct, and the reproduction particularly lifelike. The titles given are "Will the Angels Play Their Harps for Me?" and "Old Pal." It seems a pity that good singing should be lavished on sentimental icingsuwar, but tho Maestros doubtless know' where the big money is hiding. (Columbia, DO7). Best Sellers. The following is a list of H.M.V. best sellers, compiled from the latest returns by leading retailors: — "Stein Song" (fox trot), played by Eudv Vallee and his orchestra. (EA 729.) "Donald tho Dumb," sung by Frank Crumit. (EA 728.) "Open Up Dem Pearly Gates For Me," duet by Kobeson and Billings (EA 730.) "Dedication" (love song), by Schumann, played by Backhaus. (DA 944.) "Liebestraum" (Liszt), played by Backhaus. (DB 928.) "Songs Of tho Past," sung by the Light Opera Company. (0 1741.) "Concerto No. 1" (Liszt), played by LoTitzki and tho London Symphony Or ehestra. (D 1775-6.) "Floradora" Selections, played by the Coldstream Guards Military Band. (C 1800.) "Lend Me Your Aid," from "Queen of Sheba" (Gounod), sung by Walter Widdop. (D 1742.) "Jovial Monk," sung by Peter Dawson. (B 3186.) "Merchant of Venice "Suite (Bosse), played by John Barbirolli's Chamber Orchestra. (C 1731-2.) "Gipsy and the Bird," sung by Gaili-Curei. (DA 928.) "Mother Maehree," sung by John M'Cormack. (DA 928.) Duets from '' The Force of Destiny, sun" by Gigli and Do Luca. (DB 1050.) "My Hero," played by tho International Concert Orchestra. (Zonophonc EF 30.) An Entertaining Duo. That bright and ingenious pair, Mr. Flotsam and Mr. Jetsam, bob up again as fresh as daisies in tho Now Columbia Supplement. Their songswords and music written by themselves, as usual—are "Song of the Air" and "Simon tho Bootlegger." Simon is a shrewd American who claims to be the son of Simon tho Cellarer, but apparently the old firm 1 has had to polish up its business , methods. "Song of tho Air" is typical good fun—typical and topical. (Columbia, DO15). i Backhaus Recordings. Since his first visit to New Zealand, '' four years ago, Backhaus has made quite a number of recordings for His Master's Voice." From the collectors 1 or students' standpoint his most import--1 aut contribution to records are the two : complete sets of Chopin's Etudes op. ' 10 and op. 25, which aro magnificently ' played and recorded. In addition, the j great pianist has also recorded two waltzes of Ghopin and tho popular Ber- , eeusc. Schubert is represented by the "Moment Musical" in F Minor, the ' dashing "Marche Militairo" in E Flat ' (arranged by Backhaus), tho captivat- [ ng Impromptu in B Flat, and tho "Trout" quintet in which h.o is sup- ! ported by the International String ' Quartet. The brilliant technique of Backhaus is adequately represented in " Liszt's "Waldesrauschen," "Liebe--1 strauin," and the Ehapsody No. 2, Another large work recorded by him is ; Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto svith ' the Royal Albert Hall Orchestra. 1 Two Beautiful Psalms. ' Very welcome is a choral record by ; the choir of St. Nicholas College Chislehurst, under Dr. Sydney Nichol--1 son, late organist of Westminster 1 Abbey. They give us Psalms 46 and 1 91, tlie first sung to plainsong (the ' Saruni Psalter) and the second to 'an Anglican chant (tho Parish ! Psalter). On both the chanting is free and good, even if it is a shade too deliberate in the plainsong. The , or<*aii niight have given tho words a 1 helping hand if it had, taken a few ' verses rest in the harmonised chanting. The boys' voices . aro ■ nothing short of lovely, and if the men's had been up to the same standard the record would have been perfect. (Columbia, DO2). Kre.isler'3 Artistry. It is by no means surprising that Fritz Kre'isler should re-record two of his most successful violin arrangements, Beethoven's "Eondino" and his own "Schon Bosmarin." The Konaino on a theme by Beethoven is charming, and exquisite in the extreme, its refinement and elegance recalling ' tho atmosphere of the aristocratic draw-ing-rooms of over a century ago, and it also suggests visions of Anna Pavlova, who has included it amongst her favourite dancing numbers for the last fifteen years. "Schon Eosmarin" ("Fair Kosemary"), a captivating and dashing Viennese melody, dates from the period when Kreisler at the beginning of his career sought to compose short works to show off his brilliant technique. As ever, the great violinist's art of intimate appeal and mellowness of tone dominate his interpretation. (His Master's Voice.) Now on their second tour of Australasia Mr. Edward Branseombe's Westminster Glee Singers are again captivating huge audiences with their unique programmes. Glees, madrigals, spirituals, anthems, sea chanteys—these are but a few of the popular features in their entertainments. Parlophone announces the exclusive engagement of the Westminster Glee Singers .to record in Australia. The first issues of tho Glee Singers records are: 2992, "Nellie Gray," and "Breeze of tho Night," 3002, "Hullabaloo-Balay," and "Billy Boy," "Fire Down Below," and "What Shall we do with a Drunken Sailor?"' Tho Du;jos Bela contribution is, as always, delightful, being a couple of Continental waltzes, such as this orchestra excels in performing, "The Wedding of the K030," ,by Jesse], Uiid " Schonbrunn Folk," by J. Lanuer. (Parlophone No. 4211.) Of Chopin's four brilliant Ballades, the first, in Or minor, shares with tho third, in A flat, greatest popularity. Its plaintively sweet melodies and compelling rhythms provide tho real artist with undoubted opportunities for an all-round display of talent. Leon Knrtun acquits himself superbly. All who hear the record will agree that this is indeed real piano tone. (Parlophone 4207.) I Introducing a new conductor, Dr. Fritz Stiedry, the record of this month's issue by the -Berlin State Opera House Orchestra provides a noteworthy performance of Brahms's "Academic Festival" Overture. Actually this piece belies its title, being a high-spirited work, the very reverse of academic. It was written by Brahms, to indicate his appreciation of tho University of Breslau, for eoufcmng upon him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Parlophone 4210.)