RECORDED MUSIC

Evening Star, Issue 19044, 12 September 1925, Page 15

RECORDED MUSIC

Amongst the newest arrivals is a very tine bracket from that delightful soprano Freda Hempel, whoso offering to gramophonisls includes Handel’s celebrated air l Oh luul I Jubal’s lyre ’ (from ‘Joshua’). The companion number is an arrangement —and a very ' effective one—by G. o‘Connor Alorris, of an old Easier hymn, entitled ‘ Alleluliad The Spanish tenor, AHchclo Flota, has many admirers among gramophonists in this country who will welcome bis latest bracket —two Spanish songs sung in the language—the English titles of which are ‘ Aly Native Land,’ ami ‘ Good-bye, my Darling.’ A most interesting excerpt from Massenet’s miracle play, ‘Lc Jongleur de Notre Dame,’ has been recorded by the famous Freuch baritone, Dinh Gilly. The number selected for this ■record is ‘ Fleur issait une rose,’ which is sung in two parts. Harry Dearth, (bass) gives ns a lively bracket in ‘ Little Aliss Over-thc-way ’ (Sterndalo Bennett), and Fisher’s ‘ The Adjutant.’ Each is a whimsical ditty, to which the singer’s follinking stylo is so happily suited. The two good march numbers from the Coldstream Guards Band are a feature of tho instrumental records just to hand. These are the ‘Kings Guard Alarch’ and tho ‘Third Battalion March.’

Roger Quilters delightful snugs ‘Damask Roses,’ ‘Aly Life’s Delight,’ and ‘ Fill a Glass with Golden jWme,’ have been recorded by that likeable baritone George Baker, to whom Quilter’s stylo is nicclv suited.

Tho London musical comedy rage, ‘ No, No, Nanette,’ is responsible for a huge output of the most popular hits of the nroduclinn, recorded versions of whiich are now here. Tho Benson Orchestra gives ns 1 Tea for Two,’ ami Jan Garber’s Orchestra ‘I AVnnt tn lie Happy.’ The Savoy Orphans present two fox trots, ‘ Where lias my Hubby Gone,’ and ‘ You can Dance with any Girl at alb’ 'The Mayfair Orchestra is to tho fore with an admirably arranged ‘Selections from Nanette,’- so that amongst tho lot of the above yon may get a very good idea of the merits and charm of tho production. If you are looking for a really good fox trot with a taste of the unusual, you might try ‘Alabamy Bound,’ to which, by tho way, is coupled a very charming poem waltz. The former is recorded by the Savoy Orphoans, and tho latter by the Savoy Havana Band.

Amongst tho new Zone arrivals is quite a good tonor bracket by Frank Webster, who gives us ‘ Please ’ (J. Cooper), and 1 Let mo be the First to Kiss you Good Morning’ (Bernard and Robinson). Clarkson Rose, a very popular comedian in certain circles, comes forward with I My California,’ in which there is a very haunting phrase, and ‘ Whero’s my Sweetie Hiding? ’ DolJie and Billie contribute 1 All Day Long,” and ‘ Whore tho Lazy Daisies Grow.’ Max Darewski’s Dance Band presents ‘Tea for Two ’ in capital fox trot tim(p, and a dreamy waltz ‘I _ Love the Moon,’ and on another disc tho fox trots ‘ Eat More Fruit ’ and ‘ Too Tired.’

_ Those who heard Edna Thomas in New Zealand in her nogro songs—the sacred of some States and the love songs of Louisiana and New Orleans—will not soon have forgotten them. They have as great a claim npon the consideration of the advanced musician as they had upon those who wore entertained by hearing them—and nothing more. There is now being paid considerable attention to this negro folksong, and a Columbia • New Process record of the singing of 1 My Lord. What a Morning ’ and ‘My Way is Cloudy,’ as sung by John Payne, possessor of a most agreeable and well-cultivated baritone voire, has just arrived in New Zealand. The arrangements of these “ Spirituals ” ore by Mr J[. T. Burleigh, a negro composer and musician of high culture. Musically, those negro songs are only now being taken with the seriousness that they deserve. They aro recognised ns the basis of much of the modern syncopated music, and many popular revival hymns owo much to their peculiar rhythm. John Payne’s records should justify a place in any collection. Tho story of ‘ Mauon Lcscant ’ has been taken by Aubcr, Puccini, and Massenet for operatic treatment, and of those most is known of Puccini’s ‘ Marion Lescaut ’ and Massenet’s ‘ Manon.’ The story is treated slightly differently by each composer, but tho music of each of them is distinctive. An excellent orchestral arrangement of Massenet’s music has been played for record ing_ purposes by the Now Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra, conducted by Alick Maclean. From this it is evident that Massenet's ideas have received scrupulously careful attention. It is worthy of note that Massenet did not commit, tho geographical solecism of making Manon die in a desert in Louisiana, which is distinguished for its swamps. Tho music of ‘ J lan on ’ is superb and full of melody, as this lino record testifies.

Leo Strockoff essays a formidable task when he plays Kreislcr’s arrangement of Dvorak’s ‘Slav Dance’ (Slavische Tanzweisen), and ho conics through it with astonishing brilliancy, judging by the very fine Columbia record or the performance. It is studded with difficulties, and few hut the great violinists attempt it in public. By way of contrast, on the reverse side of this record Is Kimsky-Korsakoff’s ‘Hymn to tho Sun,’ from his opera ‘Le Coq d’Or.’ This is a most desirable record of virtuoso violin playing to bo included in tho collections of people of discernment in matters musical.

Tho Irish composer Balfo may not bo included among tho giants iu music, such as Bach, Handel, Haydn, or Beethoven; but he certainly know how to win his way into the affections of the people. Take those ducts, well worn and yet still very popular, ‘ Watchman, What of the Night?’ and ‘Excelsior.’ They still “go down ” at concerts, and still win applause. They havo had to be reissued by Columbia in response to continued and steady demand for records. The singing of Hughes Macklin (tenor) and Thorpe Bates (baritone), with orchestral accompaniment, explains why this record is such a favorite.