RECORDED MUSIC

Evening Star, Issue 21138, 25 June 1932, Page 6

RECORDED MUSIC

[By Ekato.]

Alexander Kipnis, a distinguished member of the Berlin State Opera, contributes to the July issues a very interesting performance of ‘ Das Scheme Fcst Joha.nnistag ’ (‘ The Feast of John Alidsummer Day’), from ‘The Afastersingers.’ This is the song of Pgner, in the first act in which ho nounces the gift of his only child, Eva, to tho winner of the tournament of song, and is set to one of the noblest passages in the whole opera. Kipnis iias a heavy baritone voice of very pleasant quality, and sings this air with tho distinction of a true Wagnerian artist. The exquisite is finely sustained. On the reverse Kipnis is associated with Elsie Ruziczka in the ‘Herr Kavalier ’ (‘Better Scene and ’Waltz’) from.'Der Rosenkavalier.’ by Richard Strauss. Tins delightful music is happily and spontaneously interpreted by the two artists. and sets off the Wagnerian air admirably. Kipnis is a baritone of whom much more should bo hoard.

Among the most of records by John M‘Cormack his singing of the Cornelius ‘ Avc Maria ’ and Speaks s ‘ Prayer Perfect ’ will find much favour. M'Cormack is still in excellent voice, and sings these airs very charmingly indeed. His legato style is particularly impressive, and he imparts to the music a religious fervency that greatly heightens its: effect. The singing is farther embellished with artistic organ and string quintet accompaniments. 'This record has a direct and immediate appeal, and will be warmly welcomed hy the numberless M Cormack devotees and all lovers of good singing.

.Elsie Ackland, the celebrated Australian contralto, may be relied upon for consistently sound performances m all she does. 'Her latest disc presents Bussell’s ‘Vale’ and ‘For All Ktornitv,’ bv Masrhcroni, sung with the breadth " and dignity that have been the essential features in her success as a concert artist. Miss Ackland has a singular clarity in her diction .and every word comes through beautifully. She "never sings without organ accompaniments, and this background emphasises the distinctive qualities of her singing.

The presentation of ‘ Der Fledernmiis ’ by the Grand Opera Company is one of the most delightful condensed versions of opera that have come from the recording studios for a considerable time. The Strauss music is interpreted with a verve and a colour that at once exemplify the inato brilliance of the Strauss music. The singing has a decided German (and therefore authoritative) flavour, and the spirit with winch it is invested will arrest the attention immediately. The solo and choius singing are alike conspicuous.

The vitality which March Weber and bis orchestra invariably infuse into their playing is again happily apparent in their" performance of the Strauss waltz, ‘ Village Swallows from Austria,’ and an elaborate fantasia on the Dittrich song, ‘ Bong, Bong Ago* the feature of the latter selection is a truly brilliant xylophone solo hy Franz

Kruger. The Weber records are in a class by themselves. The virile leadership of Weber is also apparent in both selections, and his orchestra responds with remarkable spontaneity to that clear and vital direction.

The announcement of the death of Wish Wynne some months ago came as a great shock to the many thousands who enjoyed her inimitable stage performances and records. Tile last record she ever made is one that presents another of her delightful bed-time stories. This one incorporates the legend of the Bleeping Beauty, and its cockney frills and elaborations have an unusual attraction. Aliss Wynne (who appeared in Dunedin several years ago) was one of tho most brilliant Cockney impersonators on the English stage, and one of its established favourites. _ She also created the role of Janet in Arnold Bennett’s ‘ The Groat Adventure.’

An attractive novelty to be issued next month is a musical chairs record by the New Mayfair Orchestra, similar to that released several months ago. It is a record that would be extremely useful at parties. Well-known airs are played by this bright orchestra, and most unexpectedly broken to give effect to the ageless “ odd man out ” game that is always so popular, at convivial gatherings.

The latest record of the Band of the Coldstream Guards presents a number of the Wilfred Sanderson ballads that are so popular on every concert platform —‘ Drake Goes West,’ ‘My Dear Soul,’ ‘ Captain Mac,’ ‘ The Company Sergeant-major,’ ‘ Friend o’ Mine,’ ‘ Up from Somerset,’ and ‘ Until.’ These familiar songs are played with much virility and colour, and will be well received by everyone interested in band music. The Guards Band is one of the best of a brilliant company of English military bands, and its records never lack appeal.