Recorded Music

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 198, 4 August 1928, Page 15

Recorded Music

(Columbia.)

Alfred O’Shea, (1) “Love, Here Is My Heart”; (2) “Just a Little Love, a Little Kiss.” Sung by Alfred O’Shea, tenor. Columbia 03589. This brilliant tenor always seems to give of his best on the disc. These two fragrant ballads will be very welcome to gramophiles; both in themselves and as a vehicle foi O’Shea’s finely-restrained artistry. Johann Strauss the Third.

(1) ‘‘Voices of Spring” Waltz; (2) “Radetzky” March (J. Strauss >. Played by Johann Strauss and his Symphony Orchestra. Col. 02585. Another beautiful Strauss waltz, “Voices of Spring,” and played by Johann Strauss the Third and his orchestra with the seductive languor of the true Viennese manner. An excellent contrast of the same composer’s style is his brilliant “Raketzky” march, played with a most exhilarating swing. The Court Symphony Orchestra. La Gioconda—“ Dance of the Hours” (Poucheiill). Norman O’Neill conducting the Court Symphony Orchestra. Col. 02580. The melodious ‘Dance of ‘the Honrs” has been long requested, and here Air Norman O’Neill and the Court Symphony Orchestra provide a concert-hall recording notable for a wonderful sonority of tone and a riefiness of colour that are most impres she. Charles Hackett.

(1). “La Donna e mobile”—Rigoletto (Verdi); (2) “Siliciana—Cavalleria Rusticana” (Mascagni). Sung by Charles Hackett tenor. Columbia 03511. Lovers of Grand Opera will welcome this recording of two well-known excerpts. Gaspar Cassado. (1) “Apres Un Revo” (Fame); (2) “Evening Song” (Schumann). ’Cello Solos by Gaspar Cassado. Columbia 03553. These records introduce the greatest of all the younger school of ’cellists. Gaspar Cassado, who has been winning laurels all over Europe and America. He possesses an accomplished technique, but it is his individuality of interpretation, allied with his lovely tone and artistic phrasing that have given him preeminence. Schubert’s Masterpiece.

“Symphony in B Minor” (Unfiinished)—Schubert. Sir Henry Wood conducting the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra. Columbia L 1791-93. The loveliest and most famous ol all the works of Franz Schubert, the “I nfinished Symphony” may well be ranked as the most popular orchestral work ever written. Sir Henry Wood produces his finest 'flcords to date, giving us the two movements that comprise what we know of the Symphony. H.M.V. La Scala chorus in Two Fino Numbers— “Faust—Soldiers’ Chorus” (Gounod), and “La Sonnambula—Ah! fosco cielo” (Bellini). The interest with which the recently issued choral numbers from “F.rnani” (8.2623) and from Verdi’s early operas, “Lombardi” and “Nabucco” CH.2622) were received, has resulted in another release by the same famous operatic chorus. The attractive chorus, “With Sombre Sky,” from “Sonnambula,” will prove quite a novelty, whilst the “Soldiers’ Chorus” from “Faust” is ever a favourite number.—(H.M.V. 8.2624). The Bird-like Galli-Curci.— Amelia Galli-Curci (soprano), in Parla ! Valse (in Italian Arditi) and “The Gypsy and the Bird” (in English) (Benedict), with flute obbligato by C. Barone.

There is something very springlike in Galli-Curci’s record of “The Gypsy and the Bird.” She sings it with such extraordinary grace and limpid tone that the performance gives you the impression of thistledown floating on a wayward breeze. On the other side the great primadonna has given us a brilliant vocal waltz which affords the singer an effective vehicle for the display of the exceptional agility -of her famous voice.—(H.M.V., DA92B). Old Fashioned Songs by New Contralto.—

Essie Aekland (contralto), in Love’s Old Sweet Song” (Molloy), and “Poor Man’s Garden” (Russell). This record is of an unusual chatacter. It may set a new fashion in vocal records; for the grand organ, and a "articularly fine one at that, is used for the accompaniment. Essie Ackland has a magnificent contralto voice’, and the rich background provided bv the organ is at once an asset and a splendid setting Essie Ackland is a very promising young Australian contralto, who studied at the Sydney State Uonservatorium of Music, and supported Jean Gerardy the ’cellist, on his tour of Australia and New Zealand. She subsequently left for England, where she has become a popular concert singer.—(H.M.V., C 1410). An Inimitable Humorist.—

John Henry and “Blossom,” in “The Story of Lady Godiva” (J. Henry), (82485). John Henry's delightful and simple humour has won him a tremendous following. “The story of Lady Godiva” is one of his most amusing dialogues with “Blpssoin.” It is a “scream.”

Two Excellent Songs by Peter Dawson.—

Peter Dawson (bass-baritone), in “Two Old Tramps ’ (Holloway;, and “Captain Stratton’s Fancy” (Warlock). “Captain Stratton’s Fancy” is a delightfully quaint song in a hearty view. It has a most charming companion piece of attractive sentiment. Peter Dawson sings both songs with that extraordinary sincerity and enthusiasm which have made his; a very popular artist.— (H.M.V 82651). Two Gens from “Tosca.”—

Fer.la’id Ansseau (tenor), in “Recondita armonia” and “E bieean le stello” (Puccini) i“La Tosca'). Fernand Ansseau. the famous Belgian tenor, sings Cavaradossi's wellknown ariits from tho first and last set of Puccini's “Tosca.'' (H.M.V. DA 898.