RECORDED MUSIC.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 79, 2 March 1929, Page 7

RECORDED MUSIC.

Joseph Hislop, tenor. —‘“Mary” (Richardson). “My Love is Like a Red Red Rose” (Traditional). Here are two fine songs artistically interpreted by an outstanding tenor of whom Britain might well be proud. Joseph Hislop completely conquered his Australian and New Zealand audiences' during his recent tour, his success being well-deserved. The beautiful accompaniment (piano, violin and ’cello) admirably blends with the tenor’s voice. Essie Ackjland, contralto. —“Love’s Old Sweet Song” (Molloy), “Poorman’s Garden” (Russell). Essie Ackland has a magnificent contralto voice, and the rich background provided by the organ accompaniment is at once an asset and a splendid setting. Essie Ackland is a very promising young Australian contralto who studied at the Sydney State Conservatorium of Music and supixirted Jean Gerardy, the ’oellist, on his tour of Australia and New Zealand.. She subsequently left for England where she has become a popular concert singer. , Stuart Robertson, bass. —“Bright is the Ring of Words,” “The Roadside Fire” (Vaughan Williams). Stuart Robertson is a pleasing bass. He has made a splendid record of these two songs. Vaughan Williams’s style is peculiarly “English” in the best sense and the singer has achieved the feat of absorbing the, typical atmosphere of each song perfectly. Harry Dearth, bass. —“My Old Shako” (Trotere) and “Cloze Props” (Wolseley Charles). Harry Dearth is always at his best in the “robust” type of song, such as lie has sung for this record. “Cloze Props” is a ballad of simple sentiment which appeals in no uncertain manner to a large proportion of music lovers. “My Old Shako,” whilst it is of a more straightforward character,- is not without its pathos. Both songs are sung with splendid vigour. , ■ . . John, . Turner, tenor. —“Jean” (Burleigh), ‘Thank God for a Garden” (T. Del Riego). This young tenor has gone from success to success. This excellent record of two pleasing ballads should meet with a warm welcome. Turner-’s singing is characterised by clear diction and a pleasantly easy production which will be readily appreciated by all music lovers. Peter Dawson, bass-baritone. —“The Deathless Army” (Trotere), “Trooper Johnny Ludlow” (Gordon Temple). These are the kind of songs that Peter Dawson sings really well. They are two old favourites, songs which, whilst they may arouse in many reminiscences of other performances, can certainly bring to the mind of none a finer performance !

John McCormack, tenor.—“ Just a Cottage ' Small” (J. F. Hanley), “Mother; My Dear” (Brycesson Treliarne). This famous tenor is greatly liked for his ballad singing. Here we have two delightful ballads. “Just, a Cottage Small”, is extremely popular, whilst its companion is a “Mother” song of exceptionally appealing character. The records are notable for the clear reproduction of McCormack’s voice and for the attractive orchestral accompaniment by the Salon Orchestra. English Contralto.—The English' contralto, Esther Coleman, gives a new interpretation to two eternal favourites, “The Dear Homeland’ (Slaughter) and “My Ain Folk” (Lemon). She displays richness of tone and depth of expression. Charming Folk Songs.—The field of English songs has yet another able ex-ponent-in Albert'Richardson, a resonant basso. He gives two Sussex folk songs, “The Old Sow” (unaccompanied) and “Buttercup Joe”' ‘ (with piano). Nothing could bo more delightful than these quaint' numbers. They breathe the spirit of rural England. Richard, son sings .them as they were sung by the peasants through the centuries. , < Quaint Songs.—The ‘ inimitable Jimmie Rodgers and liis guitar stamp their individuality on two songs that suit him eminently—“ Away Out on the Mountain” and “Never No Mo' Blues.” Rodgers is a real artist in his own particular line, and for that reason is well worth hearing. Clever effects on the Wurlitzer organ are obtained by Charles W. Saxby, whoso latest record-includes “For My Baby” and “You Can Tell Her Anything TJnder the Sun.’ He is assisted by a chorus that enters into the spirit of the 'songs-.and instrument and voices make a commendable record. The great possibilities of the Wurlitzer arc strikinglv demonstrated here. Spanish Music.—-De Falla, perhaps Spain’s foremost composer, is represented in a recent disc giving two' of his characteristic compositions—“L’Armour Sorcier” and “La Vida Breve” —a Spanish dance. These are played by the Symphony Orchestra under Piero Coppola. This example of picturesque orchestration is redolent of mystery, magic, cabalistic signs and strange tonalities. An eerie effect is produced by the abrupt intrusions of detached instruments, and the first number also awakens interest through these strange exotic strains. The orchestra is to be complimented on its firm mastery of the bizarre effects. Alfred O’Shea.—(l) “To A Miniature”.; (2) “Boat Song.” • Sung by Alfred O’Shea, tenor. Alfred O’Shea sings his latest record with true feeling, and in a better voice than ever. His recent concerts increased, if possible, his hold on the New Zealand public, who showed a great preference for the fragrant ballads here recorded. “To A Miniature” is known more familiarly by the first line of its chorus—“ Dressed in Your Gown of Blue Brocade” —and has a most charming old-world lilt. O’Shea is .happiest, as here, when his' material calls for tenderness and sentiment, which he can provide with admirably shaded mezza voce. Zimbalist. —(1) “Impromptu” (Aulin); (2) “Ave Maria” (Schubert). Violin solos by Efrem Zimbalist. Zimbalist is another of the famous artists whom New Zealand knows well, for his recent visit is still fresh in the memory. One critic lists his chief qualities as “a tone of silken texture, edgeless body, limpid flow, sensitive as a shadow to sunlight,” and these qualities are exemplified in this record. The “Ave Maria” by Schubert is brilliantly played, and phrased to perfection. The Washington Post!—(1) “Washington Post March” (Sousa); (2) “El Captain” (Sousa). Played bv the National Military Band. John Philip Sousa wrote many exciting march numbers, but none more stirring than the two paired on this disc. “Washington Post,” perhaps his most famous march tune, and “El Captain,” a march founded on airs from his comic opera of the same name, are rendered with a volume and vigour that do real credit to the National Military Band.