RECORDED MUSK

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1926, Page 9

RECORDED MUSK

NEWS OP THE WEEK. j After the successful rendering of the ancient .Christmas hymn, “Adcste Pidclcs” by the Associate Glee Clubs of America, singing 850 strong, with tho audience of over 4000 joining in, at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, Columbia has secured further records from this fine body of male voices. It is now difficult to pass along a street in any residential quarter, especially of a Sunday evening without hearing this great record of “Adcste Pidolcs.” This confirms the dealer’s reports of the wide distribution of this record and its companion “John Peel.’’ The latest massed Glee Club’s record is “The Sword of Ferrara” (words with record) and the “Hunting Song” from “Robin Hood” both remarkable for their volume.

“The Sword of Ferrara” and “The Hunting Song” from Robin Hood give the Associated Glee Clubs of America, all they could ask for in opportunity to display their sound knowledge of time . and flue judgment in the matter of light and shade. This notable record is now to bo hoard everywhere in New Zealand. The newest records of the 850-voice choir will win their way into many collections. ‘ ‘ Tho Sword of Ferrara” it is pela.sing to note, has the words of tho song issued with the record.

The policy of tlic Zonophone Company in giving many of thoir operatic records in English must appeal to lovers of mueic from the disc. There are few of us that have sufficient understanding of the various languages to appreciate fully aji aria in a foreign tongue, and its being sung in English gives us a clearer understanding of the work and also adds to the enjoyment. There is little doubt that the main reason why operatic pieces are not as popular as they should be is because the language is strange.

The Black Diamond Band gives us another medley, and we are truly grateful. It takes the form of “Savoy Christmas Medley—One Step,’’ and “Savoy Christmas Medley Fox Trot.” Here we have the real spirit of Christmas in merry dance tunes. The jump from one piece to another is skilfully made, and the old carols and folk songs are a sheer delight.

A disc by Cecil Sherwood, the English tenor, is well up to the standard of many singers who are claiming much bigger places in the world of music. He give’s: “ ’Tis the Day,” from “Mattinata” (Leoncavallo) andr“Reeondita Armenia,” from “Tosca” (Puccini). The first is sung to piano accompaniment, and is one of the most beautiful arias from an opera that has been very popular during recent years. The “Tosca” aria is full of melody, and one is compelled to admire the interpretation of the singer.

The flute-like notes of the charming soprano L’lncognita are heard in a recent disc by the Zonophone Company. She sings with orchestra — “You Fain be Hearing.’' from Verdi's “Tin Ballo in Maschera,” and “Silent the Sombre Wings of Night,” from “Lucia de Lommermoor” (Donieettii). Both are sparkling numbers, and the singer performs the most astonishing vocal effects with the greatest case. They are gay and tuneful pieces. * • » * Here is something better than any nursery book ever written. It is quite the best record of its kind I have ever heard. Gilbert Girard, With novel imitations, tolls in two parts of ‘ ‘ Santa Claus in Mother Goose Land.” The enunciation is particularly clear, and the infectious chuckle will provide groat amusement for the kiddies.