RECORDED MUSIC

Northern Advocate, 19 June 1926, Page 9

RECORDED MUSIC

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

Mayer Gordon is one of the lessor known but exceedingly able violinists recording solely for Columbia. His latest arc “.Simple Avon” and Lc Cygne, ” two very well known items, perfectly played and faithfully recorded. Both are favourites, heard as piano solos, ns well as played on the i violin. These would be acceptable records for beginners building up a record library of tho lesser classics in music, leading to appreciation for the greater works and a better understanding of the masters.

Riccardo Straeciari can always be relied upon to produce records that will be treasured —kept, in silken envelopes, so to speak. His latest records issuing exclusively from Columbia are from Verdi’s “Othello.” They are “Brindisi,” or drinking song, and “Segno.” In the first ho intensifies the bcfuddlement of the pliable Casio and in the second he works on the feelings of the jealous Othello by describing how Cassio talked in his sleep and*what he then revealed. The Brindisi is quite to the liking .of Straeciari, for he loves a rollicking song. When he sings (even through the medium of the disc) tho listener can enter with him into the spirit of the song or aria, as tho case may be, for Straeciari does master the sense and purport of all he sings, and he feels all he sings. For instance, how he revels in “Largo al Factotum!” So if is in “Segno. ” Tho orchestra gives out just one note, prophetic in its tone of the villany afoot, and then Straeciari begins, “Era la Notte,” describing in seemingly genial spirit the revelation that he says Cassio made in his sleep.

.Straeciari is not only a gorgeous baritone, but an actor of great, intelligence and immense dramatic ,to source. So much is apparent from this one record to say nothing of the many others that Columbia has secured for all time.

It is a great privilege to hear' the splendid choral records now issuing from the Columbia Studios. There i no need to commend the great “Adcste Hi deles ’ ’ of the Asoeiated Glee Clubs of America, singing at the Metropolitan Opera House of New York, for it seems to have found its way in almost every home where there is a gramophone. Now the “Hallelujah” Chorus and “Worthy is the Lamb,” from the “Messiah” are available. These choruses were specially sung by the Sheffield Choir for Columbia, Dr -Coward conducting. Tho blend of voices Is superb, the tone perfect, light and shade beautifully, graduated. Accompaniments by the orchestra are a pronounced feature of these latest choral records.

Reissues have arrived of the gems from the London rage, “Rose Marie.” The original Drury Lane production was immediately laid under tribute! by. Columbia and “Totem Tomtom” and “Pretty Things”, in dance. form were secured, also an arrangement of the principal melodies as performed by the Drury Lane Orchestra. “Indian Love Call” and “Rose Marie?’ were recorded from a special performance of the Hannen Dance Band, - and “Door of my Dreams” and “Indian Love Call” are set as violin solos, played by Alex Sander for Columbia. The vocal numbers are taken by Derek Oldham and Eduth Day, from the, Drury Lane cast of “Rpse Marie.”

It was from the organ that many of our greatest composers derived their inspirations. It is perhaps the most majestic of all musical instruments, and particularly is it impressive in sacred music.' The Zonophone Company give us a disc by Mark Andrews, who renders “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Both pieces are equally beautiful—music of the best.