RECORDED MUSIC

Northern Advocate, 22 September 1928, Page 2

RECORDED MUSIC

NEWS OP THE WEEK. JEAN LENSEN. (1) “The ploek is Playing” (Blaanw); (2) “Chanson Bohemienne” (Boldi). Played by Jean Leusen ml his Orchestra. Columbia 01102. This little orchestra has really recorded a further selection of their most successful items, and a collection without a Joan Lonson record has, still a very important typo of number to be added to it. “The Clock” is indeed one of the finest numbers yet, and the descriptive effects are introduced with a most refreshing originality. NEIW ZEALAND SONGS. . (1) “Ka Mate”; (2) “Hinc E Hiue.” Col. 01067. (1) “Whaka Ariki” (Hill); (2) E Pari Ra. Col. 01058. (1) “He Waiata Aroha” (Hill); (2) “Titi Toroa” (Hill).. Col. 01059. Sung in English and Maori by Ernest McKinley, tenor. In spite of the excellent work provided by the recording companies—it has never -been better—the sensation, of the musical month for NcwZealand{ers should bo the magnificent Columbia | series of New Zealand records. Ernest McKinley, who sings them, is wellknown in fhis country, of which he is a native. At present he is principal tenor to the Westminster Glee Singers, now touring Canada. Ho has a.warm and colourful voice, and a fine sense of the dramatic. Borne of his recordings are almost electric, particularly the great “Ka Mate” with its rousing hnka. Just as stirring is “Whaka Ariki,” from. Alfred Hill’s well-known Maori Opera “Tapu.” McKinley’s pronunciation of Maori, by the way, is well nigh faultless. One notices this particularly the lovely Maori lullaby, “Hinc E ( Hine,” a dreamy and soothing song with a gloriously simple mlody. PATTMAN ON THE ORGAN. (1) “Le Cygne” (iSaint-Baens); (2) “Saint d’Amour” (Elgar). Organ Solos by G. T. Pattman. Col. 02512. Pattman can always be relied, upon to provide good fare, and this month j his offering is no exception to the rule, j The melodious * ‘ Saint d ’Amour ’ ’ sounds^truly what it is—one of Elgar’s gems—instead of a hackneyed, tune. The tone is rich and sonorous and Pattman’s registration exceptionally clear. I j ELSA STRALJA. (I) “Goodbye” | Tosti); (2) “Waltz Song from Tom Jones” (German). Sung by Madame Elsa Stralia, soprano. It is a long time since Elsa Stralia, of the flute-liko voice and appealing delivery, was heard on the grammophone. With the new veco: ding, she sounds far bettor than ever before; She strikes some really thrilling notes in Tosti’s famous “Goodbye,” holding a top “C” for a. phenomenal length of time. Madame Stralia’s production of lioadnotes is almost faultless, and a sheer joy to hear.

NEW M A RJ A KUREINKO EECOE'D (1) La Boheme —“Musetta’s Waltz Song” (Puccini); (2) “Mignon—■ “Connais tu le Pays?” (Thomas). Sung bv Maria Kurenko, soprano. Col. 03573. The dine provides two exceedingly pleasant numbers and serves as a further introduction to this fine soprano’s amazing clarity and flexibility of voice. Further records of this talented singer’s voice arc sure to be welcomed by everyone who appreciates personality as well as technique in vocal accomplishment. In both numbers the recording is as perfect as the rendition.