’NEATH THE NEEDLE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 18 June 1932, Page 4

’NEATH THE NEEDLE

Brilliant Record of “Euryanthe” Overture This is one of Weber’s finest overtures —at one time played quite frequently/ but now not so often heard. But the remedy is here! —in this splendid performance by William j)lengelberg and the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. Here again the individual personality of this great conductor asserts itself. The timpani passages are astonishingly clear, the horns and strings a dream of loveliness, and in the exultant mood of the opening—repeated in the coda —we have the full strength and glowing tone of this great Dutch orchestra at its very best. Those in the Dominion who have not heard “Euryanthe” for some time can now do so to their heart’s content.

A Vivid Military Band Disc “Silver Trumpets” is the title ot a march and fanfare played this month by the Regimental Band of lI.M. Grenadier Guards —conductor, Captain George Miller. Never was a march better named, for ‘silver trumpets’ actually play tile basis of the music; and in this stirring ‘grand processional’ they ring out with clarion strength and richness. The recording is a masterpiece of realism, and the playing is on a level with the Grenadiers’ very best —and most record enthusiasts know what that is.

England’s Deepest Basso Malcolm McEaelicrn, the richest basso profundo in the British Isles, this month chooses two swinging ballads. The titles are “The Changing of the Guard” and “The. Roman Road.” Both are splendidly sung with orchestral accompaniment. The phenomenal qualities of McEaehern’s voice are perfectly illustrated in these gay tunes, and what a glorious swing he puts into the “Changing of the Guard,” and how jolly are the trumpets and drums that accompany the richness of his sonorous voice. This disc too is a perfect example of modern electrical recording, and the surface as usual is entirely noiseless.

“Your Tiny Hand is Frozen” There are few tenor arias in all opera more beloved than the charming “Your Tiny Hand” (“Che Gclida Manina”) from Puccini’s “La Bohcme.” Here it is sung with a wealth of expression and artistry by Georges Thill, the leading tenor of the Paris Opera House. On the reverse of this disc is a splendid version of Lohengrin’s Farewell to the Swan (from Act 111.) —one of Wagner’s loveliest airs. Both excerpts are sung in French and are accompanied by an excellent orchestra. M. Thill’s suave, sweet voice and im> peccable diction place him among tho very great exponents of his art. May we "hear many more records from him.

Another Strauss Waltz in Vocal Form This month we have, by Stanford Robinson and the 8.8. C. Chorus and Orchestra, “Talcs from the Vienna Woods,” another super vocal recording of a, famous Strauss waltz that will, like its three amazing predecessors, be wanted by everybody. Tho story is of a holiday in spring, when all Vienna is abroad through the neighbouring woods. Boys and girls, ricn and poor, walk arm in arm under tho friendly trees, selecting the quietest spots to confess their love. The singing by tho 8.8. C. Chorus is spirited and happy, anid beautifully disciplined. With the record is given a leaflet of the words.

The Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra Sir Dan Godfrey’s brilliant Bournemouth Orchestra is equally fine in symphonic and salon music. Into tha lightest of pieces these players infuse a brilliance and verve that are astonishing, and they invariably record to perfection. Their latest items are “Raindrops,” a delightful tripping little air with the pattering of rain realistically suggested by pizzicato strings. On the reverse is “Fairy Ballet,” a dainty morceau with ’cello solo work by Ernst Slaney and muted trumpet passages by Phil Ledington.

Tunes from “Viktoria and Her Hussar” Here we have the original theatre artists in their big hits from ■ “Viktoria and Her Hussar”—the famous stars here singing their songs in English! Among the dazzling array of stars, Oskar Denes and Barbara Diu captivate with their irresistible laughing song, “Mousic.” Together with the variety to be found in the other organ, piano, instrumental and dance records —what an amazing galaxy of talent and tunefulness! These are the various discs:

The duets “Mousie” and “Mama” are sung by Oskar Denes and Barbara Diu, accompanied by Debroy Somers’ Band. Another duet is given by Oskar Denes and Gina Malo, paired with “Following the Drum,” sung by Gina Malo, Reginald Purdell and the Palace Theatre Male Chorus (this disc sung in English). The duets “Pardou, Madame,” sung by Margaret Carlisle and Harry Wefchman, and “Goodnight,” sung by Margaret Carlisle and Roy Russell. Both the foregoing duets are also played as organ solos by Sidney Torch. Sid Bright and Donald Thorno give a piano duet medley including all the above tunes. The waltzes “Goodnight” and “Pardon, Madame” are played by Jack Payne and his 8.8. C. Dance Orchestra, while “Mousie” and “Following the Drum” are splendidly recorded.

Two Screen Songs from “Monte Carlo Madness” The following two discs give us. two versions of two of the most -popular recent songs of the screen. The foxtrot “Over the Blue” and the tango “ ’Neath the Spell of Monte Carlo” are played by Jack Payne and his 8.8. C. Dance Orchestra. Both of tlicso catchy titles are also splendidly sung by Layton and Johnstone. A New Clara Butt Recording Dame Clara has newly recorded two gems from her popular repertory. These are the hymns “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” (Whiting and Rev. J. B. Dykes)—sung in the key of C, and “Tell Me the Old, Old Story” (Hankey and Doane) —sung in B flat. Both are accompanied by organ. Dame Clara’s rendering of these famous and well-loved hymns 'may well become a tradition in the history of recorded song—her impressive and sonorous voice and beautiful enunciation lending to these grand old hymns a fitting dignity that will make an instant general appeal.