MUSICAL RECORDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20028, 18 August 1928, Page 8 (Supplement)

MUSICAL RECORDS.

Recently a London critic declared that only fotir artists were capable of filling the Albert Hall, and only one was a woman. She, of course, was Clara Butt. And all through that long reign of Songdorn her most popular number has been "Abide With Me." She was in magnificent voice on (ho day the made the record. Her chest notes are as gloriously rich and resonant as ever, and in this newer recording she has improved her tempo considerably. '

Malcolm Eachern, an Australian who has made a big name for himself at Home, provides a real thrill for lovers of good singing on his first solo gramophone effort, " The Mighty Deep" and " Song of the Volga Boatmen." In " The Mighty Deep" lie strikes tho A below the bass stave—within a fourth of the lowest note of the double bass —and strikes it with phenomenal purity. Both renderings are remarkable for a certain quiet sincerity which evcrvone will relish.

"Artists' Life," "Tales from the Vienna Woods," recorded by Joharui s 7 Strauss and the Symphanv Orchestra are the works of a famous composer interpreted by his famous son. Johartp Strauss has secured the true Viennese spirit in the rich tones of his orchestra in* these two renderings of his father's works.' As might be expected, the conductor has the full sense of understanding, and has created a realties? of atmosphere that makes these two records a sheer delight. As if to show that really artistic effects can be produced from the Wurlitzer organ, Mr. Reginald Foort has recorded "Hy the Blue Hawaiian Waters," "Leave Me Alone," and Dvorak's "Songs My Mother Taught Me," all on the one disc. This is unquestionably the finest thing Foort has yet done. He lias mastered every note of melody and without un-. necessary "stopping," brings out the beauty of every note by remarkbly clever playing. The Hawaiian selection is particularly good, played quietly and with plenty of reserve.

Serving to keep fresh memories of llic most delight fill musical plav which lias been staged in New Zealand for many years, records of "Lilac Time," whether vocal or instrumental, should be destined to exceeding popularity. Following on the recently issued vocal selections a record of orchestral selections is now to hand, and the Schubert melodies are delightfully played and recorded. Sonic of the bestknown melodies from tlio master of melody arc blended into this record, which makes" an admirable companion to its predecessor.

" Parted" (Tosti) and " I Hear You Calling Me" are sung by j\lfred O'Shea, whose, visit is very fresh in the minds of Xew Zealunders. Those who heard, hint will like a. record of his magnificent voice, those who missed the treat of hearing him will find much compensation ill this record. The pleasing lyric of his voice is. beautifully recorded and heard to full advantage in " Parted," and the clearness of his enunciation increases the pleasure. In addition to the piano the violin obligate by Mowat Carter blends well with the voice of the singer. One of the most, distinguished celebrity artists is Sophie Rraslau, the phenomenal American contralto. Miss Braslau's rich and sympathetic voice is especially attractive in standard songs of sentiment, as all will admit who had the pleasure of hearing her record of Molloy's enduring air "Love's Old Sweet Song," which was issued a few months ago. Jn .Rubinstein's "Romance." and well-known traditional Jewish melody f'Eili Eili." Miss Braslau reveals a voice of astounding quality, and gives a performance of remarkable artistry - Two artists who have won a considerable reputation over the-wireless in London. John Henry and Blossom; are adding to the list of really good humorous records now being issued. Their latest effort is an absurd conversation on "The Story of Lady Godiva," in which John Henry interrupts at frequent intervals Blossom's lucid account of the historical episode with the most ingeniously foolish. comments and questions on this "cold ride." He has an excellent speaking voice, and every word is perfectly distinct. The record, as well as being something over which anyone can laugh heartily, is a triumph of recording. With that refreshing youth fulness that is an essential quality of her remarkable voice, Galli-Curei has recorded "The Gypsy and the Bird" and "Parla Valso." These two combine to make a particularly fine record. Never, not even in the famous "Lo, Here the Gentle Lark," has Galli-Curc-i given such a demonstration of bird-like singing as in "The Gypsy and the Bird." Her performance is delightfully smooth and the silvery notes arc admirably contrasted with a brilliant fiute obligalo. This is one of the few songs she has recorded in English. On the reverse side, the prima donna has given a most agile rendering of an Italian vocal waltz, and once again the smoothness of her singing is a feature.