MUSICAL RECORDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20088, 27 October 1928, Page 10 (Supplement)

MUSICAL RECORDS.

The International Concert Orchestra, a very fine musical combination, presents this month two fine waltzes, .Lehar's " Gipsy Love," and the Strauss " Sweetheart" waltz. This is quito an exceptional disc.

Ono of tho most impudent pot-pourris ever recorded is a disc called " Sliding Through the Rye,'.' bv the Australian Commonwealth Band. This is a record to everybody. The sheer cleverness of the instrumentation is in itself a feature.

The spirit of tho Yale Blues-is caught up by the Bio Grande Tango Band in " Blue Serenade" and " Zulu Wail." The tone of this combination is not so harsh as many wo have become accustomed to, and their orchestration is novel and clever.

In connection with tho Schubert Centenary, interest abounds to a particularly'fine violin disc by Jascha Heifetz. This includes the composer's famous "Ave Maria," and a delightful " Rondo," the two making an admirable contrast in motif and expression.

Among tho October dance records four t>y Bert Firman's Orchestra may appeal to devotees of the polished floor —" When I Ring Your Front Door Bell" (fox-trot) and "I'm Away from the World" (waltz). On another disc are " I'm Going Back to Old Nebraska" and " Kiss and Make Up," both fox-trots.

Two waltzes in which beautiful melody is always paramount, " The Waltz Dream" (Oscar Strauss) and " Sari Waltz" from "Sari" (Kalman), are given an irresistible rhythm by tho International Concert Orchestra. Tho tone, especially of the strings, is rich and defined.

An amusing stream of bubbling quickfire patter, in which the unexpected holds the attention and keeps tho listener laughing until the end, has mado " At the Theatre," by .the eminent American comedians, Tliil Baker and Sid. Silver, a popular record. The contrast in voices makes their turn all the more enjoyable.

Since they first appeared* tho Revellers have had maiiy imitators, but they still stand alone. There are five splendid male voices in this combination, but they realise tho value of harmony, and the balance and blend is always ideal. "Nola" and " Souvenirs" form a characteristic bracket of sweet singing.

Schubert's pianoforte impromptus include some particularly fino numbers. Of these perhaps tho " Impromptu in A Flat" (Opus 142, No. 2), is a striking conception. It has been delightfully recorded by Paderewski, an acknowledged interpreter of Schubert. It is well worthy of a place in any Schubert section.

The recording of Jesso Crawford's performances on the Wurlitzer organ has a most satisfying volume. One has the impression that the gramophone has been converted into an organ, and one feels the fidelity of the lower notes. ( Two numbers, Schubert's " Serenade" and " Somewhere a Voice is Calling," are_excellentlv suited to the instrument.

Tho notable feature of modern British music is the superb choral writing —unequalled by any other country in the world —and the Philharmonic Choir under G. Kennedy Scott gives us two representative pieces from this wonderful school of musicians. These are " Evening Hymn" (Gardner) and " Psalm 148" (Hoist), often called " Easter Hymn." The conductor's handling of the big choir is masterly, and the record is important for its fins reproduction of splendid singing. The contrasting passages in the " Evening Hvmn" are finely recorded.

Among the miscellaneous items of the October catalogue must bo noted for its genera! excellenco a fine disc by* the Coldstream Guards Band—" La Garde Republicaine" / and " Wipers," rousing marches, both of them, and brilliantly played. The " Black Jacks"—George le Ma ire and Rey Van —give a further instalment, of their entertaining talent in parts 3 and 4. Franklyn Baur (tenor) presents " Little Mother" and " I'm Waiting for Ships that Never Come In." two acceptable songs. Johnny Marvin gives us " The Old-fashioned Locket," and with Ed. -Smalle, " Mary Ann," which should make a popular hit.

The news comes from England that the soprano voice of E. Lough will be hearil no more. His voice is breaking, and thus tho few records he lias made or is associated in with tho Temple Church Choir will soon become treasured possessions. In spite of the popularity of " Ilear My Prayer," there are many who prefer other Mendelssohn in which ho takes tho part, " I Waited for the Lord." In this there is a beautiful alto voico which gives contrast to the boy soprano. The background by the choir makes the number complete. Tho choir displays splendid quality of tone in " 0 Come Everyone that Thirsteth" (Mendelssohn).

Leopold Stokowski is one of the greatest masters of that most-gigantic, most sensitive and most difficult musical instrument, the symphony orchestra, with its hundred or more individual wills. His achievements have become part of the history of music, and it is pleasing to learn that this man, who has gained world-wide fame as the conductor of the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra, was born in England and received his musical training there. So great has been the popularity of this combination that it is now entirely self-supporting and a pension fund for the personnel has been established. The orchestra is a pioneer in the field of electric recording, and it has given extraordinary recQjrds that represent its highest pitch of development.