MUSICAL RECORDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20152, 12 January 1929, Page 8 (Supplement)

MUSICAL RECORDS.

Walter Glynne, the English tenor, reproduces well again in two English ballads from Sanderson's cycle " Russet and Gold." He sings " Shepherds Gay" and " Russet Maids" with fine vocalism, pleasing sentiment, and clear enunciation. Of recent danco records, " I'm Going Back to Old Nebraska" and " Playground in the Sky" (from " Will o* the Whispers"), recorded by Jack Hylton, might be singled out as one of the best, j " Just a Memory" and " Souvenirs, j played by Jesse Crawford on tho Wurlitzer organ can be recommended as an interesting and unusual dance record. Johann Straus should know the works of his father, should possess tho real understanding and bo able to produce tho right atmosphere. That he can do so is proved by the record of " Artists' Life," and " Tales from tho Vienna Woods." Rich in tone the beautiful rymphony orchestra gives of its best und*r his direction. Waltzes are not so old fashioned as some people believe. This record will help to awaken renewed interest in oldtime waltzing melodies. Magnificent recordings of vocal and orchestral selections from " Hit the Deck " are by the original artists that starred in the premier presentation at the London Hippodrome. One disc is of course purely orchestral (featuring the original ensemble), but the second includes tho inimitable Ivy Tresmand and Stanley Holloway, the Barry Twins, the Prince Sisters and the original Hippodrome Chorus. Accompaniment and incidental music is supplied by the Kit-Cat Band. The virtuoso String Quartet gives a sharp-set, pungent, and yet pleasantly sentimental performance of " Quartet in G Minor " (Debussy). Naturally this work is little known in New Zealand, but it is one of the French composer's greatest inspirations. Tho finest and most delicate tones are clearly defined, and these players lack nothing in polish. On the spare side is a movement from Mendelssohn's " Quartet in E Flat," which is given a suave reading. A number of capital orchestral records are now being published. In fact, for balance, tone, interpretation, and beauty, of music, it is extremely difficult to find fault with any of them. However, few give more satisfaction in detail and texture than Leo Blech and the London Symphony Orchestra in Schubert's " Symphony in C Major." Blech captures the right note of romance, and the horn playing is admirable For music, bound together with a comprehensive musical style, this set of records would be difficult to surpass. Percy Pitt, conducting the 8.8.C. Wireless Symphony Orchestra in selections from Verdi's "II Trovatore," provides an electric tecording of a very old Columbia favourite. Assuming the two performances to be the same the chief improvements are in the sweeter quality of the strings, the better balance maintained by the brass (apt before to bo a little over-strident), and the increased richness and subtlety of the orchestration. Perhaps Percy Pitt still makes the selection sound a little too hearty, but Verdi, in some passages at least, can stand that touch. There are four excellent records presenting some of the catchiest tunes from' the popular musical comedy, " The Girl Friend." " The Girl Friend," and " Slow River " are by the Singing Sophomores—that brilliant male quintet. Layton and Johnstone, the prominent American duettists, give a medley. Another record offers on one side " Mountain Greenry" fox-trot, by Debroy Somers' Band, and on the reverse, " Step on the Blues " fox-trot, by the Kit-Cat Band. The Denza Dance Band provides further " Girl Friend " music in crisp rhythmic time. A wide sale for these intriguing records is predicted. It seems incredible that Brahm's Violin Concerto should be recorded now for the first time, having regard to its importance in musical literature; yet such seems to be the case. If the delay is due to the fact that the recording company held their hand until Kreisler could be the soloist, that would explain matters, for there is none quite like Kreisler in a work of this calibre and quality. The concerto is recorded complete, and the very effective cadenza toward the close of the opening movements is by Kreisler himself. The Berlin State Opera Orchestra, under Dr. Blech, have, as it were, " assisted" in the making of a very remarkable album of five double discs. " The Walk to the Paradise Garden" illustrates the story of two lovers, parted by the enmity of their parents, who determine on at least one day's happiness. This they set out to find at an old riverside inn which in happier days they had called " Paradise Garden." Even here disappointment awaits them, and they decide that the only happiness they so much desire is to be found in death. The music is extremely tragic, but through it runs a principal theme of great beauty. This is wonderfully preserved by Sir Thomas Beecham's intuitive understanding and the delightful playing of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; their rendering makes this ono of the outstanding records of the month. No singer has a belter understanding of the artistic implications of emotion and romance than the English basso, Robert Radford. He also has logic, and it is in a great measure his capacity for combining these two elements that makes his singing so satisfying. In opera, in oratorio, and on the concert platform he has long been a favourite in England. As a member of the British National Opera Company, as a member of countless Gilbert and Sullivan companies, and as a leading singer at the great English festivals he has done much to maintain a high standard in English musical performances. In two old songs, "In Cellar Cool," and " Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep " (Knight), he gives a new meaning to eternal favourites.