MUSICAL RECORDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20384, 12 October 1929, Page 10 (Supplement)

MUSICAL RECORDS.

Even as tho Philadephia Symphony Orchestra established its colossal English reputation by tho records of Liszt's " Second Hungarian Rhapsody," so will tho Berlin State Opera Orchestra cnhanco tho high esteem in which it is already held by its superb His Ilaster's Voice record of another Liszt piece—the " Second Polonaise." It is every bit as tuneful and colourful as tho " Rhapsody." Nothing could be moro pleasant to lovers of light music than Sir Edward German's " Henry VIII." dances-*' Shepherd's Dance," "Morris Dance," and " Torch Danco "—which aro grouped on 0110 His Master's Voico record. They are played by the New Symphony Orchestra umier Dr. Malcolm Sargent.. These aro based on old folk-dances and should bo dear to tho hearts of all. The string tone of the orchestra is especially beautifuL Charles King, who took tho loading rolo in tho successful " talkie " musical comedy, " Broadway Melody," ha 3 recorded for His Master's Voico tho " hits " of bis spectacular production. King is a Broadway star with a voico and u personality, and both aro caught up by tho gramophone. On ono disc is giouped " Broadway Melody " and " Lovo Boat, and on tho other, " You Were Meant For Me" and " Tim Wedding of tho Painted Doll." Mozart's Serenade —" A Littlo Night Music "—is one of tho most beautiful things in all music, and it is exquisitely played for His Master'/ 1 . Voico by John Barbirolli and his chamber orchestra. 1«) theso days of big massed orchestral efforts this small baud of musicians provide a pleasing contrast, and their excursion into Mozart is a particularly happy one. llero is finished playing. The string tone is delightful, and tho soft phrases and downy notes fall like blown rose petals. Tho Australian baritone, John BrownIce, records for His Master's Voico, " Mother o' Mine" (Tours) and "On the Day I Get to Heaven" (Lehmann), two ballads that seem to defy tho passage of time. His voico is powerful but mobile. In tho big notes thero is not a suspicion of roughness, and in the quiet passages it never loses its quality. " Mother o' Mine " is sung with tenderness and sympathy, and tho Lehmann number is given with consummate artistry. Brownlce is a cultured baritone who maintains a fine balance between words and music.

Ono of tho most enchanting of light operas, " Veroniquc," is represented by its two popular duets, " Tho Donkey Song " and " Tho Swing Song," sung for His Master's Voice by tho London light opera stars, Winnie Melville and Derek Oldham. This is tho latest of a number of light opera duets which theso two singers have made. " The Donney Song " Trot llcro and There" —lias a tripping tempo and a lilting air, and it is obvious that the artists enter into tho spirit of tho duet with real enjoyment,. Tho other number is nioro romantic in theme and in this thero is a charming blend of two beautiful voices. Several new records by Dusolina Giannini have just been issued by His Motor's Voice. The aria " One Fine Day," from Puccini's " Manon Lescaut," vocally and Quello Trine," from tho second act of Puccini's " Monon Lescaut," vocally and artistically must bo considered amongst Miss Giannini's very best records, for her voico as well as tho orchestral accompanicmnt (by tho Berlin Opera Orchestra) are of unusual richness and volume. Another very fine record by Giannini is Schubert's well-known song " Impatience " (" Ungedulcl "), which is familiar to all who remember ' Lilac Time." On tho reverso sido is ona of Schubert's greater songs, " Gretchen am Spinnerado " (" Margaret at tho spinning wheel"), of which tho singer gives an interpretation, pervaded by great feoling and sorrow.

Tho London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Albert Coates, figures in an admirable arrangement of Bach's lantasia and Fugue (in C Minor)' by Sir Edward El gar. The Toccata and Fugue piayed by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, produced quite a sensation some months ago, and thero is no reason why this His Master's Voice record should not prove equally attractive, even if tho orchestral volume is not quite as full. Tho Fantasia is very beautiful, arid pervadcrf by intense sadness, bordering oil yearning. Iho emotional intensity of the work is remarkable, and would suffice to convert those who, unacquainted with Bacli s compositions, proclaim him to bo dry. Tho Fugue is vigorous and bright, forming a strong contrast, fclgar s brilliant orchestral arrangement quite successfully su"gests the organ-liko qualities of Bach s work. One of the most fascinating of comparatively modern orchestral works is included among records on tho Columbia October list. This is Respighi's luxuriant work " Tho Pines of Rome," on three records, played by the famous Milan Symphony Orchestra, and conducted l)> Cav. Lorenzo Molajoli. Since its Roman debut, in 1924, " Tho Pines of Romo ' has frequently been performed m most countries of tho world with immense success. Its popularity is well deserved, for it 'is a work of matchless beauty, in which aro distinct traces of Max Bruch and Rimsky-Korsakov, both of whom tutored Respighi. His melodic invention and lavishly picturesque orchestration, together with the exquisite, loveliness and warm touches of colour, are most clearly and descriptively portrayed by the renowned orchestra. Interpretation, playing and recording aro unique in their fidelity to the exceptionally difficult scoring.