MUSICAL RECORDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 10 (Supplement)

MUSICAL RECORDS.

" Sposin' " and " Laughing Marionette " aro paired on a new Columbia record, played with the usual vervo and precision that distinguish every disc from the famous Paul Whiteman. Both these fox-trots aro well worth hearing in their " King of Jazz " arrangements.

In a fine record for His Master's Voice, Mario Oleweska, the famous contralto, has contributed an outstanding rendering of the great air, Softly Awakes My Heart," from " Samson and Delilah," by Saint-Saens, On tho reverse if an old Ilandelian air, " Let Mo Weep." Olczewska has a wonderful voice, deep with ringing resonance, and of velvet-like quality in moments of mozza-voce singing.

Hosa Ponselle (soprano) and Ihe Metropolitan Opei>i House Chorus and Orchestra have recorded for His Master's Voice "Casta Diva" ("Queen of Heaven"), from Bellini's "Norma." Ponselle has at her commaud the power of a dramatic contralto and a lightness and delicacy of staccato and coloratura, that enabled her To create a furore as "Norma" at Covenb Garden.

Chopin's cradle-song is one of those classical works that everyone loves. Tho simplest of melodies is carried on dreamily against u glittering fairv-liko background of sound. Suk's " Minuetto " is a. delicate littlo movement that is but littlo known, and is an admirable choice. No one should miss tho Columbia disc on which Friedman renders these two pianoforte selections. Seldom has the great pianist played with more dainty sympathy.

" Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes," from " The Gondoliers" and " Tho Knotting Song " aro sung for Columbia by John Coates, veteran tenor, who still delights, millions in English-speaking countries all over the world —both ill person and through his records. Tho voice may be Hearing-tho close of its perfection, but the art of singing such songs is a possession that John Coates will enjoy—and almost exclusively—as long as he lives.

Marjorie Hay ward and Una Bourne (violin and piano), have made, for His Master's Vo.ico an exceptional set of records of the lovely Grieg violin " Sonata in C Minor." The reproduction is peculiarly good: tho, volume is excellent, and the quality is full, rich, and faithful. For anyone not already acquainted with this work, hut who wishes to have records of music which can give him many hours of increasing pleasure, these records arc to be recommended.

The famous comedy pair, Moran ■ and Mack, whose sketches have been perhaps the most, popular records ever issued, will shortly be heard on the " talkies " in a Paramount picture, " Why Bring That Up ?" Humour has it that this is typical of their brilliantly nonsensical style. A new " Two Black Crows " re-' cord for Columbia is on the way, and should be released here shortly. It is called " Esau Buck and the Bucksaw " and " Foolisluments."

Paul Whiteman again lifts his saxophones for Columbia to tho tune of " Peaching for Someone and Finding Nobody there." They are not lifted in vain. On the reverse is an exceptionally neat fox-trot " When My Dreams Come true." Paul Whiteman is something more than a mere jazz conductor. His long musical training, his novelty of thought and his instinctive feeling for rhythm ensuro that records from his orchestra are indeed well above the average.

Ossip Cabrilowitsch (pianoforte), and the Flonbaley Quartet have recorded for His Master's Voice Schubert's " Quintet in E Flat Major, Op. 44." There are four movements in this beautiful work. The first is essentially lyrical in quality and breathes an air of warm romanticism. In contrast to thip lyric outpouring, the second movement has an air which at limes approaches a gentle melancholy; ifc is in a rigid march rhythm but interspersed are many passages in which the steady rhythm is submerged in outbursts of a different and more poignant nature. The third movement is a scherzo and the finale a brilliant movement in which the nice balance of piano and strings is emphasised again and again.

The French composer, Ambroise Thomas, is better known as the compo.ser of " Mignon " than of " Hamlet," but the latter opera is very popular in France. Judging by, two arias sung for His Master's Voice by John Browhlfee, the Australian, who is the principal baritone at the Paris Opera House, the work is one of beautful melody. The title rule was written for a baritone, and Brownlee sings two of the finest numbers in the whole work. " 0 vin dissipe la tristesse " (Oh. wine, dispel the heavy sorrow) is a drinking song. Hamlet has arranged for a play to be performed before the king, and he gathers round the actors, giving them their instructions. He sings this drinking song, bidding them be merry. The second aria is" " Comme une pale fleur " (Like a lovely flower). The funeral procession of Ophelia is passing. Hamlet, overcome with remorse, sings this beautiful song to her memory. He cries out that nothing remains for him but to follow her to the grave. Brownlee ! s rich voice records admirably, and one feels that he is the right singer for such music.