MUSICAL RECORDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20620, 19 July 1930, Page 10 (Supplement)

MUSICAL RECORDS.

Tlio Paris Conservatoire Orchestra has given a great deal of attention to the spirit of Rimsky-Korsakov in the recording of the Schenerazado Suite, which is being release Jby Columbia. In tlieso colourful scenes from " The Arabian Nights," tho orchestration is rich and brilliant and thero is some excellent tone painting. Tho earliest releases are " The Sea and Sinbad's Ship ' and Ihe Kalendar Prince."

Organ records are sure of a welcome from many gramophone lovers. Two excellent solos have been recorded for Brunswick by Lew White, ■ tho first, Handel's celebrated " Largo," being a triumph of execution and also of recording. Tho smooth dignity of this composition will delight all who hear it. On the reverse sido is Massenet's "Angelns," an exquisite pieco of descriptivo writing which is brilliantly interpreted.

Thero aro many contraltos whose names feature iu the catalogues of the different recording companies, but of this large assembly there aro comparatively few whose singing exhibits the mellow sweetness which one looks for in a contralto. Marie Morrissey is one of these, and her two recent songs for Brunswick are worthy of addition to the enthusiast's collection. "Just A'Wearvin' for ou i( on the one side and " Coming Home' on the other constitute a line bracket.

" Beneath Thy Window" and " Come Back" are sung by William Heseltine, tenor, in his latest record for Columbia. Tlieso two unfamiliar titles cloak two very well-known songs, for tho first is the famous " 0 Sole Alio," peerless amoiiji serenades, while the second is our old friend Tostelli's " Serenade." Heseltine s singing is polished and effective. His upper register is particularly true and sweet, and tho whole impression is one of sincerity and effortless ease.

Elizabeth Ilettberg is a soprano who has recorded some line songs for Brunswick. Among her recent releases is a disc containing on ono side Schubert's lovely " Ave Maria," which is very tenderly sung, while on tho reverse side is " Tho Nut Tree" of Schumann. Another grouping contains " Believe Mo if all Those Endearing Young Charms," and on the other side " Home, Sweet Home," a melody which has suffered much at the hands of would-bo artists, but which is none the less attractive as sung by Miss Rettberg.

Columbia's latest version of Liszt's familiar " Second Rhapsody" which is played by the Queen's Ilall Orchestra, is a tremendous affair of monumental and overwhelming contrasts. Tho conductor, Sir Henry Wood, moves tho slow section along with processional majesty, achieving a regal richness and sufficiency in his chords. His fast section is tumultuously hectic, and sets a new pinnacle of orchestral control. Sir Henry fills up the fourth sido with his own arrangement of a Bach Partita, played at lightning speed.

The famous Bach authority, Dr. Albert Schweitzer gives a thoughtful and restrained interpretation of two of Bach's choral preludes—" My Heart is Longing" and " When in Deepest Need." They are played on the great Queen's Hall organ and the recording is very realistic in tone. Schweitzer is not only an eminent musical scholar, but he is also ono of the world's finest organists. Hi, playing is not only artistic, but it has authority, for no one is mora entitled than he is to reveal (ho beauties of Bach. The recording is by His Master's Voice. Tho virile, resonant voice of Dennis King is heard in tho rousing *' If I Were King," from the " Vagabond King," a new His Master's Voice record. Since tho advent of the talking pictures he has achieved international fame, and he added lustre to his name by his singing in the " Vagabond King." On tho other sido of the record tho American tenor, Lewis James, gives »a charming little waltz song " Lovo Me," from tho recent French success. " Ddeja." James catches up tho lilt of tho music, and is well supported by a beautiful orchestral accompaniment. Jascha Hcifetz strikes a luscious violin tono in three pieces reproduced on a large j-ecord by Ilis Master's Voice. There was a time when Ileifetz, when playing, was likened to a statue, with a stylo as peculiarly cold. For some years now, however, he has been showing that he is possessed of a soul, and that he abundantly proves in his playing of Mendelssohn's melodious air, " On Wings of Song." " Jota," a delightful morcoau by do Fallow, and a merry arrangement of Grieg's "Puck" aro grouped on the other side of the disc. Both are showpieces and are delicately embroidered. Two of the chief characteristics of much of Mozart's music, its daintiness and gracefulness, aro exemplified in his " Minuet in D," a delicious little melody which lias now been recorded for His Master's Yoico by tho English violinist Arthur Catterall. Tho sweet gossamerlike notes and fascinating rhythm aro delightfully played. Catterall has the right touch for such a composition. On the other side tho violinist plays his own arrangement of Paganini's " Caprice No. 13." Tho technical difficulties here are surmounted with unwavering sureness, and tho lilt of tho melodic lino is skilfully brought out. The eternal favourite, " The Intermezzo " from Maseagni's " Cavalleria Uusticana," has been recorded for His Master's Voice by the New Light Symphony Orchestra. Tho beautiful strains of the intermezzo aro supposed to depict tho fervent piety of tho Easter service. Tho violins begin a soft phrase of devotional character, and presently the principal melody is heard played with emotional intensity by tho violins, and accompanied by harp and tho strains of a distant organ. Tho beautiful climax is poignant and dramatic in effect. On tho other sido an equally popular number, " Tho Barcarolle," from " Talos from Hoffman " (Offenbach), is played with enchanting effect.