MUSIC IN THE HOME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20722, 15 November 1930, Page 10 (Supplement)

MUSIC IN THE HOME.

GRAMOPHONE RECORDS. HINTS FOR THE WEEK. The records in this column are of a varied and Reneral nature, and are not necessarily confined to the most recent releases. Tho purposo of (lie column is to draw the ettenlion of I lie general public to (lie more desirable forma of recorded music, and the choice is in no sense to be regarded as academic. Variety and charm aro tho chief features of this week's selection of records for the homo gramophone collection. While the greater portion of tho group consists of lighter music, it should bo found that there is any amount of attractiveness in those that are suggested. Tho vocal section is headed by a pair of operatic excerpts from Rossini's " Barber of Seville." These aro sung by Margherita Salvi, and aro of a very high standard of excellence. Tho first is tho familiar " Una Voco Toco Fa," which is one of tho most famous operatic solos for soprano voices which has over' been penned. It is a most difficult aria, and its treatment by Salvi will afford great pleasuro to listeners. Slio has a beautifully sweet and truo voice, and displays wonderful versatility. On the other side is tho other aria, " Io Son Docilo," which is almost as well-known as the former. Lotte Lehmann, tho talented German soprano, is tho other contributor to this section. Slio deserves great credit for her rendering of Gounod's meditation of Bach's " Avo Maria," which is perhaps better known to music-lovers as " Gounod's " Ave Maria." The accompaniment, which is of the " rippling" variety, i:> very beautiful, and the melody for the voice is deeply expressive. On tho other side is a vocal rendering of Handel's " Largo." The instrumental section is represented by a very enjoyable piano solo by Ivarol Szreter. This is a Strauss waltz, "Voices of Spring,*' always a popular piece of drawing room music. Tho play is very intelligent and attractive, and the recording brings out tho clear and bellliko tono of the piano. Another piano record is contributed bv Beryl Newell, who plays two enjoyable numbers .from the screen musicil extravaganza, " The Kins of Jazz." Tho titles are " Ragamuffin Romeo" and " Happy Feet." Both aro excellently played, and make attractive dance tunes.

A most enjoyable record, which recalls pleasant memories of the variety stage of pre-war days, is " Veterans of Variety,'' in which many of tho best known of the old favourites are sung by a talented quartette of entertainers. Among (he tunes aro " Two Little Girls In Blue," " Down the Road." " Across the Bridge at Midnight," "Where Did Von Get that Hat?" and "Big Ben Struck One.' A woman singer, whose name is not given, reveals herself*as an accomplished performer, whose manner reminds one of Lottie Collins, dear to an earlier generation. The concluding number consists of two solos from the musical comedy, " New Moon." These are sung by Sidney Btircliall, tho leading man of (he company, which is at present touring (lie Dominion, and aro " Lover, Come Back to Me," and " Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise." These are two very enjoyable numbers.

" Una Voce Poco Fa" (" The Harbor of Seville").—Maisherita Salvi (Parlophone.— A.5002).

"Ave Maria" I Baeli-Gounod).—Lotte Lehmann (Parlophonc.—AK.120). " Voices of Spring" (Strauss).,—Karol Szreter (Parlophone.—A 40121. "Ragamuffin Romeo" (" Kin? of Jazz).— Beryl Newell (Parlophone.—A.3olß). " Veterans of Variety."- Parlophone Variety Quartette (Parlophone.—A.26o2). " Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" (" New Moon").— Sidney Burchall (Parlophone.—A.29oo).

This week's records were supplied by Howies', Limited, Queen Street.