RECORDED MUSIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12093, 21 March 1925, Page 11

RECORDED MUSIC

REVIEWS AND NOTES; Thera is a most gratifying fare for granioplionists in the new records to be released at an early date. A previous announcement of the recording of Strauss's riclily-coloured opera, "Salome,” bv the Symphony Orchestra, and a select company of vocalists under Mr Albert Coates, has whetted the appetite of those who delight in this class of music. The recording, which occupies three 12-inch double discs, 'is excellent, the singing' quite good, and the orchestra brilliant. The music of the opera, as those who know Strauss may imagine, is very

exotic, breathing the passion which is *he dominant theme of the work. Much of it. on a first hearing, appears to be an incoherent jumble of sound, and it is. only on subsequent hearings that this impression is removed, and the theme as sumes tangibility. The soloists are dot? Ljuunberb (soprano), Nellie Walker ( :un tralto), Tudor Davies (tenor), Georgv Baker (baritone), and Edward Holland (bass). With the exception of the sonrano, all are well-known to gramoplion Ists. Gota Ljungberg, a dramatic sonrano, of great power and intensity oi expression, makes an excellent impres sion. Sh& sings in German, while the others sing in Ehglish. Like most modern operatic writing, the orchestration is a predominant feature, and at tune-; appears to fairly engulf the singer. The scene., "The Head of Jokanaan,” is a perfect blaze of orchestral sound and fury, through which the voice of the sopiano breaks with thrilling effect. : Gramophonists who are anxious to embark on the adventure of chamber music 1 should begin with sonatas. Everybody will have listened some time or another to. 4 violin solo, and perhaps he will hav© wished sometimes that the ghostly tinkle which in most cases represents the piano accompaniment might be made a little more prominent. That is what , gives the charm to a good sonata for violin and piano. One is not surfeited with either instrument. The Bach "Sonata in E major,” for violin ard ’uano; Second and Fourth Movement, Maud Powell, is a charming record, and the second movement is a delicious little tune as easy as walking downhill rn a fine spring morning. Then there is the , Elgar "Sonata, Op. 83,” Third Movel ment, "Allegro non troppo”; Hayward and Bourne, and Purcell’s "Golden Sonata” for two violins; Isolde Menges and'. William Primrose —perfect music, perfect playing, perfect’recording. The latest raottel of H.M.V. machines, which hasS just reached Wellington, appears to indicate something of a revolution in gramophone construction. It has a pleated diaphragm about 12 inches in diameter, at the foot of which is tlu needle attachment, but the great feature is that it has no soundbox, tone arm nor Korn. It is claimed for the machine that with the new feature the music reaches every part of the room, no matter whore it is placed, and a demonstration an evening or two ago stronglybacked up the claim. It is attractive in appearance,\and' the main result is that there is direct production from the re cord from both sides of the diaphragm. The new H:M.V. records include several excerpts from musical comedy, jazz, popular composers and celebrities. Some particularly good numbers are included in the latest "Winner” (EdisonBell) records. A couple of fox trots, and "The Golden West,” will make a strong appeal to those whose fancy lies in this class of music, while quite another section of the music loving public are catered for in military band work, conducted by Dan Godfrey. On one side are "The Bullfrog Patrol,” a descriptive piece, and "Babillage/’ characteristic; while other side gives parts one and two of "The Entry of the Gods into. Valhalla” (Wagner). These arc splendidly produced. Another fine record is by the Regent Orchestra, including a waltz of Irish melodies, and three fox-, trots, all of which make an excellent and | welcome addition to the dance album and "ring tho changes” on eternal jazz. Tom Barrasford in a couplo of songs. "Bobbed or Shingled” and "Clara, take the Clothes In,” tho latter a comedy foxtrot song,, tre well reproduced, and will add welcome variety to the home entertainment. These records are obtainable at most gramophone depots. THE ALL BLACKB STIRRING FOOTBALL SONG. New Zealand’s great football song, to fox-trpt time, is "THE ALL BLACKS” , the words of which have been composed by Mrs Elizabeth Chandler, an Aucklander, and thb music by Harry Hiscocks (composer of "The full’s Prayer” and "Fall of Pearls”). Described on the front page ns a song with a kick in it, "The All Blacks” fully justifies its name. Mrs Chandler has dedicated her work to the famous All Blacks, whose return on Tuesday, from their triumphal tour abroad was celebrated in a manner fitting the occasion. The wolds include, in -topical fashion, all the of the team, and the tune is lilting and full of rhythm. Emblazoned on the front is a piefcure of the All Blacks in action. The s'ong is in its third edition. Mrs Chandler and Mr Hiscocks collaborated in yet another song, Waves.” Wherever the "All Blacks” fox-trot has been played its catchy air has instantly appealed, and the demand for the song, as Well as, satisfying the musical taste also serves to commemorate the wonderful tour of our famous All Blacks. New Zealand is indeed grateful to Mrs Chandler and Mr Hiscocks. The quirking melodies of the "All Blacks” song found expression by the Wellington Artillery Band on Tuesday, when it preceded the returned players up town playing the air. Ana most people found its liveliness attractive.