Recorded Music: Notes and Reviews

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12459, 29 May 1926, Page 14

Recorded Music: Notes and Reviews

. “HIS MASTER’S VOICE” OPERA IN ENGLISH. The policy of the Zonophone Company in giving many of their operatic records in English must appeal to lovers of music from the disc. There are few of us that have sufficient understanding of the various languages to appreciate fully an aria in a foreign tongue, and its being sung in English gives us a clearer understanding of the work and also adds to the enjoyment. There is little doubt that tlie main reason why operatic pieces are not as popular as they should be is because the language is strange. * *' * • CECIL SHERWOOD. A disc by Cecil Sherwocd, the English tenor, is well up to the standard of many singers who are claiming much bigger places in the world of music. lie gives “ ’Tis the Day,” from “Mattinata” (Leoncavallo) “Recondita Armonia,” from “Tosca" (Puccini) The first is sung to piano accompaniment, and is one of the most beautiful arias from an opera that has been very popular during recent years. The “Tosca” aria is full of melody, and one is compelled to admire tjie interpretation of the singer. L’INCOGNITA. The flute-like notes of the charming soprano L’lncognita are heard in a recent disc by the Zonophone Com- I pany. She sings with orchestra—- “ You Fain be Hearing,” from Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Mas-

ch'era” “Silent the Sombre Wings of Night,” from “Lucia de Lammermoor” (Donizetti) Both are sparkling numbers, and the singer performs the most astonishing vocal effects with the greatest ease. They are gay and tuneful pieces. * * « * BLACK DIAMONDS BAND. The Black Diamonds Band gives us another medley, and we are truly grateful. It takes the form of .'. Savoy Christmas Medley—One Step Savoy Christmas Medley—Fox Trot Here we have the real spirit of I Christmas in merry dance tunes. The jump from one piece to another is skilfully made, and the old carols and folk songs are a sheer delight. * * * * CHILDREN’S STORIES. Here is something better than any nursery book ever written. It is quite the best record of its kind I have ever heard. Gilbert Girard, with novel ifr.itations, tells in two parts of “Santa Claus in Mother Goose Land.” Tlie enunciation is particularly clear, and the infectious chuckle will provide great amusement for the kiddies. * * * * PIPE ORGAN SOLI. It was from the organ that many °r , ol ! r greatest composers derived their inspirations. It is perhaps the most majestic of all musical instruments, and particularly is it impressive in sacred music. The Zonophone Company give us a disc by Mark Andrews, who renders “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” ‘Silent Night, Holy Night.” Both pieces are equally beautiful —music of the best. M 1 ’, ."' v »Hy” Smith, travelling repro- ! sontativo for United Artists, is once more on his feet again, after spending a week in a private hospital in Auckland, ; where ho underwent a slight operation 1 lo Ins throat.

ARGENTINE TANGO. As predicted by dance experts some time back, the tango has come into popular favour. A record by Manuel Pizarro’s Argentine Orchestra explains this to a big degree. They play “Mans Santo” “Mirala Come s'e va.” There is real grace in these records —hearing is believing. * * » * ARTHUR COX. The light tenor organ -of Arthur Cox, with its deft touches of' light and shade, come out strikingly jn his now records for the Zonophone Company. He gives “Ulcuilele Lady” ‘Yearning,” i Both these numbers have been popular items in recent stage productions in New Zealand, but they will be more popular after the record Jias been heard. The same singer also has two other songs—- “ All My Dreams are of You” “Some Day (We’ll Meet Again”) These are hard to beat. * » * * CATCHY DUETS. A bracket of duets with wonderful swing and catchy phrasings are to hand from the Zonophone Compap v . The singers are Arthur Cox (tenor) and Vivien Lambelet (soprano), and their numbers are: “I’m a Little Bit Fonder of You” “I Want You to Want Me to Want You.” The first is from the musical comedy “Mercenary Maiden,” a production that reached the hearts of London theatre-goers.

EDDIE MORRIS AGAIN. One of the Zonophone Company’s most popular tenors, Eddie Morris, comes through with flying colours in two popular hits—“Paddlin’ Madelin’ Home” “Mammy’s Good-night Lullaby.” There is a big contrast between these two songs, and this gives the singer opportunity to show his versatility. There is a fine “verve” about both of them, and I can heartily commend this record to lovers of light music. * * * * BRIGHT COMEDIAN. The original comedian Clarkson Rose, with the aid of a bright orchestra, creates plenty of fun in “Yum Turn Turn” “The Drage Way.” The latter song is a skit on the time-payment system, and the merry voice of the singer gets the most out of both numbers. Is one of Iho current season’s Paramount releases featuring Warner Baxter Esther Ralsson, and Kathlyn Williams, a screen version o ftlie Broadway stage hit by that name. • • Tlie story written for the screen by Barnard AlcConvilla, answers the question. Who are tho best people?" Cliauffours and chorus girls or the children or the rich? According to the picture the former have far more brains and better morals than do millionaire’s families. • ♦ • « "The Best People” portrays a rich New York family horrified because the sons nnd daughter want to marry a chorus girl nnd chauffeur, but finally through a series of laughable and tli rilling complications, but in the unique position of being foroecl to beg’ the young fellow nnd girl to marry into the rristoerntio family, * • » • Laughs, scenes of New York life and novel marriage complications make this dory a very entertaining one. It is full if life, colour, swift pace, pretty girls, ind -wonderful comedy situations. Olrott. who made, “The Humming Bird," “Little Old New York,” nnd 'Not so Long Ago,’ produced "The Best 1 ?eoplo” with a superfine cast.