MUSIC.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20905, 20 December 1929, Page 5

MUSIC.

NOTES AND RECORDS

By Allegro,

A recording has been taken by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Leopold Stokowski) of “Symphony No. 7 in A major” Op;- 92 (Beethoven). Beethoven’s “Seventh 'Symphony,” composed in 1812, was first performed at a concert consisting entirely of Beethoven’s works and conducted by the composer himself, on December 8, 1813. The main feature was Beethoven’s Battle Symphony. The orchestra, which consisted mainly of the finest musicians of the clay, gave the symphony, which was being played from manuscript, a wonderful performance. Ever since then the symphony has been one of the most popular of the nine, vicing with the fifth for the larger share of,popular esteem. Marek Weber and his orchestra, in “Lchariana” make a good disc. Lchar’s music is instinct with the carefree gaity and charm always typical of the old Austrian capital, which, for want of a better term, we call “ Viennese.” It is particularly appropriate that this fantasia on favourite Lchar melodies should have been played by Marck Weber’s light orchestra.

Cedric Sharpe in " Twilight," by Frinil and in “Air,” by Pergolesi,” shows good recording form. The Pergolesi air (which Cedric Sharpe has arranged) is played beautifully.

Toti may be heard in “ Carnevalc di Venezia,” arranged by Benedict. The charm of her voice, her technique, and the admirable manner in which all points of the difficult variations of the old melody arc brought out tend to make this a remarkable record.

“ German Dances,” parts 1 and 2, by Mozart, arranged by Steinbach, show music of grace and delicacy, and perfection of form .i such as only Mozart wascapable of. The Berlin Opera Orchestra has the highly finished style that Mozart's music demands. This-is music that, with its infectious light-heartedness, should achieve popularity. John M'Cortnack, in “ Annie Laurie ” and, “ The Auld Scotch Songs,” gives a charming recording of two old favourites sung 'in his distinctive style. . The band of the Coldstream Guards,in “ Wedding of- the Rose,”- by Jessel, and in the “ Hobomoko,” the intermezzo,” by Reeves, shows' a record of music which will be a welcome addition to the band department. • Those .who -enjoy straightforward performances of rohsing times by an’ army banffi will like the matches “ Gridiron Club ’ and “The National Game,” re-' corded: by Sousa’s Band, These are-just the things for_ schools or summer camps. The Westminster Abbey Special Choir (unaccompanied), in Exsurge Domine (Byrd) -and “0 Bone Jesu" (Child), gives two fine examples of English music. The name of William Byrd is illustrious in the history of music. Both this example ,of his work and the companion Bices by William Child, a famous organist °f St, George’s Chapel, Windsor; are recorded with wonderful breadth and sense of atmosphere. These are sung in Latin, the first being unaccompanied and the second with organ accompaniment. ■ The singing of Rosa Ponselle should not be missed. Few sopranos of the present day have that rich quality that can convey emotion without seeming to strive for month she sings the “ Costa Uiva aii a from Bellini’s opera, Norma. _ There arc extreme. difficulties for the singer in the coloratura passages that cal! for perfect breathing, but-Rosa Ponselle ascends into the higher registers with' the same ease that'she descends to the contralto scale. The soprano is supPorted by the full orchestra and chorus of: the Metropolitan Opera House. Beniamino Gigli's rich voice is exquisitely recorded in the “ Traviata ” aria. Wild Dream of My Youth,” telling of a lovers happiness and joy at life in a peaceful countryside after his past wild ! lfe in the city. In’ excellent contrast is the tenors second number, "Tomb of My Sainted Fathers,”‘ from “Lucia di Lammcrmoor.

A disc has been made by the Orchestra Koyal Des Guides Beige (conductor, A. Provost) of " Brabanconne,” “ Vers lavenir, and "Logere Artillerie.” This band is a targe body of players which baa appeared with, great-success in London on several occasions. ' It is notewortliv for the delicacy and foe the verve of its playing. .-I ! . > 7.:- ‘.Terzetto dcllc Macherc ” is;.a recorded Kio,> by- Aessi. : Baracchis and--Venturin’. Baracchi and Nessi were two of the artists who. helped to make “Turandot" a sucot Coveut Garden recently. They are ably supported by Venturing . The finale of “La Forza del Destina ’ is realistically depicted by Giovanni Martinelh, Ezio Pinza, and ..Rosa Ponselle. Inis illustrates one of \erdi’s groat moments, and these three-artists mako a fine record.

Debussy's “Nocturne" (No. 2), from ietes, aa recorded by the Philadelphia ,i>jinphony Orchestra under Leopold Stokowski, reveals passages played with .the utmost delicacy. - wii 1 ?™ D w r Wanderer” and “In Diesen Heligen Hulren Kipms shows great singlt!§> CV ® D improving on bis previous magperformances. His.-bass, with that attractive dark ;vowel quality and ease of production. Is as smooth and powerful as ever.

r “ i ca ' a ” c k°rus has done nothing finer than the “ Turandot ” excerpts. v lonc ” and . “ Gira Da Cote." With balance find skill, this chorus derive the utmost from these items from Puccinis opera. . , II J, .Dalian ballads, "Non t’arao P> u ~ (Tolsti) and “Mattinata" (Leoncavallo), Aureliano Fertile's fine tenor voice is heard in contrasts in light and shade. . .

A record of Luigini’s “Ballet Egyptien’ has been produced by the Orchestve Syraphonique dc Paris under Pierre Chagnon. Pierre ChagnonV interpretation, as befits the lusty music, is hearty in the extreme. He achieves just the bright tone that the music demands.

„ .Las Lagarterana’s ” is at present enjoying. popularity on the Continent,. of Europe, and Albert Sandler’s individual ■°£t will make the record a success; “Raphaellto" is a pretty tango-like melody, in wmch his violin is heard to advantage, with support by the ’cello. Musical Art Quartet has played Deep River ” . and “Serenade.’? These melodies are given with a desirable sweetness of tone.

Jack Hylton and his orchestra have-re-corded the following:—“Hello! Hello! Hellol It s a Different Girl Again,’’ tit c tl,e 3vy 011 tflc Old Garden «,T n i h -° Shad * of *lio Old Apple X l . cc y j. Wouldn’t Leave My Little Has Anybody Here Seen ££ J V Sunshine of Your Smile,” „ broken Doll," “ Eileen Alannah,” Toluntccr Organist,” Sweet Genevieve,” and “They Didn’t Believe Me.”