MUSIC

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21643, 13 May 1932, Page 2

MUSIC

NOTES AND RECORDS

By Allegro,

Many of Beethoven's works possess explanatory titles, among them being the sonata “ Appassionata,” the “ Emperor ” Concerto, and several others, all of which arc now generally known by these descriptive designations. Generally, however (as in the above examples), these names were not bestowed by Beethoven himself, but by some enthusiastic admirer who summed up in a word his impressions of the music and whose lead has been followed by the world in general. But the title “ Pathetique ” attached to the Sonata in C minor, Op. 13, was given to it by the composer himself. There is no evidence available of the meaning which he wished to convey, and the message of the work is far less obvious than in the case of Tchaikovsky’s “ Symphonic Pathetique.” Among Beethoven’s early sonatas the “ Pathetique ” stands out, however, on account of the urgency of the emotion that the composer is trying to express. The solemn introduction, the poignant (though fiery) first movement, and the tender adagio are deservedly famous, and the final rondo, though it has received less attention than the other movements, is in no way inferior to their interest. Backhaus gives a remarkably fine interpretation of the work, which is splendidly recorded. “ Suite in G minor ” by Purcell is a recorded harpischord solo by Rudolph Dolmetsch. The Haslemere festivals of ancient music (on ancient instruments) are well known in musical England, but for some reason or other are almost unheard of out here. The Dolmetsch family, originally the organisers of these festivals, are perhaps the greatest English authorities on obsolete stringed and keyboard instruments. For this reason alone it is praiseworthy that we are permitted to hear records of this family and also their views for the “ History of Music,” and for this particular recording of a lovely Purcell suite. The two sides of this 10 inch disc give three brief movements —an overture, an air and a jig. The recording does every justice to the delicate tone quality of the Dolmetsch harpischord. “ Little Grey Home in the West ” and “ Where My Caravan Has Rested ” have been sung by Aroldo Lindi. Here we have two of Herman Lohr’e best-known songs in the Lindi “ grand opera ” manner. This powerful tenor has an imagination that allows him to endow these old ballads with all the stage finery of Italian opera. The effect is a popular one. ! At a time when so many composers seem to have discarded the recognised ideals of melody and turned their attention to the production of new ideas, it is delightful to turn to Donizetti, who enriched the operatic stage with a great number of works that consist of strings of exquisite tunes. The overture to “ The Daughter of the Regiment ” has always been popular with the British public, and the recorded version should be widely welcomed. This overture is a fine specimen of his delicate and facile style, and it receives a spirited performance at the hands of the members of the La Scala Orchestra, Milan, under Gabriclle Sautiui. “0 for the Wings of a Dove ” (by Mendelssohn) and “ Ave Maria ” (BachGouuod), sung by Isobel Baillie form a recording. The aria from Mendelssohn’s motet “ Hear My Prayer ” is here recorded in Bartholomew’s English version by one of the finest sopranos in Britain. Miss Baillie’s rich experience and consummate artistry are here combined to amazing effect. Both ’cello and harp are added to the organ accompaniment used in the Mendelssohn, for the item on the reverse. Between them they manage what Bach originally wrote as a prelude for clavichord, while Isobel Baillie sustains Gounod's imposed melody, to Chorley’s words. The recording was done in the Central Hall, Westminster. “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” serenade by Mozart, played by Bruno Walter and the British Symphony Orchestra, forms a disc. Mozart’s famous Serenade for Strings—better known under its German title —is here given with an excellent interpretation. Each of the four movements is a jewel of lightness and grace—whether it be the “ Allegro,” the “ Romance,” the charming “ Minuet,” or the jojly “Rondo.” All have fresh, enchanting melodies, and Bruno Walter has aghipved a real triumph,, for, pnder his sensitive direction the string players have caught thp delicacy and sparkle of the music to perfection. It is all pure Mozart, and the string tone has been recorded wjth a limpidity that preserves its silken grace. “ A Sergeant of the Line ” and “ The Drum Major ” have been sung by Harry Dearth. The singer delights us with these two jolly ballads of a popular military nature. Both are splendidly sung with orchestra,, and display the singer's voice to perfection. . The thousands who have, heard] Marie Bremner’s fresh soprano voice during her tour with the Gilbert and Sullivan Company through New Zealand, will no doubt want to secure a permanent record of her artistry. There have accordingly been released three new Marie, Bremner discs, made recently in Australia. The titles are as follow: —“Phyllis Has Such Charming Graces,” by Young, arranged by Wilson, and “When Love is Kind, by Moore, arranged by A. L., “ Down in the Forest,” by Simpson and Ronald—from “A Cycle of Life,” and “ April Morn,” by Dowers and Batten. “My Lovely Celia,” by Munro, arranged by Wilson, and “ A Spring Morning,’a pastoral, by Carey, arranged by Wilson. Whether playing the great masterpieces of violin literature or the trifles with which great violinists delight their audiences at the close of, a recital, Kreisler’s style is both individual and unmistakable. He has a wonderful warmth and lusciousness of tone, and it is heard to particular 1 advantage in his own compositions. He has recorded two pieces of his own compositions, “ Rondino ” (on a theme by Beethoven) and “ Fair Rosemary,” with a tenderness of tone and a brilliance of execution that made them “gems of the purest ray serene.” The daintily shaped phrases are a delight, and have been faithfully recorded. Rhnsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Festival, better known, perhaps, as the overture “La Grande Papue Russe, ■which has been recorded by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra under the conductorship of Leopold Stokowski, is one of the most georgeously coloured pieces of programme music ever penned. Its main theme is founded on a Russian hymn, and the composer has woven it with consummate artistry into a rich musical texture. Only the composer of “ Scheherazade ’ could have devised such splendour of orchestral colouring, and he has written an overture that will be a source of delight to all who buy these records, both for fidelity and bigness of tone.

There are four records by the London Catholic Choir, and they are instances of sacred choral singing at its finest. The hymns themselves, too, are fine examples of the wealth of music to be found in the Roman Catholic Liturgy. The records are as follow:—“The Lourdes Hymn,” in English, and Gounod’s “ Ave Verum,” Jesu, Word of God Tncarnate — sung in Latin, “ Daily, Daily, Sing to Mary,” in English, and “ 0 Purest of Creatures,” English words, by the Rev. Faber, the music from Paderhorn Song Book. “God of Mercy,” English melody—sung in English, and “Praise to the Holiest in the Height,” in English, “ Sweet Sacrament Divine,” by the Rev. Mr Stanfield, given in English, and “ Ave Verum,” by Elgar, Op. 2, No. 1, sung in Latin and recorded with the organ in t St. Ethelrcda’s Catholic Church, Ely place. London, “ Shamrockland ” is a recorded vocal .'■election with orchestral accompaniment. The tunes introduced in this medley are as follow:—“When Irish Eyes are Smiling.” “Mother Machree,” “Rose of Tralee,” “We’re Irish, and Proud of It, Too,” “A Little Bit of Heaven,” “Where the River Shannon Flows,” “If You’re Irish Conte Into the Parlour.” The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Clemens Krauss, has given an admirably-balanced performance of Brahm’s Third Symphony in F majbr. op. DO. in eight parts. This is a work that should be wider known than it is. for it is full of the romantic side of Brahm’s music. The impressive “Andante” and the charming “Poco Allegretto” are two lovely movements, and the orchestra gives an authoritative performance. The symphony is recorded on plum label records which should contribute to its wider appeal.