MUSIC

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22101, 3 November 1933, Page 2

MUSIC

NOTES AND RECORDS By Allegro. The final meeting for the year of the Society of Women Musicians of Otago was held on Wednesday evening. Original contributions were presented, which shows that there is no lack of talent in the society. The composers were Mary Martin, Mania Service, Dorothy Johnstone, Emilie Logie, and A. G. Foster. The items for the evening comprised vocal trios, madrigal sextet, songs, a short sketch, pianoforte solos, and a one-act fantasy. During this month pianoforte recitals will be given by the visiting examiners for Associated Board and Trinity College. Both Mr Frederic Moore and Mr Ronald Chamberlain are locally well known, and teachers and music students as well as those who are interested in music will be provided with a varied and interesting programme. During the first three weeks of the Bayreuth Festival one fifth of the visitors were foreign. They included 220 Americans, 140 British, 120 Swiss, 90 each from France and Holland, 80 Czechs, 55 Italians, and 45 Austrians. The death took place recently of a very old friend of Sibelius. He was Robert Kajanus, the veteran conductor, a famous interpreter of the works of this composer.

Beniamino Gigli’s November recording holds a thrilling interpretation of Handel’s well-known Largo from _ Xerxes.” “ Ombra mai fu ” is too familiar to need an introduction. The organ accompaniment is by Herbert Dawson. “ Una Furtiva Lagrima,” from the second act of “Elisir d’Amore,” by Donizetti, is the companion number. This romance for tenor is sung by Nemorina, a young peasant, as his love Adina, a wealthy young owner of a farm, leaves him, believing him indifferent to her. Owing to the wonderful singing of Caruso in this air, the opera was revived in America in 1904. The instrumental introduction has bassoons playing the air and. harp accompaniment. There are some nice wind passages, a charming accompaniment, and smooth phrases. Gigli’s singing of it is delightful, and the whole is a very attractive recording. The “Dictionaire des Operas” says: “ The score of ‘ Elisir d’Amore ’ is one of the most pleasing that the Bergamo composer has written in the comic vein. It abounds in charming motifs and graceful melodies. Among the most striking passages of the second act is the lovely and smoothly-flowing romance ‘Una Furtiva Lagrima,’ which is one of the most remarkable inspirations of Donizetti.” Donizetti composed some 70 operas. It has been said that “with a gift for melody as facile as Bellini’s, Donizetti is more dramatic, his harmonisation lesa monotonous, and his orchestration more careful. This is shown by his choice of instruments for special effects, like the harp solo preceding the appearance of “Lucia,” the flut e obbligato in the mad scene, and the bassoons introducing “ Una Furtiva Lagrima ” in “ L’Elisir d’Araore.”

Marek Weber and his orchestra have recorded a fantasia of “II Trovatore” melodies. Needless to say, the disc will prove a popular one, as all the best known tunes in the opera are present. Specially well played are the “ Anvil Chorus ” and “ Miserere ” (a duet between viola and violin). The ’cello solo, "Tempest of the Heart,” is played with a nice rubato, and the rhythmical treatment of a waltz section adds 'to the attractiveness of the record.

Misoha Elman’s lovely playing of "Le Cygne ” is one of the recording attractions of the month. The even tone and the ease with which a perfectly-balanced performance is presented, go to make Elman’s record a desirable one indeed. Tschaikovsky’s “ Melodie,” opus 42, No. 3, is played with the grace of a true artist. Walter Glynne and Stuart Robertson arc responsible for a very good recording of “ Flow, Gently. Deva,” by Parry. These two singers, both favourite gramophone solo singers, combine most happily in this song. It opens with a waltz and then there is a descriptive trumpet or bugle entry. A sad dirge-like section, followed by a march with a flute prominent in the upper register, makes up the rest of the composition. Both the singers revel in their lowest or highest notes, which come through very clearly. “All’s Well,” which opens with simple sequences and repetitions, which has sentry calls and_ long breath phrases, is on the reverse side. • Amongst the unusual records that are being issued to-day is “Jacko,” an authentic recording of a kookaburra. Dr E, Brooke Nicholla tells the story, and the recording is most interesting. Many difficulties must been overcome to make this record. All the romantic music of “The Maid of the Mountains ” is given in an organ’ medley played by Harry Davidson. The playing is clear and sympathetic. One of the best records yet made by Peter Dawson is “ Dark-haired Marie,” by Lozanne. This quiet song is artistically sung, “Over the Dark, Still Silence” by Rizzi, begins on a low note, beautifully produced. Clear diction and a big tone are characteristics of the record. A band recording of the Coldstream Guards holds two Alford marches, stirringly played. They are “ Old Panama ” and “ The Standard of St. Gfeorge." The King’s speech at the opening of the World Monetary and Economic Conference on June 12 has been recorded. This was the first time in history that a sovereign presided at a conference, at which practically all the nations of the world were represented. Gladys Moncrieff has recorded In the Valley of the Moon.” She is supported by a string octet, and sings in a particularly care-free manner. v “ Sincerity,” coupled with For You Alone,” have been sung by Herbert Thorpe and Foster Richardson. The blend of voices is a satisfying one.