DISC JOTTINGS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17237, 17 April 1930, Page 4

DISC JOTTINGS

A Tchaikovsky Concerto One of the products of Tchaikovsky's new popularity is a first-class recording of bis Concerto for violin and orchestra. The famous Polish violinist, Bronislaw Huberman has been chosen for the solo instrument, while Steinberg conducts the Berlin State Orchestra in the accompaniment. Huberman exercises fully the resources of his marvellous technique, and yet reads into the music something more than a mere exhibition of dazzling virtuosity. Contradictory as it may sound, the fireworks have a- serenity, an unforced ease, thai allows the expression of deeper feelings to shine through.

The Franck Symphony A short while ago the. New York Symphony Orchestra, seeking guidance as to their er.suing year's programme, instituted a -'straw-vote" on the most popular symphony. To the surprise of the critics, the first place fell to Ccsiii" Franck's one and only symphonv. Beethoven's "Fifth" enmo second. The critics' surprise may be imagined, for the work is full of almost glaring faults; hut- its virtues—its originality of thought, its sincerity, and its clever massing of tone—easily out-balance them in public fa\or. Philippe Gaubert, conducting Hie Orchestra de la Societe des Concerts du Conservatoire, of Paris. <_rives a clean, vigorous performance of

Gigli at His Best No tenor records more superbly than the great Italian. Beniamino Gigli. who will be the. star performer at the Covent Garden this season. His mellow, .velvety voice is beard in "Wild Dream of My Youth" from Verdi's "La Traviata" and "Tomb of My Sainted Fathers" from "Lucia di Lammermoor" (Donizetti). The first song is full of joy and happiness; the second is on a tragic note, but it shows pci'haps to greater advantage the wonderful range and quality of the •singer's voice. These arias are from <'!iy;li's most famous roles. Mozart Symphony

Recently the English critic, Ernest Newman." pronounced the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra the finest in Europe and their plaving of Mozart's Prague Svmpbonv in D Major certainly seems to justify this opinion. This symphony cord"ins'some of the most characteristic of Mozart's music. Tts firs! and last movements are full of energy, and yet are tuneful and moulded in that marvellous grace and refinement which distinguish bis work. The second movement is the loveliest thing imaginable. o« enchanting simplicity and beauty. Kleiber conducts the work and the orchestra responds to him admirably.

Dance Records toy the "New Method" The "new method" certainly gives dance records a wonderful exhilaration. Tim tone steps right off the disc with atrulv astonishing clarity. A typical example is a pairing of "Mucking about the Garden." and "Get Up Nice and Eerlv in the Morning." -Tack Payne and .lis B B C. Cvcbcstr.i play, the inimitable Leslie Sarony sings the lyric, and Tommy Handlev, 8.8.C.'s clown extraordinary, provides a running patter.