DISC MUSIC

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 45, 28 June 1929, Page 3

DISC MUSIC

GRAMOPHONE NOTES SOMETHING ABOUT RECORDS. A Iffelodlfoiis Muss, Schubert's' choral music has been ':so : much neglected, even' in conriec•tibri" with the Centenary, that one is '.grateful to H.M.V. for bifiigiiigout a set of. three reCDrh?, by the Philharmonic Choir (D 1478-1480) of a "Mass" in G major. This is one of the earliest oi' several /'Masses," and was apparently composed while Sfchubert was still in his 'icr.is It is '•essentially music of its period, owing nothing 'to the earlier lii.rgica'r'music of the Catholic Chiifch; but it is exceedingly charming, full of exquisite phrases, and in its way, quite devotional in expression, although more suited, according to modern ideas, to the concert-room than to the church. The records themselves are of exceptionally good quality, some of the best choral sihging heard on the gramophone so far.

Remarkably Fine. A remarkably fine piece of orchestral recording, for naturalness of 'tone, has come under my notice recently (writes Henry Coates in the "Musical News"). The first of these is the "Peer Gynt" Suite No. 2, recorded by the New Light Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eugene" Goossens H.M.V. C. 1571 and' 1572). I have never heard finer •string tone in any records, and the general balance and volume of tone are also remarkably good.

A Musical- Ambassador. Elizabeth Rethberg the creator of the role of Helen in Straussfs opera, is, at the age of 34, the subject of a biography, privately printed by the Municipal Historical Society of, her native city, Schwarzenberg, in Saxony. This artist has been called Germany's musical ambassador. Rethberg's debut for H.M.V. was a great coup. Hex-records so far include: Aida—"o patrio mia," Aida—"Ritornk vinctftor," D 1451; Lohengrin—" Elsa's ' Dream (in German) , ' Tannhauser— "Elizabeth's Greeting" '(in German), D 1420. ■ '\

A Flonzaley Swan Song. ' The news that the famous Flonzaley quartet is to cease its existence is made doubly sad for the gramophone world 'by the appearance of a wonderfully beautiful set of records of Mozart's D major Quartet No. 8 (H.M.V, DA947, 948, 949). The quartet has always been noted for its Mozartian playing, and in these three discs is ensuring a rarely perfecly performance, which could only have come form an organisation such as the Flonzaley with' its perfect ensemble, the product of years of closer association "between the four'artists. Jacques Thilbau'd and ' Pablo Casals and Georges ' Eriesio we're amongst those first-thought of to form the famous Fioraley' ' Quartet itt • 1904. This Quartet owe'd yit's inception to a Swiss banker, Edward' de Cbppet. In all 2500 concepts have been given since then.

More Iris* Humour. Michael Casey is making _ a big name for himself as "a gramophone humorist. His latest contribution is a pair of rollicking farces entitled "Casey's Birthday Party" and "Casey at the Hospital," and the jokes flow thick and fast on both. There is always a good market for real humour, and this should enjoy good sales. (Columbia 01395). The Columbia Symphony Orchestra. The work of the, Columbia Symphony Orchestra'has kept up to a surprisingly high level for so unambitious an organisation. Their recording of a "Faust" selection, for example, shows remarkable "fatness" of tone and, what is Comparatively rare in' any" save the greatest orchestras, a really artistic sense of phrasing. The music is undoubtedly Gounod's best and most popular, for "Faust" is "everybody's favourite." The music is bright, bold, and has that memorable quality which makes a good tune permanent. (Columbia 02708). A Genius on the "like." Cliff Edwards, .more popularly known as "Ukelele Ike," is a master player who knows t 0 perfection how to blend his voice with his instrument. He trolls out two popular hits, "Me and the Man in the'Moon" and "I Can't Make Her Happy," in

Ills inimitable confidential style. He is one of the most popular of his ..class, and this- record explains why. (Columbia 01400')'." . Captivating Irish Songs. When it's a question of Irish songs with the real flavour of the peat, W. F. Watt is in a class by himself. His latest record gives us the ever popular "The Shepherdess," sung f -\vith a fragrant hint of romance, and "My Little Maid," one of those charming Irish love-son ?s that the Emerald Isle is so famous for W. F. Watt is not content merely to sing: . he projects ; a lovable arid witty personality on the black disc. Columbia 01344). " \ >;'■ "'