GRAMOPHONES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 2 June 1923, Page 13

GRAMOPHONES.

it is possible for every owner of a tauang-maeiune to display his library to best advantage in arranging programmes in just this way, tliereiiy giving tne greatest enjoyment to himself and his mends. The mechanical reproduction of the art of all musical exponents lias reached such a degree of perrection that practically all of the records manufactured are worthy additions Lo any library. Alusic or every variety is produced on these discs, and it only requires taste and discrimination in the purchase of a collection to form a well-rounded library. It is but one step further to use such a library to advantage.

It was a happy inspiration which induced the Britisii Gramophone Company (“His Master’s Voice'’ records) to ask Dr. Walford Davies, chairman of the National Council of Music in Wales, director of music in the University of Wales, and professor of music in the University College at Aberystwyth, to deliver into the recording maeuine a series of admirable “melody* lectures”for use in schools and colleges. These have now reached New Zealand, and I can confidently recommend them, not only to schools and colleges, but also to those who desire to know something of the principles underlying the many delightful compositions they have listened to. The “melody lectures” consist of nine double-faced records (12in plum label), extending in educational range from a very simple lecture on “Musical Outline” to fairly advanced studies of well-known composers and their characteristic melodic forms. There are short and interesting discussions on “tune building,” “melodic adventure,’’’ “balance,” “completion,” “cadence,” and so on, the whole series forming a valuable adjunct to the workof the music teacher. Dr. Davies speaks very slowly, in a clear and expressively modulated voice. He has the assistance of Miss Marjory Davies, well-known to lovers of violin records, in illustrating Ills lecture points, while he himself frequently breaks oil to strike a few bars on the pianoforte by way, of making his explanation clearer. * * *

Has it ever occurred to you to plan a series of “Record Recitals” made up of selections from your library, that your friends and relatives may have the enjoyment of a well-balanced programme of music? ... i As is often tho case, decision is made on the spur of the moment to play the talking-machine. After starting the first record a diligent search is made for the next disc which you think may interest your audience. Chaos ensues, suggestions are olfered by tho guests, someone asks if you have N Eveiything” or “Coal Black Mammy,’ and after a tiresome ten minutes spent in getting knees in your freshly-creased trousers and wilting your nice clea, collar in a desperate attempt to nnci them, your wife suddenly remembers she loaned those very records with others, to Cousin Ann, who was cnteitaiuing musical friends for dlll 'f l >, wanted something winch ''•ould p oa. them. By tins time everybody Has, lost all interest in tho musical entertainment, and even the domestic felicity ol vour family is visibly disturbed.

Let us suppose, therefore, that when the suggestion that the talking-machine be played meets with unanimous approvai, you select one of the groups of ten records which comprised your ’‘.Recital Programmes.” You know the guests are not serious musicians, so you select the group wiiich contains the arrangement of “Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes,” played by the Fion-' zaley String Quartet; a John McCormick record; some standard selection played by Pablo Casals, the 'cellist; a couple of orchestral productions; and three or four popular songs and dance records. Without .effort on your part you have pleased everybody, your collar is still fresh and clean, and, what is better—you still love your wife. “The Recital” has been a success, because you have taken a few minutes at some previous time to carefully group the records of your library, and “an enjoyable evening has been the result.’-!

Some new Records —All Zonophones: Peerless Dance Orchestra. A2G2. The Moon Lute—V'alse, Jakobowski; Buddha (My Own) —Fox Trot, Pollack. Here are two splendid dance numbers that will be included in every up-to-date dance programme., Recorded in strict dance time, perfect tune and volume, these delightful dance numbers will find a hearty welcome everywhere.. Black Diamonds. Band. 2225. Rainbow —Va-lse, Nicliolls; Golden Dream Boat, Nicliolls. The Black Diamonds Band have provided two excellent recordings in the above "popular numbers. Olive Fox and Clarkson Rose, with piano. 2282. I Do Love You, Clarkson Rose. We’d Better Put the Barns up Now, Clarkson Rose. This month we issue two grand numbers with Olive Fox and Clarkson Rose in collaboration. A record which will be thoroughly enjoyed by every one._ Ask your dealer to let you hear it. Instrumental Quintette (violin, ’cello liarp. organ, celeste). 2234. Air of King Louis XIII, Ghvs arr. Varney; Dance of the Blue Butterfly, David George. Each of the above pieces has its own and different mooch The stately aii\ reminiscent of the gilded days of the -French Court in the luxurious time of Louis XIII, is contrasted with the fragrant out-of-door atmosphere of the “Dance" of the Blue Butterfly.” The instrumental combination adds additional charm to the delightful pieces. Jack Hylton’s Jazz Band. 2248. Roaming—Fox Trot, Halm and Eltinge. Ma!—One-Step ,Conrad. Ever;, admirer of Jazz music will welcome with delight these two popular recordings of the real Jazz combination. Their remarkable ability is well demonstrated in these two numbers.