THE GRAMOPOME CORNER

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18936, 5 December 1929, Page 3

THE GRAMOPOME CORNER

GRACE NOTES.

VIVACE)

(By

Learning is an excellent thing m its place and season but good taste (a possession far finer, perhaps more rare, and certainly more desirable) is a good thing at all times, according to Eva Mary Grew, in “The Gramophone. In matters of art its discipline or education proceeds by a development of the power to discriminate between works of the first, second, and third order of value. “We of the present time are fortunate,” she writes. “We can secure a knowledge of music that was impossible for people of earlier times. Through the medium of the gramophone we can develop and refine our taste, primarily through the process of selection, until we find what is for us the highest type of music. When that is found our enjoyment becomes absolute, and to have absolute enjoyment is to be very fortunate indeed. One who has acquired a few r first-class compositions from the w T ealth of the world’s music by the graded process of selection, who knows why he has chosen them for his library, that is the one who can*be truly said to have developed a sound musical taste. Gramophiles can play their game of choice for j*ears and yet retain their first fresh zeal; and moreover in their game will derive some subtle charm from the limits set by their pockets. “The game of choice is, in fact, a liberal education which makes us persons of authority, at least, so far as we ourselves are concerned. Its chief value is that it teaches us how to be honest and independent in our selection, and not to depend too much on the judgments of others.” Reviews. The December and Christmas issue of Columbia recordings features some worth-while numbers. To the lover of the orchestra “The Merry Brothers” and “Echoes of the Valley,” two charming numbers by Jean Gennin and played by the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra under Sir Dan Godfrey, should make an instant appeal. In the “Merry Brothers,” the composer himself and his brother Pierre add a touch of jollity in a cheerful piccolo duet. Brahms’s popular Hungarian Dances Nos. 5 and 6 are picturesquely pro mnmnirniiNiiiiiHiiiiiiiimnmiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiifiriiiimniiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiii

rented by the Halle Orchestro undei the baton of Sir Hamilton Harty. A Columbia ten inch disc. The J. H. Squire Celeste octet are heard to advantage in the “Scene de Ballet” by de Bleriot, with the second movement from “Symphonie Pathetique” (Tschaikowsky) on the reverse of the twelve inch disc. In the list of the singers Doris Vane is heard in “Love the Pedlar” (Battersbv), arid “A Song of Thanksgiving” (Thomson). In the first number Miss Vance gives a bright interpretation, whilst the “Song of Thanksgiving,” a direct contrast, is sung very feelingly. Anna Case, a new singer to the Columbia list, has a rich soprano voice which is well suited to the two chosen numbers “Doreen” (M’Gee), a plaintive Irish melody, and “Alleluja” (Mozart). Harold Williams, baritone, sings “Onaway, Awake, Beloved” from “Hiawatha” and “Can’t Remember” by

Brandon. A worthy addition to any gramophile’s library. On another ten inch disc “Just Because the Violets” and “Lilies of Lorraine” are pleasingly sung by l - William Heseltine, who possesses a clear unforced tenor voice. To suit the lighter taste Ruth Etting, the popular light vocalist, is once again to the fore with “Now I’m in Love,” a jolly air well sung, and “1 1

Want to Meander in the Meadow. Len Maurice too is heard in the latter song, whilst on the reverse he presents “Where the Bab-bab-babbhng Brook.” This is one o£ the best records Mr Maurice has made and should become very popular. To swell the lists of the dance releases Columbia presents “Where the Bab-bab-babbling Brook and I \\ ant to Meander in the Meadow,” two good fox trots played by Dave Ilernie and his orchestra. Ben Selvin s orchestra presents “Junior ’ with Here We Are” on the reverse played by Guy Lombardi's Royal Canadians. Two more numbers bv this popular band are “Then We Canoe-dle-oodle Along” and “You Want Lovin.’ ” both good fox trots. “The Whoopee Hat Brigade” and “The Flippity Flop” (from the “Dance of Life”) are bright novelty fox trots which should become popular. They are played by Harry Resen’s Syncopators. To continue the H.M.V. reviews begun last week: The Light Opera Company present selections from “The Arcadians” (Monckton), and “Veronique” (Messager) on a 12 inch disc. This is a most attractive collection of gems from light opera. They are well sung and well recorded. Two fine tenor solos from Handel’s “Messiah” are sung by Walter Widdop on a 12 inch black label H.M.V. record. They are “Every Valley Shall be Exalted” and “Comfort Ye, My People.” Widdop’s interpretation of these numbers is most expressive. John Barbirolli conducts the orchestra which accompanies the singer. The delightful “Children’s Overture,” by Roger Quilter, will be treasured by young and old. It is capitally played by the New Light Symphony Orchestra, under Dr Malcolm Sargent’s direction. English folk tunes are another source of enjoyment in this H.M.V. programme. Many of them are brightly played on large and small discs by the Folk Dance Band, and the recording is first rate. Harry Lauder figures again in this programme, and that quaint and original comedienne Gracie Fields, provides a surprise in “So Tired.” The H.M.V. consignment also contains many dance numbers.