GRAMOPHONE GOSSIP

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIX, Issue 3105, 2 July 1929, Page 2

GRAMOPHONE GOSSIP

(By "EBOR.")

(All Eights Reserved). THIS WEEK'S GRAMOPHONE TIP. Your gromaphone should always be in a place where the motor will not get cold in winter. The temperature is a quite important detail. This is a fact, not a fad. MADAM BUTTERFLY VIVIDLY PORTRAYED. EMtrance of Butterfly (Act 1) and One Fine Day (Act 2), from Puccini's "Madam Butterfly," sung by Meta Scinahicyer, soprano, with chorus and; orchestra of the Berlin State Opera; House. A well known London musical critic says this record is one of Parlophonc's best, and the finest rendering of the "Entrance of Butterfly'' and the beautiful aria from Act 2, yet made. Meta Seinemcyer sings magnificently in both numbers, and chorus and orchestra all help to give us a perfectly balanced performance. It will be remembered that an American naval officer, Pinkerton, having left his Japanese "wife" three years, Butterfly, who has had" no news of her "husband'' tries to buoy up her wistful, yet unflagging hopefulness. One fine day he will com*—of that she is sure. The air "t>cg&?, on a high G- flat. As it proceeds her courage rises and its' conclusion offers a wonderful opportunity for a great emotional outburst. ; (5020 Parlophone 12inch). ■ ' v SINGING '' THE BLUE DANUBE '» The Blue Danube (Strauss) performed by the Sieber Choir,., with Grand Symphony Orchestra. It is not generally known that Johann Strauss, the "Waltz ; King," scored the most popular of, all his (or anyone else's) waltzes for chorus and orchestra, so that this record is the only authentic version. The Sieber Choir collaborates perfectly with the Grand Symphony Orchestra, while peeping through the general scheme of things are several little moments for fine solo voices. The recording can only be described as magnificent. This record is one of six which will" be broadcast from Station IYA on Tuesday -evening next (to-night) during a lecture-recital entitled "The Waltzes Of Yesterday" by Mr Karl Atkinson. Strauss wrote nearly 400 waltzes, but only one "Blue Danube." (5019 Parlophone 12-inch). rj " • FUNNY "FUNNY" MEN. "That's My Weakness Now" and "Because My Baby Don't Moan Mayb« Now," sung by Cotton and Morphe.us, comedy rhythm vocalists, with piano( guitar and violin accompaniment. . . Imagine "Two Black Crows" singing, in their negro patter style, modern, popular numbers to a snappy rhythmic accompaniment on the above-named three instruments, with patter and patter choruses thrown in, and you will get an excellent idea of Cotton and Morpheus. They will prove dangerous rivals to the "Two Black Crows" because the music is weir done and their patter is a scream. (3969 Brunswick 10-inch). THREE GOOD DANCE RECORDS "I Think of What You Used to Think of Me" and "Rag Doll," foxtrots, played by Abe Lyman's California Orchestra, with Eddie Dunstcdtcr on the Kincma Organ. . The combined effect of Kincma Organ and Orchestra is here particularly successful, owing mainly, to the tone quality of the band. While the good tone of his saxophones and fiddles blends well with the softer stops of the organ", the brass and rhythmic section help to tighten up the rather loose rhythm which the introduction of the organ often ■'creates. The chief feature v in'"Rag Doll" is the effective work of piano and, organ.. (39-13 Brunswick 10-inch). ,' . . , C-O-N-S-T-A-N-T-I-N-O-P-L-E and "Etiquette Blues/' fox-trots, played by the Six Jumping Jacks. To enjoy this band most, one should hot take, it too seriously. Its strong point is comedy renderings, and comedy performances: do not necessarily, demand the best rhythmic stylo. The Jumping Jacks always not only manage to create an atmosphere but play with a brilliant confidence which instills much "pep'!, into their very entertaining; performances;' Recording good. (390 Brunswick iprinch).. lJk§nqwflakes; '.\ and-/ 'Rag:, Dqiy ' fox- : Je^iq^e^'is]i§i^^^^^^^^^^