RECORDED MUSIC

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2310, 13 March 1930, Page 2

RECORDED MUSIC

(By "Phono.") '"

Two Charming Works. Ignaz Friedman, the famous English pianist, is again on tour in England, and again enchanting all hearers by the poetry and consummate skill of his playing. Columbia has issued a lOin. Light Blue record of two delightful little pieces which Friedman is including in current programmes—and this will no doubt be greatly prized. Few pianists can play with such tremendous power as Friedman, when that power ia required to express the full meaning of some great work. But in his new record he is heard in gentle mood, for the two pieces might be described as musical bric-a-brac, and they require only the most delicate and light-hand-ed treatment. "Music Box of the Little Nana," by Mittler, is a fascinating imitation of the glassy, tinkling notes of the old-time musical toy. On the reverse is a Menuett from ''The Judgment of Paris" —a beautiful old work by an unknown composer, which Friedman himself has arranged, and which ho plays with infinite grace and charm. Peter Dawson.. The steady output of records by Peter Dawson is enhanced by his latest disc, embracing two songs with an Eastern flavour, the famous ''Star of the East" by Lohr, and "The Garden of Allah" by Marshall. The singer's recording of the "Indian Love Lyrics" some time back were most favourable received. Dawson has the rare gift of being able to impart character and ..atmosphere into practically every kind of song within the range of Ills voice, whether.it be grand opera, ballad, or lyric. His robust bass-baritone voice is extremely flexible, and because of this he is able to give the required tone colour to every note. Ii.M.V. CI6S9. "The Chairman's Remarks." William McCulloch, the famous Scottish comedian, has recorded some of his burlesque recitals. "The Chairman's Eemarks" occupies both sides of a 12in. Dark Blue record—so that the "few well-chosen words" arc evidently now fewer in Scotland than other places. But McCulloch is too amusing to bore us as a real chairman does. This comedian has gained many admirers. His special brand of quaint, pawky humour is a refreshing change from the English, varieties, and his dialect is soon easily understood. McCulloch's series of Columbia records makes a gallery of character drawings, carefully studied and full of artistic detail. Charm of de Groot.

Will the sweetness of dc Groot's violin playing ever fade? This artist lias achieved another success in a recording by his own orchestra of "Waldtcuicl Memories" (arranged by Finck), a happy selection of Viennese dance music. Waldteufel belongs to the same school of composers as the Strausscs, and in his own country is held in just as high regard. The "Memories" have been artistically arranged and the delightful rhythm of the orchestra is irresistible. The principal melodies arc played by the violin of the leader, and the orchestra give the themes in beautiful harmonic background. HM.Y. record, 83084. N Popular Theme Songs.

Columbia has just issued a large list of the latest theme songs, amongst which we notice the following:—"Your Mother and Mine" (from Hollywood Revue); "My Love Parade" (from the Love Parade); "The Chicken or the Egg," and "Hittin' the Ceilin' " (from Broadway); "Singin' in the Rain" and "Orange Blossom Time" (from Hollywood Revue); "You're Always in My Arms" (from Rio Rita);. "My Song of the Nile" (from Drag), and many others. Most of us like to be up-to-date with our gramophone numbers, even if we do pride ourselves en our admiration of the "old songs." Some of these theme songs in our collection of records will keep it up-to-the-minute.