RECORDED MUSIC

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2319, 3 April 1930, Page 3

RECORDED MUSIC

(By "Phono.") Two Great Coloratura Arias.

Toti Dal Monte (soprano) and members of La Sc/ila Orchestra, Milan, in Thomas' "Mignon," Polonaise, "I'm Fair Titania," and Donizetti's "Linda di Chamounix," "0 Guiding Star of Love." (H.M.V. DB131S). The two arias that Toti dal Monte has sung for this record are numbers on which great coloraturas score their concert and operatic triumphs. They arc of the build that invites display of prowess, and dal Monte, who is one of the finest sopranos of our day, gives a magnificent exhibition of the art of singing. Her lovely legato pellucid staccato and neatly accomplished runs are a sheer delight, while a sustained high F in alto shows her exceptional range to the greatest advantage. A Lovely G>reisler Bracket.

Fritz Kreisler (violin), in "Souvenir" (Drdla), and "Old Folks at Honlc." (H.M.V. DA975). Kreisler stands to-day as the greatest living violinist by reason of his superb sensitiveness to melody. Listen to the way in which he fondles the wistful melody of Drdla's "Souvenir" and the equally famous one of "Old Folks at Home" and you will recognise at once the great artist that he is. Lionel Monckton Memories.

The Columbia Light Opera Company give "their best in a delightful potpourri of songs from Lionel Monckton's musical comedies. Monckton was in the hey-day of his fame when the stage works from which these melodies are drawn were all the rage, and the blithsome songs he wrote are still possessed of abundant vitality and fascination. Among the operas represented are "The Quaker Girl," "The Toreador," "The Country Girl," and "The Cingalee." (Columbia 05038). Popular Recordings. Columbia 01834—"Sunnyside Up," medley fox trot, by Jack Payne and his 8.8. C. Orchestra. A melodious medlay of the catchy tunes from this big talkie, which you are recently enjoyed. Hear "If I Had a Talking Picture of You," "Sunnyside Up," "Pickin' Petals Off the Daisies," and "I'm a Dreamer.'' Columbia 1850—" On Her Doorstep Last Night," comedy fox trot; "Excuse Me, Lady," fox trot. Jack Payne and his 8.8. C. Orchestra. Bright and tuney, and played with plenty of vigour. "On Her Doorstep" is one of the few really funny dance records. Columbia 01858—" Return of the Gay Caballero," "My Sweeter Than Sweet." Sung by- Lcn Maurice. A jolly good vocal record by a baritone who had deserved his wonderful popularity. Two Lovely Songs. Essie Ackland (contralto) in "Mclisande in the Wood" (Goetz) and "Time's Garden" (Thomas). (H.M.V. B 3128). Essie Ackland's gorgeous contralto voice, and sincere, unaffected style, have made her one of the most popular English singers. The songs she has chosen for this record arc particularly attractive, so <that it deserves a place in every collection. "Midsummer Ntight's Dream." (1) "Overture"—Sir Henry Wood and the New Queen's Hall Orchestra; '(2) "Scherzo"—William Mengelberg and Concertgebouw Orchestra. From "Midsummer Night's Dream" (Mendelssohn). (Columbia 02780-81). It was a happy touch of Columbia's to provide us, on two discs, two different orchestras of such calibre, giving extracts from the same work. In the "Overture," Sir Henry gives us, at the start, the busy sprites to the life, with just a trace of the clouds of faerie they trail behind them. The music of pomp is well controlled, and the balance of the various elements in the "Overture" is excellent. The recording gives an effect of distance and haziness that entirely suits the work. The "Scherzo" is not quite light enough—Mengelberg somehow congeals the insubstantial fabric of the dream, but his working out is otherwise musicianly and cultured. «' There is No Death. '' Clara Serena's powerful and at the same time emotional voice reveals many fine shades when she sings "Just for To-day," and "There is No Death," which are enhanced by flawless recording. This latter is the ballad that was specially sung to commemorate the Armistice. The beautiful lines will be cherished by all serious-minded people. This is a Columbia record (0.1776).