RECORDED MUSIC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 115, 17 May 1930, Page 6 (Supplement)

RECORDED MUSIC

THE WEEK’S NEW RECORDS HIS MASTER’S VOICE A Joseph Hislop for All Joseph Hislop (tenor), in “Fortunio”—the Grey House (Messager) and “To the Children, Op. 26, No. 7” (Rachmaninoff). H-M.V., 83154Joseph Hislop, who is now working at Elstrec on his first talkie, “The Loves of Robert Burns,” has made a gesture that will endear him to music lovers in general and gramophone users in particular. Although still a “red label” artist, he feels that a wider public should have access to his records, and he has, therefore, sanctioned the issue of his ballads and folk songs in the more moderatepriced discs. “Don Giovanni’’ ►State Orchestra, Berlin, in “IDon Giovanni,’’ Overture (Mozart). H.M.V. E 463. The overture to ‘‘Don Giovanni” has always been popular, and when first produced at Prague the audience went mad with, enthusiasm. Lovely Contralto Songs Essie Ackland (contralto) "n “Here in the Quiet Hills” (Came) and “Whatever is, is Best” (Lohr). H.M.V. 83203Essie Ackland is not only ' a contralto of the first rank, but a very fine artist. The beauty of these songs is enhanced by organ accompaniments. Mischa Elman Plays Mischa Elman (violin), in “Vocalise” (Rachmaninoff-Press) and “Caprice in E Flat Major” (Wicniawski, Arr. Krcisler). H.M.V., DA1033. Many responsible critics consider this wonderful Russian amongst the greatest violinists in the world. His technique is perfect, and his tone has a warmth and richness, a fire and passion that absolutely defy description. This record of two delightful pieces—one by the great violin virtuoso, Wieniawski, and the other by our contemporary composer-pianist, Rachmaninoff—show to perfection his qualities. Gems from Delius London Symphony Orchestra, in “Tn a Summer Garden” (Deliue), H.M.V., DI 696, and one side of DI 697. New Symphony Orchestra in A Song Before Sunrise” (Delius), D 1697.

May Harrison (violin) and Arnold Bax (piano), in “Sonata No- I’’ (Delius). H.M.V., C 1749-50.

With his power of expressing Nature in terms of music, the sweetness of his melodies, the richness of his harmony and orchestration, Frederick Delius has enriched art to an extent which we, as his contemporaries, cannot. yet realise, but we can rejoice that the popularity of his works, as proven by this festival and the cordial reception accorded the gramophonic reproductions of his work, saves us from the impeachment “A prophet is not without honour save in his own country.” Lamond at the Piano Frederic Lamond (pianoforte), in “Tarantella de Bravura” (Liszt). H.M.V., D 1732. After years of comparative neglect, Liszt is once more taking his place in the affections of the musical public. Pianists in particular are paying him great attention, and not without reason, for, being a pianoforte virtuoso, he understood their requirements. Bonjberg’s Toy Symphony New Symphony Orchestra, in “Toy Symphony” (Romberg). 11.M.V-, C 1776. The ajqilausc that inevitably fol lows the playing of “In a Glock Store” (Cl 308 at »• recital proves

that a record of that type appeals to a very large public. Romberg's “Toy ►Symphony” is of the same type, and should become a great favourite with the children as with their parents.

A Really Funny Record Syd Howard, Vera Pearce, Leonard Henry and Company (with orchestral accompaniment), in “Our Village Concert,’’ on H.M.V., C 1782. “Our Village Concert” is of the rare funny type that will keep without growing stale. The efforts of the Silver Tuba Band arc indescribably funny, and Miss Bloodworthy’s pianoforte solo is a most amusing piece of caricature-

Charming Hebrew Pieces ►Salon Orchestra (with organ), in “Eili, Eili” (“My Lord, Aly Lord”), Sandler, and “Koi Nidrci” (“All Vows”), Max Bruch. H.M.V-, C 1664.

The combination of the Salon Orchestra and organ is a particularly effective one, and is shown to the best advantage in these two solemn and wistful melodies. ‘Koi Nidrci” is one of the most beautiful of traditional Hebrew songs, and this setting throws into high relief its exquisite melody. Heard at St. Paul’s Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London (unaccompanied), in “Hail, Gladdening Light,” (Wood), and “Angels Ever Loving” (Tchaikovsky). H.M.V., 83103. Actually recorded in St. Paul’s Cathedral, these arc beautiful examples of choir singing. COLUMBIA The Russian School (1) Khovanchtchina (Moussorgshy); (2) Flight of the Bumble Bee (Rinisky Korsahov). Sir Hamilton Harty conducting the Halle Orchestra. (Colt abia 05059). Certainly one of the finest single records of the year. Moussorgsky s opera, “Khovanchtchina,” was finished by Rimsky, but the Prelude is pure Moussorgsky. The music represents the day breaking over the Kremlin. This orchestral picture of the scene as the sun rises, and the bells ring for service, is a delightful miniature, beautifully caught on the disc. The “Bumble Bee” comes off with capital realism, and its string and wood-wind combination stamps the Halle as the finest orchestra now playing in England. They show strong evidence in this recording.

A Brahms Quartette Quartet in B Flat (Brahms). Play ed by the Lencr String Quartet (Columbia 4375-79).

In this mellow work Brahms touches hands, not with Beethoven, but with Schubert. The opening theme has a melodious, song-like quality that Schubert might well have fathered —a happy little tune in 6-8 time, led by the second violin and viola, and echoed by the other instruments. The Allcgreto, the final movement, is cast in an unusual and most interesting form. A first theme is stated, and as the variations upon it advance the theme of the first movement is worked into the texture of the variations. The Loner String Quartet play with that touch of worship that Brahms always seems to evoke in the greatest executants. They lead us by the hand to praise at the shrine with them; their finely logical playing of that lovely third movement must surely be one of the most praiseworthy efforts at elucidation that the gramophone has given us- An art album goes with the recordsRamsay MacDonald on Robert Burns Robert Burns, by the lit. Hon. J. Ramsay Macdonald. (Columbia 05067). Here is a record that will undoubtedly be “rushed.” The English Prime Minister speaks from his heart with a profound love of the Scots poet; more than love, with just as profound a knowledge of the great poet’s work. He strengthens his theories with apt quotations culled from all types of the poems. One perceives his fine literary discernment shining through every phrase, and it is safe to say that this record will be a treasured possession, not merely with Scots, but with every lover of poetry. The Premier’s diction ip delightfully clear, and his voice is a pleasure to listen to.

A Ketelbey Organ Solo “The Sacred Hour” (A. K. Ketelbey). Organ solo by Quentin MacLeau, who playa the organ of the Regal Cinema, London—probably the finest instrument in Great Britain —is too well known to need further praise. Suffice it to say that he pours all his genius into an inspiring playing of Ketelbey’s moving work. The music is restful and spiritual, and a rich vocal quartette singing in Latin is used with telling effectMozart Airs

(1) “Batti, Batti”; (2) “Mi Tradi Quell’alma Ingrata-” From “Don Giovanni” (Mozart). Sung by Miria Liccttc, soprano. (Columbia 05070). With her traditional, properly classical voice aud style, Mirian Licet to sings Mozart gracefully. Mozart in the aristocracy of musical thought, requires purity a*bovc all, and Miss Licette brings it to him. In the very lovely recitative and aria, “Mi Tradi,” she achieves that gracious effortless “art which conceals art,” which always was Mozart’s chief aim. Scotch Dances Strathspeys and Reels. Walton O ’Donnell conducting the 8.8. C. Wireless Military Band. (Columbia 01812). A medley of infectious, captivating melodies that makes one want to dance the night away. O IDonnell has dug up and arranged some beautiful tunes, including Lady Lucy Ramsay, Highland Whisky, Stumpy, Neil Gow’s Second Wife, and the Marquis of Huntley’s Highland Fling. There are also a fine series of reels, and the whole medley is played with vigour and a clean sense of fun. Popular Music Columbia 01842 —The big hit from “Untamed” is “The Chant of the Jungle,’’ and Paul Specht and his Orchestra play it with weird and wonderful effect- With it is paired “That Wonderful Something is Love-’’