GRAMOPHONE NOTES

Wairarapa Daily Times, 13 January 1932, Page 2

GRAMOPHONE NOTES

COLUMBIA RECORDS, Delightful Choral Items. The 8.8. C. Wireless Singers this month give us three charming old English songs—two Shakespeare settings :‘lt Was a Lover and His Lass’ (Morley), and 'Where the Bee Sucks’ (Arne —arr. Shaw), and William Beale’s ‘Come, Let Us Join the Roundelay.’ * * * *

A New Columbia Tenor Eric Green is a. new voice on Columbia records, and judging by this disc, a tine voice indeed. He sings here (Columbia DO 516) Fisher’s “Pliyllida” and O’Reilly and Barker’s “Jane” —wholesomely sentimental ballads both —and reveals the charm, sincerity and tenderness of his tine style of singing.

“Merrie England.”

It is doubtful whether there has

ever been any more popular gramophone series than the abridged light opera portfolios originated by Columbia. Their success is emphasised by the fact that in the new issue of a “Merrie England” portfolio, the composer himself, Sir Edward German, is announced as having personally supervised its production. Dance Orchestra, Jack Payne presents nothing less than the musical sensation, Ravel’s “Bolero,” specially arranged for his modem dance band. * * ■» * Squire Octet. Here we have a pastiche of Straussian tunefulness that could not but have charmed the genial Johann, could lie have heard it. Such a record, embracing as it does not less than six delicious Strauss melodies (including “Blue Danube” and “Tales From toe Vienna Woods”), played with all the finish of accomplished musicians and faultlessly recorded, cannot but have immense popularity. (Columbia DON 161). * * * * Delibes “Coppelia” Ballet. The Classic 'Symphony Orchestra — presumably under the direction of Clarence Raybould—play a tastefully abbreviated version of Delibes’ popular ballet ‘ ‘ Coppelia. ’ ’ This 4/- disc represents great value. * * * * More Gilbert and Sullivan Gems. The Regal Light Opera Company combine to good effect in a selection of vocal gems dear to the heart of every true Savoyard. On Regal G3002D is an extraordinarly wellpacked compendium of “Mikado” favourites. A. delightful chain of gems, delightfully sung and recorded.