Recorded Music

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17502, 8 September 1928, Page 18 (Supplement)

Recorded Music

A Great Contribution. "La Forza del destlno”—(a) Madre pietose Vergine; (b) La Vergine begli Angelo (Verdi). In Italian. Sung by G. Arangi-Lombardi and the La Scala Chorus. A great contribution to the Columbia mighty recordings of Grand Opera. “Madre pietose Vergine” from Verdi’s masterpiece is the cry of Leonora to the Virgin for assistance when flying from her brother’s revenge. She seeks refuge in a mountain convent; close by, in a monastery, she hears the Monks chanting the “Venite.” Placed dramatically as it is, this air adds greatly to the powers of this record. The effect achieved marks this record as one of the most successful recordings by the new electric process. Madame G. Arangi-Lombardi is a leading soprano amongst Italian opera singers, and her singing in this rendering marks it an amazing pieoe of realism. A. A. Eflilne Records Arrive. George Baker (baritone) in “When We Were Very Young” (poems by A. A. Milne L music by H. Fraser Simpson). (a) “Happiness"; (b) “Missing ; (c) "In the Fashion,” (a) “Halfway Down”; (b) “Hoppity”; (c) “Growing Up.” (a) “Buckingham Palace ; (b) “The Three Foxes.” (a) “Politeness”; (b) "Market Square." (a) “The Christening”; (b) “Brownie.” (a) ‘’Lines and Squares”; (b) “Vespers.” The words of these delightful little songs first appeared in the London “Punch” and won all hearts by their delicious naivete. Grown-ups will Like these records quite as well as children, for literature about children Is very scarce indeed. A. A. Milne succeeded where a thousand othe.s have failed in giving child pictures -that admirably preserve the simple humour and novelty of a child’s life. A Violinist Wizard. (1) "Minuet” * (Debussy-Dushkin-ler). Violin Solos by Joseph Szigetti. Joseph Szigetti is a wizard in every trick of the violin, but he produces sounds that are supremely beautiful. Master-phrasing and colourful tone are features of this rendering. This violinist is wonderful in Debussy’s "Minuet.” The virtuoso passages distinguish his execution of Kreisler’s “Tambourin Chinois."

LATEST RELEASES.

A Song from Kipling. (1) “On The Road To Mandalay" (Speaks-Kipling) ; (2) “The Two Grenadiers” (Schumann). Sung by Fraser Gange, Baritone. Fraser Gange is recognised as the Charles SantJey of this generation. The mellowness and richness' of his voice and the clearness of his enunciation arc unimpeachable. One of the finest singers of the present time, poise and finish mark him a master of Bel Canto. In Kipling’s great song “On The Road To Mandalay” he is heard to advantage, and the “Two Grenadiers” is a song in which he shows great power as a character-singer. Passing the Hours. La Gioconda —“Dance of the Hours” (Poncheilli) ; in two parts. Played by the Court Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Norman O’Neill. “The Dance of the Hours,” played by the Court Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Norman O’Neill, was recorded in the Wigmorc Hall, London, and is a notable Concert Hall recording. The illustration of the passing hours from Dawn through the day, and evening until nightfall, and the counter subject of a struggle between the powers of good and evil Is beautifully executed. The wonderful sonority of tone, the richness of the colouring impress the listenGTS. The Orchestra is a delightful one that is famed for its wonderful technique, and this record is a good example of their best work. Brilliant Orchestra Again. Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra in “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (Bach). Those who hear this marvellous record will at once agree that it is one of the greatest ever done by the Philadelphia Orchestra, which already is responsible for such recording triumphs as the “Rienzi” Overture, Liszt’s “Second Hungarian Rhapsody,” Weber's “Invitation to the Waltz,” Tschaikovsky’s “Casse Noisette” Suite and others. Stokowski made a wonderful transcription of Bach’s great “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.” The dramatic and stirring music has been most brilliantly transcribed for the orchestra.