RECORDED MUSIC

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18950, 20 May 1933, Page 14 (Supplement)

RECORDED MUSIC

Sea Shantla'. The full beauty of several wellknown sea shanties is revealed in "Fantasia on Sea Shanties,” played by the London Symphony Orchestra, under the conductorshlp. of Dr. Malcolm Sargent. The fantasia has been arranged by Gibllaro, who deserves great credit for the way In which he has woven the themes together. The shanties introduced In the fantasia include “Billy Boy," “Fire Down Below," “Shenandoah," What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor,” “Sally Brown," “Rio Grande,” "A Rovin’," “Tom’s Gone to Hilo," "The Drummer and the Cook,” and “Whiskey Johnny.” These selections run the whole gamut of. the emotions of the sailors who first created them. One hears the beautiful melodies of "Shenandoah" and “Tom’s Gone to' Hilo” on the one hand, and on the other the rollicking “Whiskey Johnny,” and “What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor." The orchestra presents the real spirit of the music, and the p’uy!ng throughout Is excellent. Famous Westminster Choir,

Tha famous Westminster Choir has recorded a number of excerpts from oratorio under the title of "Sacred 'Melodies.” These have been grouped on to two sides of a twelve-inch record, and the result Is most pleasing. The great choir approaches the music In a 'Spirit of reverence, and the singing of both soloists end chorus Is full of Inspiration which creates a deep Impression. Every soloist has a voice of duality, and the balance and blend of voices "f the choristers is admirable. The selections on the record include: “0 Rest in the Lord," “Oh, For the Wings of a Dove,” "Is .Not Ills Word Like a Fire," "In Native Worth," "The Heavens Are Tolling." "With Verdure Clad,” “There Where Bin and Doubt,” "If With All Your Hearts," and "See the Conquering Hero Comes.” It is a memorable record in every respect. It: is an illustration of the high standard of singing which has been achieved by the great English church choirs.

LATEST RELEASES.

A IVUghty Organ,

Haydn Symphony. The Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Serge Kouresevltzky gives a most enjoyable performance of Haydn’s "Surprise" Symphony in six parts. After the short Introduction (Andante Gantabile] the famous Russian composer imparts tremendous vitality into the bright and vigorous Allegro Vivace. The Andante, with its dreamy and melodious theme, is charmingly played, and the repetition of the principal theme fortissimo Is done with splendid effect. Charming and delightful as the Minuet is, it certainly does not lack in animation ami spontaneity. The Allegro di inollo bubbles with the joy of life and bound - less brightness. "Trovatore” Complete. The complete new recording of Verdi’s "Trovatore" introduces a strong all-Italian cast, including Apollo Granforte as Count dl Luna, Maria Carena as Leonora, Irene MinghiniCattaneo as Azucena, Aureliano Perth? as Manrico, and several excellent artists In the smaller parts, The principals' are responsible for a high standard of singing, whilst the members of the La Scala Chorus, under the direction of V. Veneziani, greatly enhance the excellent performance conducted by Carlo Sabajno. The favourite arias, such as “Tacea la notte," “Stride la vampa," "II balen," and all ensemble numbers, including the “Miserere," are admirably interpreted: Maria Carena’s singing of “D'arnor sull’ ali" is very artistic.

The mighty 'organ of the Liverpool Cathedral is heard in Chopin’s “Funeral March" (from the B Flat Minor Sonata, Op. 38), played by Harry Goss-Custard. The beginning is given very softly, but the artist secures a magnificent effect in the loud passages. A lovely singing tone is heard in the tender intermediate part. The funeral march is recorded in two parts.