THE WORLD OF MUSIC.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19633, 20 July 1935, Page 17 (Supplement)

THE WORLD OF MUSIC.

Which Is the Greatest Violinist? I have been asked which I consider the greatest violinist of those l have heard. This is a question almost impossible to answer, for the mastermusicians have varying gifts, what appeals to one listener may have the same effect on others. But for the sheer enjoyment I have derived' from performances, I place Fritz Kreisler first; he gives out something that, to me, no other violinist possesses, although critics ’tell us that his technique is sometimes at fault. Then comes Yehudi Menuhin, with his combination of technical perfection and rare gifts of interpretation _ . Josef-Szigeti is third, mainly for in- : terpretation and beauty of tone, and fourth place goes to Jascha Heifetz, ■with his mastery of technique and sweetness of tone, but his compaiative lack of appeal to the emotions.

Hamilton Girl Sings With Orchestra of 60.

Ruth Scott, writing from Sydney, tells of the thrill of singing with an orchestra of 68 at Sydney Town 'Hall on a recent Sunday afternoon, and reports a gratifying reception from -the huge audience. The conductor, Albert Gazabon, was so pleased with her performance that 'he olfered .her a season’s engagement at the Prince Edward Theatre. Miss Scott —who, by the way, was in bed with influenza when she wrote —said that rehearsals for the performance of “Orpheus” by the Conservatorium and of Howard Carr’s new opera, in both of-which she will play lead, had been delayed by the prevailing epidemic, but they will be presented in August. In addition Miss Scott has all the radio and musicale engagements that she can manage.

Miss Nina Scott is also kept very busy broadcasting, specialising in dramatic work. She took the title role in the radio version of the successful stage play, “ Camille,” which ran for nine weeks at 2UW. She has broadcast, too, from 2GB, 2FC, and 2BL, doing a lot of work “opposite” Ellis Price, the well-known actor-producer. Both girls are finding life in Sydney very pleasant and interesting. They Like New Zealand.

In sending me an autographed photograph from Wellington this week, Yehudi Menuhin, the gifted young violinist, speaks of the delight of finding audiences “ away down here at the bottom of the world ” so appreciative of and so responsive to the best in music. He and his family—his mother, father, and sisters Hephzibah and Yaltah—are greatly enjoying their stay in New Zealand. Y*outh Wins Prize for Libretto. A young Aucklander, Mr T. R. W. Trafford, has succeeded in winning a prize of £ls given by an anonymous donor for the best libretto for a musical play. Over 40 entrant® from all over the Dominion competed. The judge was Mr J. W. Shaw, M.A.

Mr Trafford, who is only 18, is a brother of Miss Margot Trafford, of the teaching staff of the Waikato Diocesan School for Girls.

Community Singing in Hamilton. Community singing will be revived in Hamilton on Tuesday, at the Theatre Royal at, mid-day, the proceeds to be devoted to the fund for providing boots for indigent children—a very ■worthy cause. Mrs 11. C. Ross is arranging an excellent programme. Rev. Jasper Calder and party, from Auckland, will assist, and Mrs F. Kear will act as pianist. Extra Concert In Wellington. Yehudi Menuhin, the young violinist, gave an extra concert in Wellington on Wednesday night. To-night he will give the first of two concerts in Christchurch. It is likely that Menuhin will return t,o Auckland for a farewell concert before leaving New Zealand.

“The Anotont Mariner” at Hamilton. The Hamilton Philharmonic Choir has fixed August 20 as the date of its performance ol' “ The Ancient Mariner.”

Members of the choir are practising very enthusiastically under the baton of Mr S. James, and promise to give a very good account of themselves. The soloists will be:—Miss Jean McLeod, soprano; Miss Ruby Sutherland, contralto; Mr J. T. Battersby, tenor; Mr G. Wheeler, bass.

Maori Melodies In London.

| News comes from London from ' Manuel ITyman, who will be remembered by many New Zealanders as director of the dance band at the Dunedin Exhibition, that he has taken over the hand at Romanos, in the Strand.

The hand is to broadcast, and Mr Hyman, who plays under the name of Manuel Raymond, hopes to introduce some Maori melodies. “ Manny," as lie is known to his friends, has travelled far since tho Exhibition days. 'Some years ago I •came across him when lie was conductor of the band at the Ambassadors Cabaret, in Sydney. Then he went to London, and entered the films, as musician and director. *

A few months ago he returned to New Zealand on holiday, and I met him in Wellington. He told me that tie -was still interested in films. Hamilton Music Students. Owing to unavoidable circumstances the evening of chamber music arranged for Monday by the Hamilton Music Students’ Association has had to be postponed. 105 Enter for Operatic Competition. ' For The Sun prize of £SO cash in Iho women's operatic section of the City of Sydney Eisteddfod, 51! entries have been received, and for The Telegraph £SO prize (men’s voices) 52 entries. Last year Ruth Scott, of Hamilton, won the women's section. Musical Moments. An attempt Is being made to form a bugle band at the Wanganui Technical College, it is estimated Unit the total strength of the unit will be about .'!0 of which 20 will be buglers. " Diamond Horse, Shoe," a story of Hie New York Metropolitan Opera House, lias been chosen for l.awreiice Tibbell's first picture under bis recently signed Twentieth 'Century co«-