GRAMOPHONE NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 225, 22 September 1928, Page 8 (Supplement)

GRAMOPHONE NOTES.

ARTISTS AND THEIR RECORDS

(By SOUNDBOX.)

Elsa Aisen, the soprano, whose "Silent Night, Holy Night" so took my fancy, now sings '*Alle^«eelen , ' and "Traum ,SS?- die 4*mm«runs," by Strauss. (03577, 10-inch.) ~?

MeKinley, the New Zealand tenor, sings two more Maori sonars, "Whaka Ariki" (H*n) and "B Pari Re" (01068), and "Lassie o* Mine" with "Hail, Caledonia" (01050). .

Mendelssohn's "Duetto" (Songs "Without Words, No. 18), and paderewski's famous "Minuet," are played "by William Murdoch. The pianist displays, as usual, a happy combination of high technical ability and sound interpretation. (02666, 12-4nch.)

This month's 'cello Tecords include Rachmaninoff's "Melodic in E" and Martini's "Plaisir D'Amour," transcribed and played by W. H. Squire and Pierne's "Serenade," with the "Adaeietto? from Bizefs "L'Arleaienne" suite by Pelbc.Salm.ond. Both good, and numbered 04130 (12-inch) and 03578 (10inch) respectively.

j Vaughn de Leath (that busy woman, with solo work and vocal choruses in every release by every company almost) and Prank Harris sdng "Go Home and Tell Your Mother" and "Just Around the Corner from an A. and P„" Clever work both pieces. In case the latter title may puzrie New Zealanderg it refers to a chain of grocery stores established throughout the United States, known as "A. and P. Stores" (01086.)

Under the baton of Sir Henry Wood the ne«r Queen's Hall Orchestra has recorded the Song of the Rhine Daughters from /'The Twilight of the Gods» one of the four music dramas comprising "The Ring of the Nibelungs" (Wa*JlfSl;, T ¥ B recordi n» replaces an old oflt version, and to do justice even as a. purely orchestral arrangement (with the vocal portions omitted) requires three 12-mch parts. The fourth side has the well-known "Ride of the Vatkyries," from an earlier portion of "Th* Rmg Playing and recording are equally good. (04127-8)..

j "Till's Merry Pranks" is a descriptdv* composition, in which Richard Strauss tells the story of » legendary rojrue famous in the Netherlands for his practical jokes. "Till" starts Mb mad career by riding through the crowded market, upsetting stalls and creating havoc. He appears as a monk, delivers a mock cermon, flirts, and gives vent to * i* ? h B P irits in various ways, until he falls foul of tfcprlaw* -and is beheaded. aii this is $oM-hr the* music, played by the Brussels Royal Conservatoire Orchestra (their first record). The tale takes 1 veinck records in the tellintf (02660-1), ahd the natural interest of the music is greatly increased by a leaflet issued with the records, explaining the music in detail

I It has been interesting during the last few years to watch the development of musio played on cinema organs, in the issues of new records. At first sparingly, and now quite lavishly, all sorts of music is played for record-making purposes by organs in the leading picture theatres. - And the latest development is the introduction of : a "vocal chorus" as..is now customary in dance records. Let the highbrow think- (and say) what he likes, this is music for the people, and I can see no harm in it. This month Pattman, playing the Compton organ of the Astoria Theatre, London Plays "Tired Hands» with "Can't You J.tf, S *y,J I*ve You," waltses !!}}£' **&■ " Janette " with "Polly" (01144). With the exception of the last, all have singing, and I should imagine will gain increased acceptance as a result.

Joseph Haydn paid a very successful visit to London in 1791, which was repeated in 1794. At this time a series of concerts was being given in.the Hanover bquare Rooms by Salomon. This patron of the arts commissioned Haydn to write symphonies for him. In all twelve were composed, and they are Sometimes known as the "Salomon Symphonies." Surely of them all none could have been more delightful than the D' major, universally known as "The Clock Symphony" from the Andante that "ticks its way through delightful music like a grandfather clock with a humorous outlook." Melodious from beginning to end, this delightful work improves by acquaintance. I have played it right through twice, and regret exceedingly that review records are not invariably the perquisite of the reviewer. . Issued in an album (four 12-inch records), with descriptive notes. •

One mighU expect that Dvorak, of 'Humoreeque," would produce chamber music markedly melodious. His "Quartet in F" is a wonderful flow of melody from beginning to end. and 1 venture the opinion that many who consider string quartets beyond their comprehension, and consequently uninteresting, - will think differently -of this one if they, will just listen t6 it and give.it its chance.. Dvorak during his visit to America was greatly interested in the folk nftfcio of the negroes, and on his return to Europe efforts were made to recoguisc in his subsequent compositions the influence or his American studies. Whether rightly or wrongly, this work is generally known as the "Nigger" quartet, and, whatever the origin of its inspiration, of its tunefulness there can be no doubt. Played by the London String Quartet this understandable work would be a suitable first step, I should think, on the way to appreciation of chamber music. The L.S.Q. play as (04131 2-3 8 ) eVCr ' ThreC 12 " inCh rCC ° rds

An important "album series" issue this month is Schubert's pianoforte I sonata in. G v major, played by Leff ■ Pouishnoff, an accomplished executant lof acknowledged standing, at whose [hands this, Schubert's finest work for piano solo, s receives adequate" treatment. Those familiar with the Lilac Time music will note how the menuetto has been used in a literal transcription for 'Pour Jolly Brothers." For those fort""*t€ enough t 0 possess both theability 1 to appreciate good music and to purchase it, the collection of "album sets" must have a fascination all its own. The descriptive notes printed in the album supply an aid to understanding that must add to the appreciation of the best-equipped music lover, while in the case of those who tearn as they go, study of the' annotations must- be invaluable. Thorough understanding of one masterpiece is the surest road to the ability to enjoy others, and.so. these annotated album sets do a very useful work.;