GRAMOPHONE NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 237, 6 October 1928, Page 9 (Supplement)

GRAMOPHONE NOTES.

ARTISTS AND THEIR RECORDS,

j(By SOUNDBOX^

, Melody is never eo abundant In thie •workaday world of ours that we can afford to pass it by.—Anon.

As the actual date, of the Schubert centenary (November 19), draws nearer, we may expect & growing interest and no doubt special issues of records by the leading companies.

Tlie band of the Coldstream Guards plays two fine marches, ' - lia Gurdu EepuMicaine" and "Wipers." Military music of the real martial class, well played by a military band that knows how to play marches. (82652, 10in.)

Dβ Groofc and the Piccadilly Orchestra revive happy memories in their playing of .tie melodies of "The Waltz Dream," a comic opera of the vintage of "The Merry Widow." Wonderfully tuneful music, played in a manner to make the most of it. (81654, 10-inch.y

The slightly nasal but otherwsie delightful , voice of John McOormack is well suited for the singing of. sacred music. . He !haß- now choaen "Panis Angelicus" and "La Procession" (both by Cesar Franck) for the usual display of capable artistry in ' the use of his vocal gifts.

"The Mad Scene" from "Lucia di Lammermoor" is recorded complete by Toti Dal Monte. I do not remem'ber any issue by this fresh, young soprano voice that I have liked more. One of the most difficult arias in all opera, it gives scope for dazzling coloratura technique. (DBIOIS, 12-inch.) '

I am no expert in ray judgment of dance records, but I should imagine "Zulu Wail" would make p. remarkably good Yale Blues. It is played hy a band whose work I have always admired as unusually attractive in its class, the Eio Grand Tango. Band, and is wisely coupled with another Yale Blues, "The Blue Serenade." (85355.)

One of the most unusual light efforts composed for-a long' time, a very long time, • is . "Laugh, Clown, Laugh." Obviously inspired by "I Pagliacci," it reminds us that we are all actors in our various spheres and must needs hide our tears. It has good melody in waltz time and should be very popular, except that it is probably too clever to "take on."

Famous as a baritone capable of handling the most difficult operatic music, Emilio De Gorgorza this month chooses two simple Neapolitan songs and sings them most admirably.' "O Sole Mio" is universally liked, while the perhaps less known "Santa Lucia" is surely a remarkably suitable selection with which to pair it—both having marked melody. (DA9O3, 10-inch.)

For a first'issue from-a now artist Mile. Erica Morini has chosen wisely with Dvorak's- "Slavonic Dance No! 2" and an air frorii Goldmark's "Concerto in A Minor." The record displays 6uch finished technique in every department that the possibility of this violiniste visiting New Zealand next year raises hopes of hearing Mile. Morini in person. (D 1397, 12-inch.)

"Serenade" as a title means nothing, there being serenades by the score. But time sifts the good from the bad, and two serenades that have retained their popularity with the passing of the years

ana became very firmly cstabfelied favourites are Schubert's and Toselli's. Orchestral versions of these songs are played by the Salon Orchestra, providing a tuneful record that is likely to bring much pleasure to many. (EA3SB, lOin.)

"Don Juan's Serenade" (Tschaikovsky) and "The' Erl King" (Schubert) aro sung by Peter Dawson. The latter is essentially a narrative-song, more so than usual, with'the parts of the boy, tho father and the Erl King. The way the great, baritone modulates his voice to: suit the requirements of the story and, in particular, the dramatic force with which he concludes this moving story are evidence anew of his versatility. (C 827, 12-inch.)

Played by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Leopold Stokowski, Cesar Franck's "Symphony in D Minor," on a set of five 12-inch records, is one of the major issues of the month. Of this eminent orchestral organisation little need be said, as their reputation is firmly, established with discerning gramophonists. Of the music it may he said briefly tliat it is of the

kind that improves with acquaintance; and to this end the symphony is issued in a generously annotated album.

Following what las evidently been adopted as a regular policy, this month's His Master's Voice supplement gives the story of "Rigoletto," with a list of

the records available. .Anyone thinking of buying the gems of this opera would be well advised to choose the "La donna e mobile," sung by Minghetti (DASOO), as it is coupled with "Questa o quella," from the same opera. The love duet in the second act is perhaps best by Sehipa and Galli-Curci (DA64G), as the reverse is a similarly delightful duet from "Don Pasquale." There is only one version of the quartet—for those who can afford it—and that is the one with iLe equally famous sextet from "Lucia di Lammeruioor" (D 100).

■ If you, gentle reader, should happen to be one of the few.people who have not yet become possessed of a gramophone, then you are entitled to sincere sympathy from the legion of us who own gramophones and are enthusiastic in our use of them. "VYhen ono las a good instrument and just, sufficient sense to realise that while occasionally fox trots and waltzes may serve for relaxation, they make poor stuff to live with, he is well on the way- to enjov the great works of the masters, as little by little growing appreciation leads to increased 1 ability to understand the best in music. And as tne wisest step toward real enjojjinent of live" music (as distinguished from "recorded" music), the acquiring of a gramophone is'more than advisable. Constant hearing of good music is necessary to its appreciation and it is just that that the gramoplio.ne makes possible—the- hearing again" and again of music that is worth becoming thoroughly acquainted with. ~ { -■. . ... _ _ ,