RECORDED MUSIC

Evening Star, Issue 20137, 30 March 1929, Page 17

RECORDED MUSIC

[By Eiuio.j

NEW COLUMBIAS. ‘ Mari tuna s—‘ 5 —‘ Maritaua Overture,’ Farts ,1 and S (Wallace). .Played by the Columbia Symphony Orchestra. William Vincent Wallace led an ovonthji iito. He wandered hither and thither ovei the globe as bis inclination or as fate willed. Ho even spent, a brief sojourn in New Zealand in the early days, ran Ton 1 of hostile -Maoris, was rescued by the daughter of a chief, and subsequently departed in a whaler. Du November to, 1845, having returned to London, he produced ‘Maritaua.’ It was an instant success—and has ever been. This recording of tbo time-honoured overture imbues it with a new freshness. The old melodies are more delightful than ever. The straightforward orchestration is as crisp as of yore. Eim> Do Mure Lomanto.—La Sonnamlnila—‘ Prendi L’anel Ti Do no 5 (Bellini) and Matron —‘ 11 Sogno ’ (Massenet). Kn/o Do Muro Lomanto, tenor. Lomanto, it will he remembered, married Toti De Monte last year during the Melba-Williamsou opera season in Australia. His early training was for law, and his vocal career has hetMi confined to the last few years. But in a few short months, from a. barrister in Naples, ho became the idol of Italy—acclaimed the finest operatic tenor discovered in recent years. 'lhe Bellini aria, ‘Take the Bing,’ is a masterly piece of singing, and Massenet’s “The Dream’ is sung with an intensity of feeling that makes this record one of the finest operatic excerpts heard for a very long while. Introductions and accompaniments to both arias are worthy of special mention. A Village Romeo and Juliet. —‘ J lie "Walk to the Paradise Garden ’ (Delius) ;in two parts. Sir Thomas Beechnut and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

There is so little of the marvellous music of Delius recorded that this number is assure*, of a welcome everywhere. And Bcccham and Ihe “‘ Royal Phil.” interpret this wonderful scene with a sympathy that makes one almost feel the tragedy of the two lovers in their vain search for happiness. There is a rcstlesne.ss about this symphonic passage, that, speaks ol heartburnings. remembered happiness, and present sorrows, culminating at times to an intensity of musical grief that is sheer orchestral magie._ And yet the thread of hope running through the whole scene -saves it from utter despondency. Another delightful Percy Grainger Record.— 1 Wei Unw Day at Trohlhangen ’ (Greig), and (a) ‘To Spring’ (Greig), (b) “One Aiorc Day My John (Sailors’ Sea Chanty—arr. Grainger). This disc is even more delight lid than the lilting 'Sheep and Goat ’ record ot Grainger, in the November list. It will be remembered that Grainger was chosen on several occasions by Greig himself for performance of the latter’s piano works: and to this day Grainger remains one of the world's greatest exponent;, ol Greig. “ Wedding Day at Troldhangen ’ is a sparkling composition, and is played with an alternate delicacy and vigour ilia! is utterly delightful. Groig’s ‘ io Spring’ (bracketed with an arrangement ol a well-known sea ehantj) is likewise magnificent!v played Two Further Lessons for A oung Violinists.— The Zephyr’ (Ilnhay), ‘ Tallahassee ’ (Scott). Violin solos, by Efrem Zimbalist. Is the gramophone used sufficiently by students of flic violin? Record's such as this and the preceding disc arc perfect examples of phrasing and tone production. Those four studies arc commended to the careful attention of all student virtuosi, ami, of course, to all lovers oi good music. Both Zimbalist and the “‘-Magic Notes” people arc to be congratulated on his fresh debut on the gramophonic stage. A Selection from ‘ The Vagabond King.'—‘The Vagabond King’ selection, in two parts (Frimi). Flayed by Percival Mackey's Band. This record conics just at the right for people who have heard the New Zealand presentation ot this tuneinl musical comedy ami wish to carry home the catchiest airs in a more tangible manner than their memories provide. This selection is a cleverly arranged fantasia, of the most successful " Vagabond King ’ numbers, and is played vvilb consTderablc vim and undoubtedly skilful effect.

‘The Two Black Crows in Hades/--‘The Two Black (’rows in Hades.’ in two parts, by Moran and Mack. 'lnis record is a. welcome change innn tin; past three or four Moran and alack records. 11 is in fact a “come-back'’ after a, short period of rather stereotyped humour that would not have got across but for the unique personalities of the two Black Grows. As a record, it should be as popular as their original disc, and in sonic ways is actually better —clearer enunciation and even better recording. Some sniprising effects are obtained, and Hie whole conception of the sketch is novel indeed. This is actually one of those humorous records that you can listen to again and again, and yet not gel tired of the humour. GRAMOPHONE PICK-UF. There are many who blame their receiver when indiilcrent results are obtained when working in conjunction with an electrical pick-up. Li order to get greater volume the detector valve is sometimes used as a first stage amplifier by connecting a pick-up between the gi id of this valvo and Hie filament positive. To prevent over-load, a variable resistance must be included. It should be of O-IUU-100 ohms resistance, and connected in scries with the pick-up.