RECORDED MUSIC

Evening Star, Issue 22460, 3 October 1936, Page 6

RECORDED MUSIC

[By Eiiato . ]

Pride of place in the October releases unquestionably goes to Alfred Cortoi for a captivating performance of the Schumann ‘ Scenes of Childhood.’ Schumann was in a particularly romantic mood when he wrote those lovely scones, for he was then deeply in love with Clara Wicck, whom he afterwards married, hut whose father at the time was opposing his suit; and his longing for a homo and children of his own finds expression in them. Cortot interprets the scenes with tho poetic charm that invariably distinguishes his work in these moods, and makes of each an engaging study. Each is an individual cameo, yet all are indivisibly linked. Cortot has an impeccable touch and a most agreeable fluency, and is an ideal interpreter of this entrancing music.

The Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, firmly established in the front rank of the great orchestras of America, has contributed to the recorded libraries a scries of extremely interesting works in the past year. In the October list it is represented by a performance of the andante cantabilo that was originally the slow movement of a Tschaikowsky string quartet, and which was brought to an immense audience by the famous Flonzaley and Lenor quartets. In orchestral form it achieves, in Eugene Ormandy’s very sensitive hands, an added richness of colour. Its lovely melodic line is beautifully sustained, and tho whole performance cannot but captivate every discriminating musical ear. Tho Czech Philharmonic Orchestra makes its English debut in this list with Dvorak’s Slavonic dances in C major and E minor. They may be taikea as authoritative representations fully attuned to tho intentions of the conductor, and are certainly genuinely exciting in their effect. The orchestra is conducted by Vaclav Talich, who has brought it up to a high pitch. Talich’s climaxes are brilliantly developed in these exhilarating dances.

The vocal supplement is headed by Beniamino Gigh, who has rerecorded Massenet’s ‘ Elegie ’ and ‘O Del Mio Dolce Ardor,’ from Gluck’s ‘ Paridc ©d Elena.’ The Massenet is sung very smoothly and charmingly, and in the lovely aria by Gluck there is a remarkable delicacy of expression. Gigli sings with fire and intensity, and here gives two arresting performances. Kirsten Flagstad is another newcomer who must attract immediate interest with her singing of the Strauss ‘ Allcrseelen ’ (All Souls’ Day) and ‘ Ho-Yo-To-Ho,’ Brunhilde’s battle cry from * The Valkyries.’ Brunhildc’s weird battle cry is given with electrifying effect. The Strauss is in admirable contrast. John M’Connack has added to a long list of successes two Stephen Foster ballads —‘Jeanio With the Light Brown Hair ’ and ‘ Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair.’_ While neither has much claim to originality, both are charmingly sung by M'Cormack. His simplicity and clarity of style are a delight to hear.