RECORDED MUSIC

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1927, Page 3 (Supplement)

RECORDED MUSIC

"Cello and Violin. One of Columbia’s most. jom> ,-siabdished artistes is that jini, celast W. [ll. Squire, whose latest fl / r tl|| .' ICompany is now in the way. It gives la nice umlrast between ~l-| .i„d “new, (the first being rcpr.?.s mted by a -‘l'l- - by the IStii Centurv composer Sammartini (or more pro f i> : i v - Martini) and the second by ' Passionc’ | by Panzato, the title of which gives ■ sufficient indication of its dealing. Both pieces arc beautifully rendered, thp cx- | pression of the one being balanced bv >the clean precision of rhe other, and both are electric recordings of- absolute truth. Bernard Reille has drawn on familiar themes for his two ioJin solos but he certainly infuses his own individuality into the Beethoven “Minuet” and Kreisfbr’s well known arrangement of the “Hindoo Song” from “Sadko.” The graceful chromatic phrases of the latter are played with a I caressing smoothness Tnat makes them sound even more suitable for the violin than for the voice. The new Columbia process has reproduced the violin tone with conspicuous success. Astonishing Mandoline Playing. Readers should keep a look out for a really genuine novelty in modern recording—this being Columbia’s teeord of the Guisappe Verdi Mandoline Band, of Leghorn, whose debut in this sphere of music has proved at fast that it is possible to reproduce the mandoline with a fidelity that almost defies de tection from the original. This combination plays—and plays witli intern c artistry and beauty—a serenade by Costa and a Spanish Serenade by Maigutti. Those who believe mandoliiu music is rather feeble—and the playing of the average amateur is in this class —will be amazed at Hie sonority and expression produced by these Italians. Listncrs will find, too, that the mandoline is an instrument of great possibilities, that its wilue gains enormously in concerted form, ami that past failures to genuinely reproduce this instrument may now be forgotten in the sue cess of this brilhiant production. At times the likeness to harp and violin is very striking. Seng Discs Above the Average. These Columbia popular song dises have been singled out by a London giaiiioplione paper as being above the average and worthy of addition to any gra loophole* record shelf, with the pro viso that they are used with fair frequency. The Singing Sophomores, one of the foremost combinations before the gramophone public, are at their very best in “Honey Bunch” and “Hello Aloha” (4025). Layton and Johnstone, as alwavs. or nearly, manage to sing the same songs as most other professional entertainers in a totally individual and charming way. Theii version of “Dreaming of a Castle in the Air” and “Headin’ for Louisville” (-1003) is a fine instance of tlieir unique style and high attainments In the realm of lighter music, one should get the Jean Lensen Orchestra’s playing’'of two favourite Reynolds Hahn melodies—“ Le Ileure Exquisc,” and “Paysage” (4011). The pick of scores’of dance dises is the syncopated version of “Maritana”- (Dill) a real novelty to the credit of that enterpris-

ing spirit, Bert Ralton, whose fine Havana Band is augmented for the oeca sion. Even those who are surfeited with Maritana on records will find delightful freshness in the tone colour, Hie new treatment and abandon of this unorthodox combination.

The Guards’ Highland Fling. The clear opportunities offered by such a collection of favourite all-Scotch airs as are combined in “The Thistle ’’ just issued by Columbia are fully taken advantage of by thejilways welcomeband of the Grenadier Guards. The arrangement of this selection (9102) has been done with obvious discrimination, for the over-hackneyed numbers are relegated in favour of others perhaps a trifle less known (with certain exceptions) but each typical of glen and heahher and all played with true artistry. The recording is particularly effective.

John Ford has completed Ui" dramatic work on “Mother Machree, ” but the picture is not yet complete. Twg cameramen have been sent to the Green Isle to shoot more authentic background for this Irish romance, and as atmospheric accuracy has been aimed at right through this Fox Film attraction, the beauties of Ireland will considerably enhance Hie action of the picture. Belle Bennet plays the titk* role. * * * The Te Kuiti Operatic Society gave two performances of “The Mikado” last week.