THE GRAMOPHONE.

Shannon News, 20 July 1928, Page 3

THE GRAMOPHONE.

NOTES ON NEW RECORDS. Famous Beethoven Overture. Eoyal Albert Hall Orehcstra, conducted by Sir Landon Ronald, in Beethoven's "Leonora Overture" (three parts), and, "Rosainunde," ballet music in G (Schubert). Beethoven wrote no fewer than four overtures, at various times, for his only opera, "Fidelio" (or, as it was at first known, "Leonora"). Of these the overture known as "Leonora No. 3" is by far the most famous. It shares with the "Fifth Symphony" the honour of being Beethoven's most popular work, and its popularity is well deserved. The "Rosamunde" number occupies the fourth side (H.M.V. D. 1051-2). A Wonderful Instrument. Referring in a recent public address to the wonderful resources of the hew II'.M.V. Sir Edward Elgar said: —"lt is scarcely necessary to point our the fidelity with which orchestral colour is reproduced; neither need I enlarge upon the possibilities of the instrument for use in large halls for symphonic and vocal recitals, organ or pianoforte solos, and the "performance of choral works; dancing, of course—and no doubt the exuberant ? orchestrification' of the latest Blacks and Blues will be as much enhanced by its transmission through the new. instrument as any symphony. The luckier student of to-day ean hear the finest orchestra perform the work of his choice as often as he pleases. Complicated passages,' a single bar if desired, can be repeated until the innermost secrets of the score are analysed and, it may be, assimilated. For now we have the tone of the orchestra perfectly reproduced. The use of the instrument for faithful demonstrations of any branch of musieal study seems illimitable., Form and general structure could well be studied from the earlier records, but the study of orchestration, in the full sense of the word, was not practicable; the record, or its reproduction, was not sufficiently faithful to be of complete use. You haVe now before yiou," Sir Edward Elgar concluded, '«an instrument capable of the highest service in the study of music; an aid, hitherto unknown, in the cause of education; and a source of the most satis fying pleasure to the ordinary listener."

Bessie Jones on Zonophone.

Bessie'Jones (soprano), with orchestra, "O Divine Redeemer" (Gounod), • <Sweet Spirit, Hear My Prayer'' (Walilace). These two delightful pieees are rendered in this record by, one of those rare soprano voices rich in soft fertility of expression. The artist is one. whose voice is widely appreciated iii Welsh music circles, where-a.very keen critical audience always prevails. Miss Jones is supported by a charming orchestral accompaniment. (Zonophone, A. 328). "Desert Song" Selections. National Symphony Orchestra in -."The Desert Song," selection (Romberg). This is London's latest musical success, and a happy selection of its best airs has been collected on this record. The orchestra, of course, is a first-class one, as those who purchased the "Poet and Peasant" overture, issued recently, will readily admit. * The National Symphony Orchestra is now. a regular feature in the Zonophone lists, and is providing records to which lovers of orchestral music can look forward with great interest. (Zonophone, 2924). Two Fine Hislop Numbers.^ Mention must be made of Hislop'3 "Afton Water" and "Bonnie Mary of Argyll" on DBIOSB. It is, as one expected, a great record, both songs being rendered with the mastery and finish that this great tenor always displays — beyond unreserved recommendation one need only comment that pianoforte accompaniment would have been more appropriate than that of the orchestra. The high priee of red-label records is lamentable, but one of these Hislop discs is worth a dozen less distinctive , records, for it represents perfection in rendering and recording, and it is certain that no disc of these two glorious old songs can ever supersede this one. The "Stroked Cat." John McCormack (or, rather, now that he has been raised to Papal peerage, Count John McCormack) has registered his arms* at the College of Arms, London. His motto will stir the imagination of every aspirant to vocal honours, for "Felis demulta mitis" freely translated simply means "The stroked eat purrs." Well, if Count John has been stroked it is because he deserves it, and those who have deplored his recent penchant for the emotional ballad may renew their faith in him by listening to his latest His Master's Voice recordings. He sings in his latest record (not bore yet, by the way), Cesar Franck's "Panis Angelieus" with all the spirit and fervour that only a John McCormack could give it. It is paired with "La Procession,'" also by Cesar Franck.

Two Lovely Waltzes. International Concert Orchestra in "Spring* Heautiful Spaing" waltz, and "Wiener Blut" ("Viennese Blood"). Two lovely and melodious waltzes pervaded by typically captivating Viennese charm. "Wiener Blut" is by .Tohann Strauss, the greatest waltz composer the world has ever known. Paul Lincke, who wrote the beautiful melody of "Spring, Beautiful Spring," achieved a great reputation as a eomposer of light operas. Both waltzes are splendidly played by the

International Concert Orchestra, and are magnificently recorded with,' extraordinary richness and depth. (Zonophone E.F.13).