THE GRAMOPHONE.

Shannon News, 4 December 1928, Page 3

THE GRAMOPHONE.

LATEST RELEASES. ' Maria Kurenko. (1) “Cradle Sang” (Tchaikovsky), ! (2) “None But the Weary Heart” | (Tchaikovsky). Sung by Maria Kui renko, Soprano. Col. 03576. Maria Kurenko, one of the younger f Russian sopranos, is ideally equipped to sing songs by Tchaikovsky.. All of her records are sung most artistically, s displaying wonderful agility, and a perfect technique. She imbues these numbers with great feeling. W. H. Squire/ Jl) “Le Cygne” (The Swan) (Saint* Saens); (2) “Berceuse de Jocelyn” (Godard). Played by W. H. Squire, ’Cello Columbia 04179. It is pleasing to note that W. H. Squire continues to bring his gramophone repertoire electrically up-to-date. lie has lost none of his erstwhile brilliance, and the new process makes a wonderful improvement to his glorious ’cello tone. “The Swan” especially is n glowing demonstration of Squire’s well loved style—faultlessly recorded. Sophie Braslau. (!) “Dor Erl Konig” (Schubert); (2) “Tod and das Aladchen” (Schubert). Sung in German by Sophie Braslau, Contralto. Col. 04162.

Sophie Braslau’« voice is one of the most remarkable contraltos now before the public, in its deep richness, its range, its extraordinary power., its expressive potency and colour. You will readily when you he'ar this rendition of “The Erl King” and “Death and the Maiden” both of which are indeed worthy additions to Columbia’s Centennial Edition of Schubert’s songs. Charles Hackett. (1) “I Hear a Thrush at Eve” (Wakefield and Eberlrart); (2) “The World is Waiting for the Sunrise” (Seitz, and. Lockhart). Sung by Charles Hackett, Tenor. Col. 03596. Charles Hackett studied music as a boy, and when barely 20 years of age be went abroad, making his first sensation in Florence. In Italy’s foremost Opera House, he established himself with incredible swiftness, and in Buenos Aires, where musical discrimination is cultivated to the highest point, Hackett swept all before him. He has been acclaimed by musicians and music lovers, artists, impresarios, singers and critics— ‘ ‘a tenor in a class by himself.’’ We cannot too highly praise his recent recordings. 1 Percy Grainger.

(1) (a) “Sheep and Goat Walkin’ to the Pasture (Guion),, (b) “Gigue from First Partita”- (Bach); (2) “Lieberstraum.” (Dream of Love) (Liszt). Played on the pianoforte by Percy Grainger. Columbia 04097. Percy Grainger’s recent tour of Australia still lingers in the memory as a stirring musical event, and these records are an excellent example of his fine playing. Liszt’s “Liebestraum” is superbly interpreted, the extreme lightness of touch, the marvellous phrasing, and splendid piano tone combine to make these new offerings one of the finest piano records in existence. Milton Hayes Again.

The Aleanderings of Monty No. 21 —“My Boy’s. Career” (In 2 Barts), by Milton, Hayes. Columbia 01212. The inimitable Alonty goes from success to success, and it must be admitted in this record he turns out a very entertaining monologue. Everyone will be thoroughly engi-ossed in the suggestions offered in “My Boy’s Career ” —from the highly humorous, if not, perhaps, the practical standpoint. Alon ty’s logical reasoning is irresistible.

Sascha Jacobsen. (1) From the Canebrake”; (2) “Midnight Bells. ” Played by Sascha Jacobsen, violinist. Col. 01148. Ilis training and his studies, his remarkable initial concert success,. and his instant acceptance as a great violinist are all incidents in the American career o'f. Sascjia Jacobsen, .probably the first great master of the violin who achieved fame without stepping outside the bounds of his own country. He has recently made another fine scries of exclusive records for Columbia, of which these two are of the finest. Two Fine 'Cello Solos. . (1) “Melody in F” (Rubinstein); (2) “Silver Threads Among the Gold (Danks). ■’Cello solos by W. H. Squire. Columbia'o4l7B. What is there' new to be said about W. H. Squire? For some years he has contributed to Columbia's monthly supplements, and the musical public have repaid his industry with steadily increasing patronage. This record is bound to be popular. It has all Squire’s technical accomplishments, all his fruity voluptuousness of tone, and the tunes themselves arc in great demand.

O’Shea. (1) “Love’s Garden of Roses’.’; (2) “When My Ship Gomes' Sailing Home.’’ Sung by Alfred O'Shea, Tenor. Columbia 04117. This gifted Irish singer was in particularly fine voice on the day he made this record. Notice the growing subtlety in his use of mezza-voice, the delicacy of his shading, the power always kept in reserve, and the royal ease with which he strikes the upper register. The two he contributes this month are pleasant’ and melodious. Particularly pleasing’ is “When My Ship Comes Sailing Home.” '