THE GRAMOPHONE.

Shannon News, 23 April 1929, Page 2

THE GRAMOPHONE.

LATEST RECORDINGS. .Another Dance Hit by Columbia. (1) “I loved you then as I love you now” —the Cavaliers. (2) “If you want the Rainbow ’ ’ (you must have the rain) —Ben Selvin and his orches tra. Columbia 01401. The first item (“I loved you then”) is the theme song of the motion picture “Dancing Daughters,” now being released throughout New Zealand. It is a splendid waltz tune, and dance enthusiasts are sure to make it enormously popular this* season. .Ben Selvin, on the reverse, gives us, as usual of his best. Altogether a record well worth noting.

Pipe-Major John MacDonald of Inverness.

“Lament for Donald Ban MacCMmmon’’—Pibroch solo by Pipe-Major John MacDonald. Columbia 01392. It’s no good recommending this record to people who can’t abide pipe music a't any price. But to those to whom skirl and drone brings sweet content —well, this distf could not be bettered. This is recording with full realism. I defy any good Scotsman to hear this record in the next room and tell the difference between it and the pibroch itself. And that’s all the recommendation it should need.

A Splendid “William Tell’’ Performance.

“William Tell Overture” (Rossini), played by the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra under Sir Henry Wood. Columbia 01375-6. ' This re-recording of such a popular overture has been long overdue. Not since the Regal version by the Silver Stars Band, have we-had such a fine reading. This new version gives, of course, the work in its true orchestral form. The performance is really magnificent- —real dynamic contrast, true string tone and a wonderfully convincing body of sound. Everybody knows this work —even theatre orchestras attempt it sometimes —and as description is unnecessary, we merely say this: If you want a real thrill, get these records and play them yourself. Columbia have very generously released these two records on dark blue labels. Almost the Perfect Record.

As near the perfect record as we are ever likely to get is Elisabeth Rethberg in two popular passages from Verdi’s “'Aida,” “Return Victorious” and “O Patria Mia” (H.M.V. D 1452, 12in.). The accompaniment is well done by the Berlin' State Opera Orchestra under Fritz Zweig, and gives just that final touch of thoroughness to complete so grand a performance' of Elisabeth Rethberg makes of these items. Her steadiness, perfect phrasing and evident sympathy, with the material is very striking.

A Fine Anthem. A very cordial welcome. may be extended to a recording (H.M.V. C 1541) of Dr. S. S. Wesley’s fine anthem, “Blessed be the God and Father,” spng bv the Temple Church Choir, London (writes a critic). Those, who are accustomed to hearing this piece at Leeds Parish Church —where the composer Was once its organist —may perhaps feel that the record, does not quite do justice to the music. Nevertheless, Mr G. Thalben Ball’s, choir •has the knack, of sounding effective on the gramophone and they may be commended upon their choice of subject. Sweet and Gentle Music.

Beethoven’s “Pastoral” has been newly recorded by the Vienna’ Philharmonic conducted by Franz Schalk (11.M.V., D 1473-1477). In this symphony Beethoven escapes from mental anguish and the problems of the universe. He takes 'a country walk. He is at peace with the world. The homely sights of lane and field turn into sweet and gentle music in his mind. • The symphony ambles on its way. There is not a problem or a difficult" turning. But —Beethoven being Beethoven —it is all consummately beautiful; and what .the composer makes out of his calmest mood is hardly less wonderful than his wrestlings 'and stirrings in other works.

Bach, the Master. For spiritual, fundamental, abiding happiness, one must go to Bach, wherein, as in this record, the essential pathos of loveliness is grandly revealed in' the depths of a peace that passeth understanding and fills the soul with a joy unspeakable and full of glory. Bach, who lias been held to be a composer for the few, is enjoying quite a vogue, nowadays. A remarkably good example of what the gramophone can do for Each is in the H.M.V. records of the Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra’s rendering of the Bach "Toccata and Fugue in b Minor.” Again, there are the two Bach preludes —E flat minor and ”1 call upon Thee, Jesus.” Resonant and firm in rendering, the music lias a strong appeal. There is no mighty climax; there is no climax at all, in fact. There is hardly any modulation; the key of F minor suffices, with an occasional reference to the relative major. There arc no decorative passages, nor any intellectual extravagances. The music flows on its way calmly and sweetly, vet withal in the valley of the shadow of death.