THE GRAMOPHONE.

Shannon News, 21 June 1929, Page 1

THE GRAMOPHONE.

NOTES ON RECORDS. Two Favourites of Erin. (1) “Oft in the Stilly Night”; (2) “Molly Bawn.” Sung by W. F. -Watt, tenor. Columbia 01393. W. F. Watt is a tenor with considerable charm of voice. One or two technical details will have'to be attended to before he rises to really great heights of vocalism—noticeably his breath control —but no one will deny that lie sings these two evergreen melodies with, just that hint of melancholy that in poetry and music distinguishes the Celt from liis neighbours. An Irish G-ramo-Comedian. (1) “Casey Selling Patent Medicines”; (2) “Casey’s Address to his Comrades'in Arms.” Humorous sketches by Michael Casey and Co. Columbia. 01396. Records of good Irish humour are not common. In fact humorous records of really universal appeal and appreciation are gow and very far between. To say that this record is a “world beater” would probably strike some folk as exaggeration. On the other hand, others might call it under-state-ment. Humorous records are a matter of taste. Your best plan is to hear and judge for yourself. Naoum Blinder. (1) “Caprice Vicnnois” (Kreisler); (2) “Variations on a Theme by Corelli” (Kreisler). Violin (Solos by Naoum Blinder. Columbia 02773. No violinist’s repertory would be considered complete without jdie exquisite *“ Caprice Vidnmjis. ” Similarly no ■collection can lack a record of a piece 'so much-loved. A truly adequate recording therefore is welcome. Naoum Blinder, the Russian violinist, who has been fiddling his way to fame in America, exhibits his ipastery of tone and technique unmistakably, recording the lovely double-stopped . melody and sparkling interludes with a sonority 'of tone which is little short of -amazing. Kreisler’s variation on the Corelli theme is a happy selection for the reverse. , Alfred O’Shea. (1) “Eileen Oge”; (2) “Two Irish Eyes.” Sung by Alfred O’Shea, tenor. Columbia 03615. Singing at his “top” Alfred O’Shea continues to delight with his characteristic voice and manner, which has so endeared him to a vast public. “Eileen Oge” reflects the true Irish spirit and humour, whilst “Two Irish Eyes” is a charming little ballad, overflowing with 'that appealing 'sadness, sc often apparent in songs of Erin. Another Recruit to the Ranks of Boy Trebles. (1) “As Pants the Hart” (Spohr). (2) “Where’er You Walk” (Handel). Sung by Master John Gwilym Griffiths, Boy Soprano, in Christ Church, Westminster. Columbia 02807. The boy soprano’s voice, at its best, has a purity and “other worldliness” that makes a'special appeal to most hearers. Master Griffiths’ first record proves him to be an exceptional singer of- this type, having the wide range and ■gift of expression that are sometimes lacking. Cohen Raises Smiles. Joe Hayman (comedian), in “Cohen Forms a New Company,” and “Cohen ■at a Prize Fight.” Zonophone 5239. Joe Hayman is the original “Cohen” of “Cohen on the Telephone” fame, and will at once be recognised as a master of Hebrew humour. This record is a classic of its kind.

Debussy Nocturne. Debussy’s'Three* Nocturnes belong to the greatest period of this composer ’s. activities: In them he discloses a quiet charm and many refinements previously unexploited. The reveries are painted with the subtlest colours at his command. Nocturne No. 2 Fetes—has been recorded by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra under Leopold Stokowski. The beautiful filigree passages arc played with the utmost delicacy. The gossamer-like notes remind one of Tennyson’s lines, “There is a music here that softer falls, than petals of blown roses on the grass. ’ ’ There is no doubt that this piece of glorious melody is one of the great tests for orchestras, because of the myriad tone colours, and Stokowski shows the highest sense of beauty. (11.M.V., E. 507.)