THE GRAMOPHONE.

Shannon News, 23 July 1929, Page 3

THE GRAMOPHONE.

A Schubert Impromptu. Columbia’s policy of issuing masterworks by first-rate artists in their popular section provides the economical oramophile with some rare bargains—a 12-indh Ethel Leginska at 6s. It might be unkind to enquire how-mue i fame she would have gathered under her former name of Ethel Liggins. These are much bitter than the Moments Musrcaux by the same artist the tone is mellower, the touch far more delicate and the general understanding more in the accepted genial Schubert vein. Recording is truer to the piano, too. (Columbia 02737-39). Shortll Coming to New Zealand.

Music lovers will be pleased to hear that Harold Williams,\ the famous leading baritone of the British National Opera Company, will soon be touring New Zealand and his native Australia. His compatriot, the brilliant pianisu William Murdoch, will accompany him. It is interesting to recall, by the way, that Williams played as a Waratah against the All Blacks in pie-war da\s, and appeared regularly for the Waverley Cricket Club of Sydney—the club which has produced more of Australia’s famous cricketers than any other. In his latest record—to get back .to musical matters —Harold Williams pairs Wagner’s “0 Star of Eve” with Allitsen’s “The Lute Player.” His striking Voice should be immensely popular here, for he hides a fine poetic insight under a simple unaffected delivry, (Columbia 02835). A Russian Symphony Poem.

One of the outstanding orchestral recordings of the year is a rendering by the Brussels Royal Conservatoire Orchestra of Glazounow’s masterpiece, “Stenka Razine. ” This symphonic poem tells a most vivid and enthralling story of old Russia. Razine was a famous hetman and raider whose mistress was a beautiful Persian Princess. One night she dreamt that Razine would be attacked and killed and'she herself drowned. The next day the robber band was attacked by the Czar’s men, and to propitiate the river Volga Stenka Razine threw the Princess into the river as a gift. He and his band were slain. The picturesque and colourful music realistically tells the story, starting with the famous Volga Boat song portraying the Volge.. The famous Brussels Orchestra, who recorded “Till’s Merry Pranks” so effectively a short while ago, give another splendid performance, sparkling with brilliance and variety. (Columbia 04235-36). Two Favourite Scotch Airs.

A newcomer to the gramaphone' is Martha Attwood, who has a singing soprano which she shades with nice discretion. She sings two old favourites in “Ye Banks' and Braes” and “Coinin’ through the Rye,” but familiar as the tunes may be, she never descends into the hackneyed. Her reading has an appealing freshness, and it is safe to prophesy that her crystalclear voice will be much sought after in this and future records. (Columbia 01415).

Clever Singing from the Trix Sisters.

The Trix bisters, Josephine and Helen, have the knack of taking the latest hits and making somthing entirely novel out of them. Daring harmonies and little tricks of accompaniment, make their records quite out of the ordinary. Their latest is ‘'Sweet Ukulele Maid ’* and “Out of the Dawn,” and their host of admirers will rush them (Columbia 01427). Aft of M’Cormack.

Once again we have the beautiful art of the great lyric.tenor, John M’Cormack, who this month gives “Silver Threads’ Among the Gold” and “When You and I Were Young.” The caressing notes and the miraculous light and shade lift these old .songs to a high plane. M’Cormack is said to be the highest paid singer in the world to-day, in fact his fee is too formidable for Australian entrepreneurs, but through the medium of the gramophone we may hear his voice, and because of the faithfulness of reproduction feel his personality. (H.M.V., -DA823.)