COLUMBIA.

Shannon News, 16 August 1929, Page 2

COLUMBIA.

Popular Music. Among the popular hits on Columbia this month are two very fine numbers by the well-known tenor, James Melton, "Sally of My Dreams," is paired with "I Loved You Then as I Love You Now,'' two songs that are enjoying a great vogue just now. (Vol. 01368). Frank Mun n shows an agreeable turn for melody in "My Castle in Spain is a Shack in the Lane," which has a tune with a real swing in it, and is paired with "My Angeline," with novelty accompaniment (Col. 01519). The brilliant Gil Dech, who leads his own Syneopaters in Jazz, gives a solo turn as a pianist, with two sparkling versions of "The Wedding of tho Painted Doll" and "I Kiss Your Hand, Madame," both from "Broadway Melody" (Col. 01549). On Columbia 01515 the ever-popular Art Gillham, of the "Whispering Baritone' triba, is his usual confidential self in "Some Sweet Day"—and "I Love You—l Love You—l Love You." Another Pine Boy Soprano.

(1) "Bird Songs at Eventide" (R. Barrie and Erie Coates); (2) "Goodnight, said the Cuckoo." Sung by Trevor Schofield, boy soprano. Columbia 01503.

Unlike most boy sopranos, Trevor Schofield's voice is distinguished by a rich warmth that contrasts very favburably with the white coldness that goes with this type of singer. Purity is all very well, but the connoisseur likes a certain gusto to be allied with it, and Master Schofield has both. His head notes are delightfully mellow, and

even in the crisply Bung "Good-night, said the Cuckoo, ■'. '..he- achieves what the laboratory expert: would describe as a. rounder sound-wave. The familiar "Bird Songs at Eventide" comes out

very pleasantly on f.his higher pitch Recording as excellent. '

G-uglielmetti's Amazing Vocalism. (1) "La Traviata"—"Semper libera deggio ("I'll Fulfil the Round of Pleasure) (Verdi), in Italian; (2) :"La Sonnambula" —"Ah! non giunge" (Ah! Sorrow Recall Not) (Bellini), in Italian. Sung by A. M. Guglielmetti, Soprano. Columuia 03C35, Guglielmetti, who lias not recorder much recently, delights us this month with a new 10-inch disc which shows that her amazing vocal powers- are in no way diminished. One does . .'• ivA know which to admire most—the thrilling ease of her coloratura sliding gracefully from the heights to the depths, or the understanding with which she interprets her part. As Violetta. she thpws an abandoned recklessness into the aria from Verdi's "La Traviata," while the Bellini from "La Scnnambula" is by contrast a simple melodious fragment sung with quiet sureness.

More from Charles Hackett, (1) "The World is Waiting for: the Sunrise"; (2) "I Hear a Thrush at Eve." Sung by Charles , Hackett, tenor. Columbia 01526. Hackett, the famous leading of the Chicago Opera Company, is wellknown in this country through his recitals here, and any of his records, arc sure of a warm welcome. He sings two old favourites with his customary taste, phrasing well and controlling his big volume to good purpose. "I Hear a Thrush at Eve" is delightful, and typical of his mellow notes and poetic interpretation. "Uncle Rex" of 2L6.

(1) "The Ballad Monger"; (2.) "Maire, My Girl." Sung by Rex Palmer, Baritone. Columbia 01505. Rex Palmer is more familiarly knbwn in Great Britain as "Uncle Rex,"; for his broadcast, talks and songs for.the Children's Hour have long been famous. He has a deep baritone of manly unaffected style, singularly free from the unpleasant mannerisms that mar so many a good singer. He chooses two fine songs, "The Ballad Monger," direct' and simple with a touch of sentiment, while "Maire My Girl" is a love-song of moving sincerity. Beethoven's "Harp" Quartet.

I This lovely work is one of the finest /specimens of Beethoven's middle period, being Written in the same year as .the great "Emperor" Piano Concerto. It takes its title from the lovely arpeggio passages that are a feature or the work. It has now been recorded by the famous Capet Quartet of Paris, and the recording has thus an historic value, for.M. Capet, their leader, died recently, and this, brilliant combination is now no more. As soon as the Allegro starts we realise that the graceful and rather optimistic mood of this work is given with all the brilliant, verve and grace of a first class Gallic ensemble. To French musicians, ity comes before everything; in the pellucid lights of the Capets' playing we see Beethoven's constructions, themes, developments and harmonies burgeoning under their loving * car.*, growing as organically ; as a- flower. There are moments towards the end bf the Adagio of such beauty as is rarely heard in recorded chamber music, and it can safely be said that lovers of Beethoven's string quartets ought not to omit this set of records from their library. (Columbia 04279-82).