HIS MASTER'S VOICE.

Shannon News, 10 September 1929, Page 3

HIS MASTER'S VOICE.

"Miserere" Duet. In all opera no scene is more beloved than the "Miserere" in Verdi's "II Trovatore," and the duet has perhaps been encored more than any other. It is unforgettable. Manrieo lies cu his prison floor. The prison bell tolls, and the priests are heard praying for the soul of the condemned man. Leonora, horrified at the preparations for the execution of her lover, cries to him words of hope and love. Manrieo responds with words of comfort. In an ecstasy of the spirit he foretells their reunion in realms above, and bids her forget the vain delusions and bitter disappointments of this life in the hope of the everlasting. Together now they sing of the life hereafter, their voices rising in triumph above the dirge of the priests as the conviction grows upon them that Love transcends all mortal things in its glorious divinity. The latest record of the .duet, has been recorded by Rosa Ponselle (soprano) and Giovanni Martinelli (tenor), two of the most famous operatic stars in the world to-day. The accompaniment is provided by the great Metropolitan Opera House Orchestra, an'd the choir of priests is also from the same quarter. The reproduction is remarkable for its clearness and balance. Ponselle sings with intense feeling, and her phrasing is artistic. Martinelli's great voice is without a flaw. On the reverse side of the record the golden voice of Ponselle is heard again with Erzio Pinza (bass) in the duet "La vergine degli angeli," from Act 11. of Verdi's "Force of Destiny." The orchestra and chorus again provide a beautiful background. The tranquil theme gives an opportunity for some exquisite piano singing, and a good tone is always maintained. (H.M.V. DB1199). Dance Records. The following three dance records, distinguished by their excellent rhythm and original melodies, have been chosen from this month's issue: "The Egg Song,'' fox-trot, vocal refrain by Leo- j nard Henry, played by the New Mayfair Orchestra, and "The Tile Trot," I by the Rio Grande Tango Band; "Can You Blame Me " ('Cause I Fell in Love With You), waltz, played by Jean Goldkete and his orchestra, and "I Kiss Your Hand, Madam," fox-trot (from "The Five o'Clock Girl"), played by Jack Hylton and his orchestra; " Thinking of You," fox-trot (from "The Five o'Clock Girl"), with vocal refrain, and "Up in the Clouds," foxtrot, (from "The Five O'Clock Girl."), played by Jack Hylton and his Orchestra. (H.M.V.) Chaliapin and the Gramophone.

Chaliapin records exclusively for "His Master's Voice." Some new recordings of his have been issued this year by the Gramophone Co., and he has just made some further discs. The great singer writes to. the public, addressing them as "My Dear Friends." Chaliapin states: "I have asked the Gramophone Company to allow me to take the opportunity of my visit to England to tell you about my "His Master's Voice' records. lam very particular about my records. When I sing for the gramophone I. give my best, and the records are part of me — I feel almost that they are of my flesh and blood. -No matter where I sing my songs, I always feel that I am the father of those song-children! You can, therefore, understand my emotion when I have to sing them facing the recording machine of 'His Master's Voice.' I cannot alas, visit every town in this beautiful country of yours, but if I cannot come and see you myself remember that in my records you have, as I say, a little part of me. I have been asked which are my best records. It is hard for me to say, for [ Avill never let a record of mine be issued that is not the best I can do. but I particularly like my records of 'The Song of the Flea'; aria, "Kontchak,' from 'Prince Igor,' by Borodino; 'The Farewell and' Death of Boris/ 'When the King Went Forth to War,' and the 'Death of Don Quixote,' and, of course, 'The Song of the Volga Boatmen.' But the 'Volga Boatmen* song makes me very sad, for I think 5 sometimes (of thtose sad days when I worked for a time on the marshv banks of our great mother river, 'the Volga. I am, very sincerely, Feodor Chaliapin." Paul Robeson Again.

Paul Robeson (bass), an "Sonny Bov" theme song of the motion pic ture "The Singing Fool"; "De Lil Piccaninny's Gone to Sleep." (H.M.V. 82948). Paul Robeson 's rich bass voice is admirably suited in both these songs, which are in a sense of the same genre as his "Showboat" successes. Each uumbe"? has its own particular appeal that should not fail to please the listener. Fine Old. Ballads. John Turner (Tenor), in "I Hear You Calling Me" (Marshall), anl "Mother Machree" (Ball). H.M.V. 82876. John Turner is one of the finest singers who have come forward of recent years, and "His Master's Voice" records are all, without exception, of undeniably high quality. His latest records is a little masterpiece in its way, and he sings "I Hear You Calling Me" in a most moving manner.