THE GRAMAPHONE.

Shannon News, 24 September 1929, Page 3

THE GRAMAPHONE.

LATEST COLUMBIAN

Amazing "Rigoletto" Quartette. Records of the "Rigoletto" Quartette and the Sextette from "Lucia' are part of the history of the gramophone. A few months ago, Columbia issued its electric record of the Sextette from "Lucia," the cast being Maria Gentile, Dino Borgioli, Vanelli, Baccaloni, Nessi, Mannarini and ths La Scala Chorus. (04025). The "Rigoletto" Quartette is one ot the outstanding records in the Columbia list, the principals being Mane Gentile, Ebe Stignani, Alessandro Granda and Carlo Galeffi—another case of mighty figures in Italian opera. It i s not merely a show record, it is another thrilling example of the possibilities of electric recording, take its place among the really greai. records. The record (04344) embraces no; only the Quartette, but the Prelude and Duke '3 Song, which immediately precedes st, tyhu-s actually providing a two-part "Rigolelto" record. It is the more interesting because it includes the great tenor aria, "La donna e mobile,"" seldom/heard on the gramophone except as a solo. Of the wonderful quartette on the reverse ("Bella figlia dell-amore") it can bs safely said that this is the culmination of all the tragic elements in: "Rigoletto," and has never yet been surpassed for the sheer skill of its conflicting emotions, conveyed by! four voices. Ironical indeed is the ardent protesting of the Duke, the gay chiding of Maddalena, the terrible wrath of the Jester and the anguish of Gilda, never more vividly portrayed than By Maria Gentile (soprano) as Gilda; Ebe Stignani (contralto) as Maddalena: Elessandro Granda (tenor) as the Duke, and Carlo Galeffi (baritone) as Sparafucile, the villainous innkeeper. Never perhaps has the operate stage been brought so closely to the drawing room as in this remarkable Italian production.' (Columbia No. 04344). •

Olana Serena.—Another Wonderful Record.

Into "I'm a'Longing for You," Fuhrmann's exquisite lyrie, set to music by Hathaway, Clara Serena has instilled all the yearning that this deeply human song demands', all the lights and shades of tone that her expressive voice is so well able to produce. Roy Mellish, in the capacity of pianist, has given a most brilliant accompaniment, Sympathetic, yet restrained. 'When listening to the glowing "Silver Threads Among the Gold" one is struck with the infinite loveliness of a melody that has never grown old, although so many years have passed since it Avas first-conceived. The arrangement by Mellish is wholly* charming, and the soft, lucid notes of the pia.no blend enehantingly into a perfectly reproduced whole.' This is a record that nromiaes to attain wide popularity. (Columbia 01578),

Franck String Quartette Admirably Recorded.

Cesar Franck's only string quartette Avas not written until he was over sixtyyears old, its first performance being when he was nearly seventy. But it was then acclaimed a. masterpiece—a verdict that has never been challenged since. It is certainly a wonderful work, alike in its inspiration, its lovely melodies and that serene mysticism so characteristic of the Belgian master's later music. The fine performance of the London String Quartette is superb in its understanding and poetry. (Columbia Nos. 04338-43). New Jewish. Record. "Kol Nidrei" is a melody that has been sung in the synagogues of the world for countless years on that most solemn of all days—"Yom Kippur"The Day of Atonement. The words are an impassioned plea for absolution from sin, while the melody itself is admittedly one of the world's possessions. Cantor G. Sirota's reverent treatment i s most appropriate, while.the choir supports him in the mode of the synagogue. Sirota's great voice is heard to full advantage, the reproduction is superb, and the record will be treasured in countless homes, Jewish and nonJewish.

(Columbia No. 02815.) > H.M. Grenadier Guards Band,

Captain Miller thinks that The Fantasia on 17th Century Music, A.D. 16G4, is the finest record he has made. Certainly you will agree when you hear I}hesel charming wld-ijashioue'd ,songs, grouped together and played as only the Grenadier Guards can play. Among them are such lovely traditional airs as "Green Sleeves" and "Hark, the Bonny Christ Church Bells," and the stirringly fine "Here's a Health Unto His Majesty" .(the best of which we most decidedly wish our present brave sovereign in his convalescence). It is a record which elderly folks, with many cherished memories, will enjoy. (Columbia No. 02890).

Paris Opera House Chorus in "Faust."

Another astonishing recording, taken in the great Paris Opera House, with the fine theatre chorus in famous "Faust" numbers, the "Soldiers' Chorus" and "La Kermesse." The first (in Act 4) depicts the weary, warscarred warriors home again in their own land. Refreshed by the old familiar sights, they burst forth into an impressively-stirring chorus, the most wonderful part of which are the high notes attained by the tenor section. "La Kermesse" is from Act 2, and is a descriptive piece of work, presenting before our eyes a laughing, mocking' crowd, intermingled with which is the cynical theme of the "Golden Calf"

song. The great French chorus, whose first record this is, silig with all the fiery 3pirit required of these numbers. Their finely-trained voices blend perfectly 'with the equally disciplined orchestra. (Columbia No. 02895). Columbia Portable.