COLUMBIA.

Shannon News, 8 November 1929, Page 2

COLUMBIA.

An Outstanding Choral Record. Sir Henry Coward and his famous choir have excelled themselves in four beautiful and contrasted choruses from sn almost forgotten Hamlet masterpiece, “Judas Maceabaeus.” The sopranos and altos are wholly delightful in the opening phrases of the Conquering Hero Conies’' and “Sing Unto God,” while there, is wonderful strength and balance in the “full chorus” sections. (Columbia No. 02917). Popular Songs by Pleasing Baritone. “Deep Night,” “All Alone in Lover’s Lane.” This is the first of Harry Sliaison’s records for Columbia, and will quickly increase the many admirers of this tine artist. He possesses a very pleasant baritone voice, a perfect diction and a reserved but intimate style. (Columbia No. 01644).

Old Favourites Sung by Alfredo del

Pelo and Quartet.

Neapolitan melodies have a distinct musical charm and a singularly attractive lilt or rhythm. “Funiculi Funicula” is an old favourite, here expressed in a richly musical tone which fully conveys the charm of its suave and "colourful lyrics. “A Francesca ’ ’ is sung more emotionally. (Columbia. No. 01623).

John. Bonner Makes Another line Record.

The brilliant boy soprano of Manchester Cathedral again excels himself in these beautiful examples of devotional songs. Handel’s famous “Largo” is an exceptionally difficult piece "of bel canto singing, aud Master Bonner comes through with dying colours. Liddlc’s setting of “Abide With Me” still holds its own by virtue of its sincerity and beautiful melody, and in this the singer does splendidly. (Columbia No. 02919). Splendid Baritone Solos.

Fraser Gauge has a deep baritone of manly, unaffected style, and his choice of songs is'again a most happy one. “The Blind Ploughman” is direct and simple with a wonderful sentiment and is exceptionally paired with the most robust and dramatic Jnvictus. (Columbia No 01626) A Great Australian Baritone

Harold Williams, who is now touring his native Australia with his compatriot, William Murdoch, has been wedded to singing all his life He was famous in Sydney as a boy soprano of unusual quality. While studying music as a profession he won fresh fame in the field of sport, playing for New South Wales against ,the Alt Blacks, and just missing State honours in cricket while playing for the Waverley Club. He served throughout the War, but immediately afterwards recommenced his studies and scored immediate success in recitals through out Great Britain. Covent Garden welcomed him in both the French and German opera seasons. His fame in all branches of singing has steadily grown. The high quality of his musicianship is revealed in the wide variety of his recordings. Happiest in the bold, manly type of song, such as “.The Trumpeter” and “On the Road to Mandalay” (Columbia 9095), or “Gainst the Power” and “Soldiers’ Chorus” from Faust (Columbia 9143), he is just as much at home with more artistic and more sensitive material. Indeed, he is the outstanding success in the By the Wayside extracts from Elgar’s “The Apostles,” which he sings in company with Dora Labette, Herbert Eisdcll, Denis Noble, Robert Easton and the Halle Chorus (Columbia 02593). He has, too, a friendly .intimate style that projects a pleasing personality in lighter material. His “Gondolier” records are full of this warm human style—“ There Lived a King,” and “In Enterprise of Matrial Kind” (Columbia 3335). Very jolly, too, are the amusing “Cautionary Tales” by Hilaire Belloc (Columbia 3224-26).

The Art of William Murdoch. The world-famous Australian pianist is so versatile that it is difficult to say Avherein he specialises. Personally, he expresses a preference for the moderns. One of his most brilliant recordings is a splendid pairing of two Debussy preludes—'“Bruyeres” and “Les Collines d’ Anacapri,” played with dazzling virtuosity. (Columbia 01052). Another captivating Debusv record is “Minstrels” which makes a fine contrast with its coupling, ..“Prelude in G Sharp Minor” (Rachmanioff). (Columbia 01443). Two modern Spanish composers are represented on a disc of considerable fire and point—Albeniz with “El Puerto” and de Falla “Cubana” (Columbia 02G09). But Murdoch is equally at home with two deeper larger works of the Great Masters. His recording of the two most famous Beethoven Sonatas, ‘ ‘ App-issionata” (Columbia 02633-15) and the “Pathetique” (Columbia 02611-12), have impressed all the critics with their insight, their musicianship, and their combination of dazzling technique with a rich vein of poetry. The same qualities are in. evidence in the “Kreutzer” Sonata, played in conjunction with Albert Sammons, the distinguished violinist. Under their hands the work burgeons to its full majesty, their artistic phrasing heightening the sense of grandeur (Columbia 0260206). This same pair have recorded another most attractive work in Schubert’s Sonata in D Major, a dainty

and melodious gem that fascinates everybody (Columbia 01008-1

Clever Orchestral Renderings,

Paul Whiteman’s concert recordings are unique, incomparable. Hear his symphonic arrangements of these wonderful melodies —you will marvel at the cleverness of the scoring, ami wonder how he docs it. That’s Whiteman’s secret. But don’t forget the lovely tone and brilliant technique of his orchestra. (Columbia No. 07510).

Popular' Tenor Sings Two Charming Numbers. “I Kiss Your Hand, Madame,” and “Heartstrings.”

Hubert Eisdell will give pleasure to additional thousands of gramophonists in these delicate and appealingly melodious songs. -His pure, lyrical tenor lias never been recorded with greater fidelity. (Columbia No. 01616).

Garde Republicaine Band Plays “Two Pigeons” Ballet Excerpts.

Andre Mcssager has written much delightful music of the lighter sort—was he not composer of the well-remem-bered “Yeronique” and “Monsieur Beaucaire”? None of his works is more thoroughly enjoyable than “The Two Pigeons” ballet, and these excerpts, so cleverly scored and so brilliantly played by the great French baud, make' a brace of very beguiling records.