HIS MASTER’S VOICE.

Shannon News, 22 November 1929, Page 3

HIS MASTER’S VOICE.

Hambourg as Beethoven. Mark Hambourg (pianoforte), in the “Moonlight” Sonata (Sonata in C Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2), (Beethoven); Variations on “Nel Cor Piu” (Beethoven). H.M.V., C 1549-50. . It was recently announced that a “talkie” of Beethoven, with Mark Hambourg in the title role, was in the making. Mark’s performance includes the playing of the “Moonlight” Sonata. These two records of the “Moonlight” Sonata are therefore welcome. They replace a. disc of his containing a slightly curtailed version which must have delighted an incredibly large audience in its time. It was, by the way, a favourite record of many a dug-out in the trenches during the war. There is no need to comment upon the music itself: it should be familiar to most people. The quality of the reproduction afforded by these new records is extremely fine. Songs of the Sea.

Foster Richarson (bass), in “The Tar’s Farewell” (Adams) and “The Powder Monkey” (Watson). Zonophone 5207. Here we have two good old English sea songs which ought to come fresh as a 3ea breeze to jaded jazz appetites. Five Notable Recordings. Here is a list of five notable H.M.V. recordings which ought to be in every select collection:: — ' Elizabeth Schumann (soprano)“Standehen,” Op. 17, No. 2 (Strauss),

and “Morgen,” Op. 27, No. 4 (Strauss). H.M.V., D. 8.1010. Alexander Kipnis (Baritone) —“Valkyrie” —Wotan’s Farewell (Wagner). H.M.V., D 1225. Dusolina Giannini (Soprano) — “Aida” —O patrio mia, and “Aida” — Ritorna vincitor (Verdi). H.M.V., D. 8.1093. . Erica Morini (violinist) —“Introduction and Tarantelle” (Sarasate), and “Romanza Andaluza” (Sarasate). H.M.V., D 1445. Theodor Chaliapin (bass) —“Sadko” —Song of tlie Viking Guest (RimßkyKorsakoff), and “Prince Igor”—How Goes It, 'Prince (Borddin). H.M.V., D. 8.1104. Dawson at His Best. Peter Dawson makes a fine thing of Sir Edward German’s “Rolling Down to Rio.” His bass-baritone voice haß just that touch of lightness that makes a sea-song a rollicking affair. A contrast is provided by a re-recording of an old favourite, “Till the Sandß of the Desert Grow Cold” (Ball). Hero again there is an artistie balance be tween words and music. ( H.M.V., 83023.) Old English Dances.

Nothing could be more refreshing in the field of light music than Sir Edward German’B “Nell Gwynne” dances —the Country Dance and the Pastoral Dance, played by the New Symphony Orchestra, under Dr. Malcolm Sargent. Here we havo a faithful picture of the English countryside at play. The playing of the orchestra is always clear and defined and the rhythm of these dances is fascinating and irresistible. Sir Edward based his compositions on old folk dances and,, in his work in this respect deserves the gratitude of the musical world. (H.M.V., D 2987).

Schubert in Church. One is grateful to H.M.V. for bringing out a set of three records by the Philharmonic Choir (D 1478-1480) of Schubert’s “Mass” in G major, one of‘ the earliest of several “Masses” while Schubert was ..still in his ’teens. It is essentially music of its period, owing nothing to the eailier liturgical music of the Catholic Church; but it is exceedingly charming, full of exquisite phrases, and in its way quite devotional in expression, although more suited, according to modern ideas, to the concert-room than to the church.

Eight Lovely Songs. Gramophonists should hear, if they have not already heard, eight lovely songs from Schubert’s “Winter Journey” cycle and miscellaneous songs, sung in German by Elena Gerhardt (mezzo-soprano), for His Master’s Voice. They arc well worth while: — D 1262, “Gute Nacht” (Good Night), “Der Idndenbaum” (The Linden Tree). D 1263, .“ Wasserfluth” (The Watercourse), “Fruhiingstraum” (A Dream of Spring). D 1264 “Der Leiermann” (The Organ Player), “Dor Wegweiser” (The Guide Post). E 460 “Dio Post” (The Post), “Die. Krahe” (The Raven). Gilbert and. Sullivan Gems. Zono’s are the only records issuing “Vocal Gems” from each Gilbert and Sullivan Operas on one, or at the most two records. The Gondoliers (A 350) is a perfect delight. One should also hear the other operas on ,A 312 (“Iolanthe”); A 317 (H.M.B. Pinafore”), A 321 (“Yeoman of the Guard”).. A 323 and A 344 (“Mikado”). A 325 (“Gondoliers”), A 332 (“Pirates of Peuzanve”). A33C (“Patience”). A 342, (“Princess Ida” and “Ruddigorc”).