GRAMOPHONES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 452, 6 September 1928, Page 10

GRAMOPHONES

A fine interpretation of the popular ‘Blue Danube Waltz ’- by Strauss is given in this month's recordings by Evelyn Scotney. This melody is world-famed, and its revival by this very fine soprano will be welcomed. On the other side she sings the “Voices of Spring” waltz by the same composer. It is also very well sung. (H.M.V. D. 1403).

Four Norwegian Dances (Grieg), with Georg Schneevoigt conducting the London Symphony Orchestra, provide a record of interest. (Columbia L 1733-34.) Georg Schneevoigt, once a famous “stormy petrel” among conductors, has lately developed a singular sweetness of interpretation, and if these records of Grieg’s “Norwegian Dances” lack the fierce energy of his earlier works they have instead a wholesomeness and t charm more suited to them. Schneevoigt emphasises the melody in delightful style. All four tunes are entrancingly simple and melodious, conceived in the happiest vein and executed with a sort of care-free abandon.

Those who like Hawaiian music will appreciate the recording of “Aloha Oe” (“Farewell to Thee”), sung by Hulda Lasganska (soprano) and male quartet. Madame Lasganska has a voice of appealing quality and very pure tone, and she sings this plaintive melody really well. Hackneyed as it is, in their hands it appears pleasingly fresh. On the other side the soprano sings the old favourite, “Annie Laurie.” This should prove a popular record. (H.M.V., D.A. 922). Friedman is again heard this month in Chopin studies —“Valse in A Minor” (Chopin), “Etude —Op. 10, No. 12” (Chopin), “Etude —Op. 10, No. 7” (Chopin). (Columbia 04066). Friedman plays the two lovely Chopin etudes with an airy grace that conceals not only a mastery of this construction, but also an understanding of the mood in which they were written. But more delightful still is the waltz that occupies the whole of one side; one of Chopin’s acknowledged best. He enters thoroughly into the spirit of the composer.’s sparkling contrapuntal devices, and still contrives to keep the ball of a plaintive melody in the air. The tone is strikingly rich and shows a profound study of harmonies —a study in which Friedman has few equals. Altogether a most charming record.

A good many people are familiar with at least some of the recorded whimsicalities of John Henry, a quaint North-Country humorist, who deserves to be widely known. He is represented in the H.M.V. list by numerous laughable numbers, amongst which might be mentioned: Blß34.—John Henry “calling”— Wheelbarrow, The Blß4l.—Hens—Listening-in. 82120. —Curtain Lecture (Henry)— Joe Murgatroyd says. 82156. —My Wireless Set. In two parts. 82384. —“Blossom's” film scenario (Henry-Reeve).—Parts 1 and 2. 82393.—The Stocking (Henry Reeve).—Parts 1 and 2.

Offenbach's sparkling overture to j “Orpheus in Hades” is a great fav- j ourite with lovers of recorded orches- j tral music. The National Symphony j Orchestra has recorded it for Zono- j phone (E.F.16) in excellent style. A j good investment, at a moderate price. j

A good humorist is worth following ; up, on the chance that occasionally r he will bring off a particularly success- j ful coup. Will Gardner, the Zonophone entertainer, makes a hit with his j “A Little Bit of Heaven” (polyglot version), and “That’s Another One Gone” (5079). ri- 4* «fr rrdT rl~ rj- 4* riT r'.- j

A number of fine New Zealand songs have been sung by Mr. Ernest McKinley, the New Zealand singer, for Columbia They are “Waiata Poi,” and “Pokarekare” (Col. 01063); “Waiata Maori” and “Song of the Locust” (Col. 01061); “God Defend New Zealand” and “Haere Tonu” (Col. 01060). Columbia are to be congratu-

lated on the fine set of New Zealand song records, of which we review three in this number. Alfred Hill, of course, is well represented with liis world-famous “Waiata Poi.” Ernest McKinley sings them with a discreet understanding of their varying moods, and is in excellent voice. He # only needs a wider range to make a big name for himself. One is entitled to believe that these will give a favourable impression of the strength of New Zealand music in other countries than our own.

The August Zonophone list includes an attractive 12-inch disc by Barrington Hooper (tenor), who has recorded finely. “How Vain is Man,” from Handel’s “Judas Maccabaeus,” and “Sing Ye Praise,” from Mendelssohn’s “Lobegesang” (“Hymn of Praise”). The singer here is heard to excellent advantage, in numbers suited to his cultivated style. A feature of this disc is the excellent organ accompaniment. (A. 333).

Two lovely waltzes ar6 “ Beneath Venetian Shies” and “Diane,” played by Hurtado Bros., Marimba Orchestra. (Columbia 0896.) The first is a waltz with a delightful melody and a vocal refrain that is very pleasing. In “Diane” the saxophone comes into its own, restrained, but to full advantage, taking its place in a happy melody.

The Zonophone Light Opera Company (A 336), in “Vocal Gems from ‘Patience.’ ’’ makes a good record. The Zonophone Vocal Gems from the Gilbert and Sullivan operas have proved very popular. They are indubitably excellent and remarkably cheap. This is the sixth issued; do not fail to hear it and its five splendid predecessors.

Two popular waltz-time songs are sung by Franklvn Baur ( baritone), in “Four Walls” and “Together.” This is a fine record, having two titles in the waltz manner of the moment, with conventional lyrics. The accompaniments are conceived and played in a spirit of beauty. < Zonophone E.E. 91.)