OVER THE AIR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 April 1938, Page 2

OVER THE AIR

NEWSY NOTES ON PEOPLE AND PROGRAMMES.

(By

'Listener-In.”)

Entertaining Talk. Exceeding bright and entertaining was the talk given from 2YA on Monday night by Mr J. Cormick. on lhe Country Newspaper.” In one of the many humorous passages of his talk, Mr Cormick told the story of the country "buster” which failed to appear one week. In the next week's issue was an apology in which readers were informed that publication had been suspended "because the mechanical staff had mumps, but they were now pleased to say he was back at work again!” Referring to the "style” of certain old-time country writers, Mr Cormick quoted the following from a funeral report: “Mr Brown had a glorious day for his funeral, although owing to the harvesting season, the attendance was not as large as expected. However, all the arrangements went off without a hitch.” Mr Cormick also told of the spirited editorials of the old' country papers, mentioning in particular one in which there appeared in the editorial columns the terrifying words: “For the last time, we warn the Emperor of Russia . . . Stainer’s “Crucifixion.”

Sir John Stainer’s “Crucifixion” will be heard twice from the National stations on Good Friday. The first performance will be relayed by 2YA from the St. Thomas's Church, Wellington South, at 7 p.m. and at 9.5 the same evening there will be a studio presentation from 4YA Dunedin. Since its first production in 1887, . Stainer's “Crucifixion” has been regularly performed, especially at Eastertide, in English-speaking communities throughout the world; and it is clearly destined to retain for many years its place in the regard of music-lovers. Stainer had an innate gift for the composition of sacred music, a gift which was brought to perfection during his many years as organist at Oxford and at St. Paul’s Cathedral. But he was not only a deeply-learned, musician; he had furthermore an inexhaustible fund of beautiful and touching melody. In the wonderful story of the Passion, Stainer found a subject which called out all his finest qualities and demanded the fullest expression of his genius. The music is characteristically English in restraint and dignity. In such deeply tragic episodes as the “Processional to Calvary” and “The Appeal of the Crucified” it would be possible for an element of melodrama to appear, if the composer were not imbued, as Stainer was, with the spirit of devotion. But the work is entirely perfect in reverential feeling and unity of tone. Stupid Hoax.

Having received what was taken to be a legitimate message, 2ZB announced on a recent Sunday the death of Mr Eric Riddiford. However, it was discovered that Mr Riddiford was in perfect health and the informant of “his death” proved to be nothing other than a stupid practical joker. Violinist-Con ductor.

Frequently heard over the air with her orchestra is Edith Lorand. the famous violinist-conductor. Miss Lorand was born at Budapest. Her father, the director of a large petroleum factory, was a Hungarian, and her mother, although Austrian, had descended from an old Italian family, and, in her youth had been a famous pianist. At an unusually early age Edith displayed exceptional aptitude for both the piano and the violin. She was but six when she made her debut at a Budapest charity concert. Later she studied under Hubay at the Academy there and at 16 was awarded a Professorship Diploma. She then went under Flesch of Vienna, and since then her career has been one of dazzling brilliance. Jesse Speaks.

Jesse Crawford, who will be heard from 4YA Dunedin on Tuesday night, once wrote a sketch of his career, and the musical origins of the world-fa-mous organist were very humble. He says: “My first experience was gained in a boys’ band in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A., and the cornet was my chosen instrument. There I learned notation. Somehow or other I attracted the interest of the conductor of the band, who, after a year or two, guided me in my lessons on the piano at odd dance jobs—still without training, unfortunately. Two years later I landed a position in the motion picture theatre in Spokane, Washington, and in still another two years I began my work on the organ in another movie theatre. The organ fascinated me.” Jesse Crawford has been paying in ■ picture theatres ever since. Excellent Production. One of the best dramatic productions heard over the air for some time was Cedric Williams’ play in four movements, "Quartet" presented from the studios of 2YA Wellington on Wednesday night by G. H. A. Swan and company. The story of the play revolved around the lives of the four members of a musical combination, and told of their quarrels, jealousies, loves and loyaltiesh. Each member of the cast gave a gripping characlcrisaI lion and the play was excellently pro- | ciuced. I Next Week’s Talks. I A variety of subjects will be dealt ' with by speakers from National staI lions next week. At 8.40 o'clock to- > night, 2YA will present a talk by the I Rev W. Rollings, a keen student of i Spanish history. Mr Rollings has chosen as his subject "The Threat to I Barcelona," and in view of the pre- | sent situation in Spain his tali', should

prove of great interest. From 3YA tonight, Mr A. L. M. Perry, M.A., will give another address. This time Mr Perry’s subject will be “An American Student's University Life.” Students of New Zealand history will be interested in a talk to be given from 3YA on Tuesday night by Mr C. R. Straubel on “The First Maori to Visit England.” A recorded talk on “Lancashire Today” by Sir Percy Meason, Director of Education in Lancashire, will be presented from 4YA on Wednesday night, and will be followed by a programme by Lancashire artists. " From 2YA on Thursday night, Mrs Ernest Beaglehole will speak on "Eight Months on a Polynesian Atoll,” and from 3YA on the same night Mi A. L. Leghorn will discuss “The Foxtrot” in another talk in his series on “Modern Ballroom Dancing.”