Recorded Music

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17976, 22 March 1930, Page 6 (Supplement)

Recorded Music

Frank Grumii. Amongst the best records of recent months is hy Frank Crumß who sings j [wo delightful songs “ The Iking of ! Borneo ” and “ The Road to VicksI burg ” in the sing-song rhythm at 1 which lie is such an adept. Gene 1 Austin is another great favourite and ; this Lime he has a couple of “sweet ; melody ” numbers, “ That’3 What 1 j iVail Heaven ” and “ Wedding Bells.” •• The Whoopee Boys ” are not as exciting as their name suggests in “ I’m ! on my way South ” and “ ALi 1 want is Happiness. ” Wish Wynne, singing •• Filthy Lucre and “ 1 Bunco,” is ; really funny. I From “ Broadway PJlotody.” There seems to be no end to the ' records of songs from “ The Broadway Melody,” tout there is none better” than, toy the hero in the film, Charlie King, who sings the delightful “ Wedding -of the Painted Doll ” and “"You Were Meant for Me.” An- : other very welcome disc is toy charming Aileen Stanley, who gives us fascinating versions of “ I’ll Never Ask ! for More ” and “ Give Your Little I Baby lots of Loving.” By way of | contrast, try Grade Fields in a really ' amusing number, “ Scented Soap,” | which Is better than “ Nagasaki ” on the back. Finally there is Maurice I chevalier in “ Louise ” who puts up a very creditable performance. ! h Chopin Polonaise by Friedman. The Polonaise in A Flat, somo- ; times, on account of its large propor--1 tions and military character, known a§ i the “ Heroic,” belongs to the middle I period of Chopin’s creative years. The : opening theme has a colossal grandI eur, like the march of the unbattled I army. Shortly the rhythm and tempo • become more disturbed; the angry ■ remonstrance of the patriot Chopin at | Uio sufferings of his native Poland find ; expression. In this development sec- | Ron there are fascinating harmonic j seel ions, and hero we are as spcll- ; bound by Friedman’s flawless tech- | libji.ie as we are by his dignity of mind ;in the first theme. Ills tone through- : out has a glowing, opal-like quality I which suggests depths not immediately : apparent to .the ear. Few men have

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such understanding of the harmonics of the piano strings. IFrasor Gangs In two Stirring Ballads. Fraser Gange, that fine Scotch baritone who made such a deep impression during his tour of this country last year, continues to produce records that give great pleasure to those who delight in tine vocalism and dramatic expression. His latest pairing gives the line Kipling song, “ Rolling Down to Rio,” set to music by Sir Edward German, and an old “ Border Ballad,” re-set by Cowan, whom we remember chiefly for his “ Onaway Awake Beloved.” Gange puts his heart and soul into his singing, and carries us with hkn on a wave of sincerity and conviction. A KJozart Quartet Recorded. One of 'the earliest recordings of the Lener String Quartet of Budapest was one of the Quartet In B Flat Minor, by Mozart. This work, one of the shorter quartets which occupies throe 12-inch records, is full of that serene courtliness which reflects the Vienna of Mozart’s time. It runs with an airy graciousness, and If It has none of the turbulent depths which music took Into its scope in the next generation, it has purity of form, enchanting melodiousness, and dazzling .musicianship on all technical pointb of development. Lener play in with lofty sentiment, especially the Adagio. Their tone has the sharp decisiveness of a cut Jewel, and hides as many shimmering lights under its surface. '< The Trumpeter " —a Hovel Record. A gem among “ popular ” records is, a descriptive ballad called “ The Trumpeter.” Based on the familiar song of tho same name, it stretches and embroiders it to a long narrative. Tho song Itself is sung by that manly baritone Raymond Newell, and in be-Iween-whiles lon Swinley, wellknown as a Shakespearean actor, keeps up a running lire of narrative. Tho trumpet is used with great effect, and the record eioseo with a beautifully-sung hymn. A record that sets out to stir the emotions—and thoroughly succeeds.