OLD SONGS VERSUS THE NEW

New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 83, 24 January 1941, Page 14

OLD SONGS VERSUS THE NEW

x 2YA Presents Some Contrasts *

‘ UNIQUE method of presenting a contrast between old-time songs and the modern songs of the cinema age has been found by 2YA, and will be heard on Saturday evening, February 1. Frank Crowther, well-known. Wellington pianist, is advocate for the old, and has selected a number -of familiar songs of the drawing-room-musical-evening period. Opposed to him he has John Parkin, who will present a number of bright modern songs. In the presentation, old-time will alternate with new. Two comperés have also been lined up, a "modern miss" for Mr. Parkin, and a gentleman of the period for Mr. Crowther. All the songs will be sung as duets. This in itself is unusual, and was suggested after a recent 2YA programme when old-time and modern songs were sung as solos. The work of arranging the duets has been heavy, but both Mr. Crowther and Mr. Parkin have spent a considerable amount of time preparing the music. The assisting artists will be Mrs. Charles MacDonald, Olga Burton, Ken Macaulay, Pat Bell, Anne Luciano and Joseph Miller, many of whom are

already well-known to listeners for their work in the Home Town Concert Party. Without prejudicing the issue, it might be added that some of the best of the old songs will be heard from 2YA on the preceding Wednesday at 8.44 p.m., when an American combination, the Victor Mixed Chorus, will sing "Hits of 1900," including such old favourites as "A Bird in a Gilded Cage," and "Good-bye Dolly Gray."