Untitled

New Zealand Listener, Volume 35, Issue 900, 2 November 1956, Page 5

Sir.-My thanks to the NZBS for allowing the "poor relations" in Christchurch to hear Victoria de los Angeles in person. The recital was marred only by the poor quality of the programme notes, which were particularly uninformative. For only one song was any clue to the meaning of the text provided. Surely it would have been possible to have provided translations, especially when so many of the songs were unfamiliar. In the Gluck and Lully arias some indication of the dramatic situation at least should have been supplied. Some of the writers in The Listener appear to think that a Spanish singer is necessarily possessed of a fiery Latin temperament. A large proportion of Spanish artists have been noted more for grace, accuracy and a cool, classical style, than for Spanish "fire." This is certainly the case with Madame de los Angeles. The Listener’s article, "Spanish Grace and Fire," would have made some sense if it had been written about Conchita .Supervia. Incidentally, Caruso never broke a tumbler with his voice. The article was possibly the worst example yet of The Listener's chatty, familiar style. Finally, congratulations to the NZBS for engaging such a fine singer. It is to be hoped that we may hear more good singers each season instead of a multitude of pianists with the same pro-

grammes.

ARLECCHINO

(Christchurch),