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--- HEN the Golden Age of Opera series ended last year, although I, with many others, deeply regretted its suspension, I had the faint fear that, when resumed, it might be scraping the bottom of the barrel. I am delighted to report that, judging by the first programme last Monday, the session is, if anything, better than ever. George Perry’s script was more informative, analytical and critical than before; and the selection of discs was exceptionally fine. Caruso and Ponselle are old friends, -- 5
but what a revelation it was to hear an exquisite Valvé recording of 1907, with pure bird-like notes cutting through the stormy fuzz. Listeners new to this sessiom need warning that the condition of most of the discs makes one lament that these great voices preceded hi-fi techniques. The Golden Age programmes would probably drive a hi-fi fan gaga. Yet it is surprising how clearly some of the voices come through; for myself, I find in these records the same, perhaps slightly perverse, pleasure as I do in reading Victorian novels in early editions, yellowing, dog-eared, foxed pages, indifferent type, bad margins and all, In both cases, anyhow. the real stuff is
there.
J. C.
R.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19570823.2.37.2
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 37, Issue 941, 23 August 1957, Page 24
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204Back to the Golden Age New Zealand Listener, Volume 37, Issue 941, 23 August 1957, Page 24
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Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
Copyright in the Denis Glover serial Hot Water Sailor published in 1959 is owned by Pia Glover. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this serial and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the Listener. You can search, browse, and print this serial for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Pia Glover for any other use.
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