MODERN ENGLISH AT 2YA

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 45, 25 May 1928, Page 7

MODERN ENGLISH AT 2YA

VOCAL RECITAL On Monday next (May 28) a programme of modern British vocal musie will be presented by the Aeriel Singers at 2YA; it will be unique in that for the first time from this station vocal items will be heard accompanied otherwise than by piano alone. Famous composers, such as Coleridge Taylor, Elgar, and Granville Bantock, will be represented by some | of the best of their smaller works; whilst compositions by Armstrong, Gibbs, and Charles Wood will no doubt be new to many listeners-in, Landon Ronald, Cyril Scott, Martin Shaw, John Ireland, Roger Quilter, and H. Walford Davies, will also be represented, The whole programme is of the "modern" school, and much of it may therefore not appeal to all on a first hearing; but it should be remembered that nowadays the best of ourBritish composers rely for their appeal upon "queer" impressionistic effects, and the use of short intellectual "motifs," rather than upon the complete, and in many cases, we fear, somewhat characterless "tunes" employed by musicians of a bygone day. It is certain that the Ariel Singers, in "breaking new ground" on Monday next, will be as popular as ever, They will present a further programme (1misecllaneous) on June 38. Mr. Stanley Warwick will also entertain with elocutionary items. On May 29 the Orpheus Quartet will render that delightful song cycle by Wasthope Martin, "The Mountebanks." The story shows how wandering minstrels earned their board at the "Barley Mow." ... There are some very beautiful numbers in the work, particularly the tenor solo, "The Minstrel." The other voices also have solos, and there are quartets written in Martin’s‘very best style. It is an altogether delightful number. In addition to this work the members of the quartet will render solos. Mrs. Alice Harris sings "Yhe Nightingale," by Kjerulf; Mr. Arthur Coe, "Sometimes in My. Dreams"; Miss Lily Mackie, "Sunshine and Rain’; and Mr. Len Barnes that wonderful baritone solo, "The Prologue" from "I Pagliacci," by Leoncavallo. Included in the programme will be a short organ recital by Mr. If. Temple White, broadcast on relay from the organ of Taranaki Street Methodist Church. The tude Quartet has arranged a yaried programme for June i, including the arrangement of "Where is Now the Merry Party" and _ the "Wuntsmen’s Chorus" from "Die Freichutz." There is also a beanutiful trio by Callcot, "Breathe Soft Ye Winds." Misses Rita Arnold and Ray Kemp will sing the duet, "Somebody," from ‘"Floradora,"’ and as solos, "May Dew" and "Grendon Fair" respectively. Mr. Frank Skinner will be heard in "TY Hear of Thrush at Tove" and "Take i. Pair of Sparkling Eyes." An interesting item will be Miss Gretta Starl’s rendering of "Lo, Here the Gentle Lark," with flute obbligato by Mr. Claude Tucker, of 2YA Orchestra. The Hawaiian Trio will contribute to the musical portion of the programme.

On Saturday, June 2, the popular Melodie Four Male Quartet will provide entertaining concerted and solo items. In addition to three wellchosen quartets in light and serious moods, two duets will be sung. "Drink | to Me Only" is a two-part arrangement of the well-known song, and in this number the yoices of Messrs. Bryant and Marshall blend very harmoniously. Messrs. Duncan and Allwright will be heard in Gabussi’s very fine duet, "The Fishermen," which gives these two singers ample opportunity of displaying their vocal powers anil artistry. In Ketelby’s song, "In a Monastery Garden," Mr. R. 58. Allwright will be assisted by the quartet, Which will sing the prayer which forms an important theme of this number. The solo items will include "Tike Stars Above," "Will o° the Wisp" and other popular songs.

The music for the evening will be provided by the Port Nicholson Silver Band, under the conduetership of Mr. J. J. Drew, who will present their first studio concert of the season. Mr. Drew's well-trained organisation is always welcome, both on the platform and "on the air." Associated with the Mellow Fellows in the voice portion of the programme will be Miss Amy E aton, a young lady with a delightful yoice, who made a memorable "hit" when she appeared at 2¥.4 with Madame Spillane’s concert party a few months ago.: Mr. Johannes Andersen will deliver another of his very | interesting and entertaining talks on | the birds of New Zealand. | Mr. Lad Haywood with his Italian mandolin, the Glad Idlers, who haye a humour all their own, and Myr. Geo. | Titchener, a versatile comedian with a penchant for humorous characterisations, will contribute to the pleasure of the evening. Entertainment for eversbody-for all tastes-is included in the fare provided by the "Mellow Tellows" for Thursday, May 31. The whole company of Fellows will combine to give the popular "One, Two, Three, Four," which has been asked for repeatedly. The Fellows promise that this will be the last time they will inilict it upon their audience.

A new item of the kind that they delight in "putting over," and which is one of the best that listeners have yet heard, is "That Saxaphone Waltz," | which will be fresh to very many. It is certain to become very popular. More stories, true and otherwise (mostly otherwise) and a duologue (not a quarrel) between two Fellows, with songs by the other members of the company, complete a budget as good as usual.