THE MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 50, 27 June 1930, Page 8

THE MUSIC OF THE WEEK

JN view of the forthcoming Maori night from 2YA it is of interest to review the new Maori recordings of the Rotorua Maori Choir produced by Columbia in Sydney. D.0,58, "Haere, haere, ra e hine" (Hinemoa Poi Song).-This is one of the . well-known Maori melodies sung by the full choir, The fullness and roundness that characterises Maori melodies is fully evident. On the reverse, "Hoea Ra Te Waka" (Canoe Poi Song), another swinging melody with, plenty of colour. D.0.62, "Hine H Hine," soprano solo py. Te Mauri Mahaoe.-The soloist has a rare voice, full, clear and round. The air is one of pathos and is admirably suited to the voice of the soloist. She is accompanied only by a piano. The selection abounds in quiet. pathetic passages. On the reverse the same soloist sings "Wairangi" ("May I Not Love"). This is a different air, less plaintive and. brighter. D.0.63, "He Moke Moke" ("My Lover is Far Away"), by the Choir.-A slow plaintive air full of melody-a soprano accompanied with a choir. On the reverse is "Po. Atarau" ("Song of Farewell"). . D.O. 64, "Au B Thu" ("Jesu, Lover of My Soul’), another colourful chorus. "Wairangi" on the reverse has a bright swinging air. — ’ D.0.54, "Pokarekare" (Maori love ditty) needs little introduction. It is one of the best loved ditties, and this performance by the choir with soprano soloist is one of the best. The enunciation of the soloist is beautifully clear. "Te Taniwa." Introduced by the full tones of the soprano, the choir joins in and the melody builds up to full strength. Throughout, the delicate notes of the soloist soat in contrast to the rousing choir. D.0.51, "EK Para Ra" ("Warrior’s Departure" ).-This is one of the Maori songs that are very well known, A soprano leads, and her rich voice rises above the choir as though exhorting them to great efforts. This is the composition of Sir Apirana WNgata. "Haere Tonu"’-bass and choir. The bass has an unusual voice, but typical of the Maori. He puts real vim into his :song. D.0.65, "Take Turangi Ake" (Maori Chant).-Here the choir in full strength introduces the chant, which is taken up in a higher strain by a solo soprano. . Another chant follows. In low strong tones a contralto intro(tuces the theme and this is caught up by the choir singing low to preserve the atmosphere of the chant. "Te Arawa" ("Arise the Arawas’"). An inspiring melody by choir with a soprano soloist. Starting off in soft tones, the air works up to a strong fin: le.