The Opera "Maritana"

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 54, 25 July 1930, Page 12

The Opera "Maritana"

TSE opera "Maritana" contains many if vocal and instrumental gems, most of which are recorded. Both HM.V. and Columbia record selections, and the reviews on this page are of Some of the better known selections. One of the two best known airs is "Yes, Let Me Like a Soldier Fall." It might well be classed an old-time aireertainly one well-known to the older generation, for it was one of the well- ‘ known airs of the mid-Victorian times, Jt falls at the beginning of act two, when Don Caesar is in his cell await‘ing execution. He thinks of the death that is to be his, and resenting this, for he is a soldier, begs to be allowed to die like a soldier. "His breast expanding for the ball, to blot out every stain." . This is the ideal death of the soldier,-and Don Caesar is a soldier. "In stirring strains he describes the death he would wish for. It is a fine martial melody. . . On H.M.V. £264 there is a recording "by Tudor Davies. Davies is an accomplished tenor, whose numbers cannot fail to please. He sings this martial air in stirring tones and works up the climaxes in true martial style. The accompaniment is one of drums and "military music to give the air an appropriate setting. ’ "There is a Flower that Bloometh" is sung when Don Caesar, having foiled the executioneers through bulletless guns, enters the ‘ball in the disguise -of 2 monk. He vainly searches for his bride, whom he can recognise only by a beautiful white hand on which he placed the wedding ring, for it will be remembered she was heavily veiled during the ceremony. With this song ‘he tries to check the rage and fear that has resulted in the disappearance , o£ his wife.

It is recorded on H.M.V. DA836. by John McCormack. There are other H.M.V. recordings of this, but McCormack’s is the best. There is little gain-saying that he is the world’s most popular tenor, for in the relatively short tiie he has been singing he has gained almost universal favour. The beautiful sympathetic qualities of his voice are brought out in this record. His: translation of the part of the disappointed Caesar is perfect-it is delicate and soft. ARITANA, detained in the king’s palace, lives drearily amidst the gloomy splendour of ecrystal and marble. In this melodious and gloomy surroundings she sings of scenes that are more to her taste and of the loneliness of her heart, for she is a gypsy singer. Shortly after this the king arrives, followed by Don Caesar, who interrupts the unwelcome attentions the king is bestowing and has-a few words with him. This is the beginning of the unravelling of the plot. Unfortunately there are no recent Columbia or H.M.V. recordings of this air as a song, though Columbia makes an excellent instrumental record on

9107. The Squire Octet can always be looked to. for first-class music, and in this record they have made no exception. It is a quiet melody abounding in beautiful passages dominated by violin and ’cello. The air seems to float through the whole record, giving it a dainty but plaintive character.

HOSE who desire representative se‘lections from the opera will find them on Columbia 2967-8. The excerpts are played by the Regimental Band of the H.M. Grenadier Guards. The first side, part 1, is the finale to Act 2, which comes in after Don Caesar’s appearance at the ball after his supposed death. The air is played on a trumpet and takes up the major part of the side. It is well supported by the band. Part 2 comprises two excerpts, "Let Me Like a Soldier Fall" and the opening chorus to Act 1, both vigorous selections. Part 3, "Alas, Those Chimes" and "Oh, What Pleasure.’’ The former is the prelude to the wedding scene when the wedding chimes are but the deathknell for Don Caesar. ; Part 4, "Scenes’That are Brightest" and "With Rapture Glowing." This suite of records would be much improved were they electrically recorded. There would be more scope for the guardsmen to impart colour and variety. GELECTIONS played by Bert Ralton and his Havana Band are recorded on Columbia 9111. After a brief introduction, "Scenes That are Brightest" are introduced and are well

rendered. They are followed by vigorous excerpts from the overture,, and "Angelus," a tender selection, concludes after the abrupt overture, Part 2, "Health to the Lady," "The Mariner and His Barque," "Finale to the Overture." These are unusual selections and are well played. Many curious effects are introduced and create an unusual effect. The solos are played by instruments that are not usualy heard in band selections alone. As a representative of "Maritana" the record is a good one. The Columbia Symphony Orchestra make an electrically recorded selection of the overture on 02682. This is a splendid orchestra who are fast adding to the collection of recorded orchestral items. They are perfectly balanced and well under the control of the conductor, with the result that their records are splendid. ON H.M.V. ©1693: the Light Opera Company record vocal gems. The cord is a good collection of chorus and vocal selections. (ON the reverse of a few of the records are selections other than from "Maritana." DA836 is. backed by MeCormack singing "The Trumpet Cali," by Sanderson. This is a selection with plenty of colour and variety. McCormack’s light and shade are well used.