Foreign Legion Theme Programme

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 39, 5 April 1935, Page 13

Foreign Legion Theme Programme

Thrilling Realism in Broadcast From 2YA Last Week — Story of the Fighting Life of "Lost" Men — Splendid. Symphony | Concert-Breaeh of Promise Verdict.

"THOSE who listened to the Military Cameo, "The French Foreign ing, will be pleased to know that more of this type ef theme programme are in store. Although we can assure you that the narration was not handled py Legionnaires themselves, the continuous touch of realism throughout the forty-minute performance earns commendation for those who were responsible for this panorama of the adventures, romance (if any), passions and misery of the "Legion of the Lost." Some entirely new recordings of musical numbers ‘were introduced to carry along the story. Peter Dawson was heard in one powerful song, and the "Cossack Marching Song," sung, of course, by the famous Don Cossack Choir, was admirably suited to the tone of the programme, As one would expect, the Riffs’ Chorus from the "Desert Song" could not be overlooked in a production of this sort, and two other new numbers were "La Madelone" and "Smile, Legionnaire." ROM the initial fade-in of "La MarSeillaise," the sound effects carried tq listeners the thrilling atmosphere in which the Foreign Legion has always been surrounded in popular description. For years novelists have presented such varied versions of what they claim. to be reasonably true-to-life sketches of conditions under Legion discipline that most people have a rather vague conception of what such a life really means to the men. LEvery now and then some person bursts into the news, alleging he is an escaped legionmaire, and retailing harrowing stories of the brutality and hopelessness of those who have virtually signed away their lives to serve against uprisings in the desert of Northern Africa. Whatever may be the actual conditions under which the Legion is controlled, the aura of romance will never be divorced from its name. So it is possible to present such a thrilling and eolourfyl entertainment based on a good knowledge of facts with properly developed background and effects, as was broadcast last Sunday. Although every word and sound was received with perfect clarity, we found to our surprise that it was not actual studio presentation,

[_ASTENERS were treated to a truly inspiring entertainment on Sun-' day, March 24, when a grand symphony concert, featuring Lionello Cecil, Vincent Aspey, and the New Radio Orchestra, was broadeast from 2YA. Both stars gaye splendid performances, and it is expected that a great deal ‘more will be heard of Aspey, who is, indeed, a very talented artist. [HE talk on Cleopatra given recently by Lady I, M, Statham was well done, and presented a totally new line on the famed Queen. An interesting point brought up in the talk

was the fact that, although Oleopatra was the Queen of the Hgyptians, she herself was a Greek, THE well-known Wellington ‘cellist, Claude Tanner, was heard on Tuesday, March 26, when he played the *Cello Concerto in A Minor with. the 2YA Concert Orchestra, Mr. Tanner ‘studied the ‘cello at the Royal Academy of Music, London, under the famous W. E. Whitehouse. While in London Mr, Tanner held the position of professor of the ’cello at the Royal Academy of Music for three years. This young artist has already made a name for himself over the air in New Zealand, and his further performances are eagerly awaited by the musical publie, ON Monday, April 8, a string quartette comprising W. McLean, Ava Simons, Adelle Bucklin and’ Mary Bucklin, will be broadcast from 2YA. The Misses. Bucklin, who are newcomers to New Zealand, are both talented performers, and were formerly members of the Pro Arte Belgian String Quartette, ON Saturday, April 6, the popular Dan Foley will ‘sing, accompanied by Frank OCrowther’s Novelty Orches-

tra, This combination should provide a most entertaining number, AFTER ‘a long absence the "Two Black Crows" were heard from 2YA in the first of their recordings on a a recent evening. Moran-and Mack still appear to be as popular ag ever.