OPERATIC GEMS

Radio Record, 8 April 1938, Page 41

OPERATIC GEMS

™ RECENT RECORDINGS STILL they come! Here are a few of the latest gems among the H.M.V. releases. Two delightful recordings by Elisabeth Schumann, soprano, contain four Schubert songs, and to lovers of good singing and good songs they will be welcome. The name of the first of these lovely items need not repel novices because "Des Fischers Liegesgluck" is one of those light and graceful barcarolles which will be popular as soon as it is heard, The soprano sings "Der MusenSohn" (The Poet) on the reverse side With much charm. Miss Schumann’s second bracket comprises "Fischerweise’ (Fisherwuys). and "Gretchen Am Spinnrade"’ (Grete chen at the Spinning Wheel). On the whole these four songs, so beautifully voiced, would be an aw quisition to any collection. Helen Jephson, soprano, sings an excerpt from the first act of Verdi’s opera "La Traviata," and the lovely "Vissi d’Arte" (Love and Music) from Puccini’s opera "Tosca." Good pitch is not Helen’s long suit. Two new records by Gigli, the greatest living Italian tenor, have made their appearance. These are the familiar "Vesti la Gubba" (On With the Motley), from "Paggliacci" (Leon¢ayallo), and from the same opera a duet, "Serenata d’ Arlecchino" (My Husband, Punchinello), in which he is ably assisted by a soprano, Ica Pacetti. On Gigli’s second record we hare "Quisiera Olvidar Tuo Ojos" (If I Could Forget Eyes), a tango by Alheniz, and a bolero by Sandoval, "Eres Tu." These two discs are most certainly worth hearing, and are sung with all.the intensity which Gigli can command. Once again the name of the artistic young Swedish tenor, Jussi Bjorling, appears among the releases. There is no doubt that Bijorling should soon attain front rank and become a valued addition to the ranks of recording artists. There is little to cavil at in his present numbers, ‘"‘Che gelida mdnina" (Your Tiny Hand is Frozen), from Puecini’s "La Boheme," and the inspiring "Celeste Aida" (Heavenly Aida), from Verdi’s "Aida." This record is strongly recommended. Welcome to Alexander Kelberine, pianist, to the records. The supplement tells us this young man has appeared with world-famed orchestras, including the Philadelphia. His first record to be released is "Prelude and Fugue in G Minor," by Bach, from the "Eight Little Preludes and Fugues for the Organ," The transcription is Mr. Kelberine’s own and the result is wholly pleasing, and unless we mistake not the first time it has been recordedd. The massed cavalry bands of the Aldershot and Eastern Commands, under the baton of Mr. S. Rhodes, record two stirring marches from the Coronation Tattoo. Aldershot, 1987 These are the eonductor’s slow march, "Golden Spurs," and a quick march. "Crewn and Commonwealth," by Adams, The precision and fine expressive playing of this large body of instrumentalists is a notable achievement.