The Week's RECORDS

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 27, 16 December 1938, Page 10

The Week's RECORDS

ASSISTING Gigli in one of the items on his new record is a soprano, Maria Coniglia, whom many would like to hear in solo numbers some time in the future. The new record (HMV DB 3225) lets us hear the duet from ‘‘La Boheme’’ in which Rudolfo and: Mimi declare their love for the first time. Puccini’s fine music comes

off well enough, but Gigli should restrain himself somewhat, save his volume for the ‘opera house, and adapt himself more to the limitations of the microphone. Much the same comment applies to his rendering of ‘‘Celeste Aida,’’? which Verdi himself directed should be ended softly. Songs of Schubert Franz Schubert (composer), Blisabeth Schumann (soprano) and Gerald Moore (accompanist) make an irresistible team, and ‘their two records (HMV DB 3184-85) of Schubert songs recently issued are not likely to be ignored by lovers of lieder well sung. In the first record we have four short: but lovely songs with these English titles: "Near the Beloved," "Laughing and Weeping," "Night and Dreams" and "Happiness." There is a feeling abroad in musical circles that Schubert wrote too many songs, but if we had to do witnout any ‘of them, we would not willingly forgo these on the present records. "Laughing and Weeping" (love brings both; bliss at dawn, tears at evening-who knows why?), and "Night and Dreams" with its lines in praise of the sacred peace of night, and the quiet dreams it brings with it, are particularly good. The second record contains "Dream of Spring" and "The Solitary One." The first-named comes from the famous "Winter Journey," reminding us that this cycle’ was written in the last months of Schubert’s life, and the final proofs of some of the songs were corrected while he was on his deathbed. The other song, "The Solitary One," tells of one alone. by his rustic fireside, happy with memories of work and play; and with only the chirping crickets for company. It does seem a pity that notable recordings of Schubert songs are not furnished with a slip containing the English words, Excellent as Elisabeth Schumann is, the enjoyment of the records would be enhanced if this little improvement had been effected. But let not this omission be any deterrent to purchasers. The records are practice. ally flawless in singing, accompanying and technica) departments.