IN THE WAKE OF THE WEEK'S ...BROADCASTS...

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 33, 27 January 1939, Page 9

IN THE WAKE OF THE WEEK'S ...BROADCASTS...

BLIND GIRL WHO TRIUMPHED

Donaldson, of Oamaru, took from New Zealand, one whose life was a triumph over adversity. Blind and deaf, she yet succeeded in R ECENT death of Dorothy

writing beautiful poems, and she was ensuring for herself a future when

her death came. Some weeks ago Jill of 4ZB read from Dorothy Donaldson’s poems, but I missed the session. Then the other Sunday, Jill gave a second recital, selecting over half a dozen cameos, masterpieces of beautiful writing. Jill presented these very effectively, I thought, never over-emphasising as is the manner of so many elocutionists, but giving the right light and shade.

The pieces were all sincere, containing the inevitable note of wistfulness to be associated with the writings of persons afflicted as Miss Donaldson was, and urging for a keener appreciation of things to be seen by those who could see, and for a greater understanding of our fellows. I liked particularly "Colour," *"Journeying," "My Silent World," and "Joy Bird." I hope Jill will give us more of these poems in the future.

RADIO WORK HAS iTS POINTS

Pros and cons of radio performances and concert performances have been thrashed out times without number, but usually from the standpoint of the audience. What

do the performers themselyes think of it all? Of course, while radio. artists miss the enthu-

Siasm and plaudits of the visible audience, they also escape the haiffilled halls and, worse, the unspeakable instruments masquerading as pianos, and the dubious delights of draughty, cold and damp "backstage" accommodation of many halis. Radio artists have also a "sure and certain" hope of payment, and-they have their fanmail. Viola Morris and Victoria Anderson ‘must have won the accumulated gratitude of listeners to their programmes during their recent tour, and if it were possible to confront them with it, they would be overwhelmed. The work these two have done in leading listeners down so many unfamiliar but delightful by-paths of old English song, leads many to hope fervently that they will pay us a return visit secon.

HE HAS TO WATCH HiS STEP

It’s very nice te be versatile. Young Allen. Weilbrock, clever rhythm pianist, who is often heard in solos and with various musical combinations 1t 3YA, performs also

on sundays, Dut in a very different atmosphere, He was at the organ at St. Matthew’s Church,

Unristcaurca, when the service was broadcast the other evening, and I couid not help being struck by the variety which he infused into both his vyoluntaries and accompaniment.work. There is a good deat to be said for a musician being able to combine the two styles of work, Though: his chureh playing was at all times reverent and thoroughly in keeping, it drew a little now and then in style from — the "moderns" and was distinctly — refreshing when contrasted with some of the, unfortunately, oversolemn offerings which many > church organists believe to be correct, But he has to watch his step, and keep a line of demarca-

tion in the musical part of his brain.

BAND THAT HAS FOLLOWING

Dick Colvin’s band, Monday night dance specialists from 4YA, has a tremendous following among listeners. I am a lover of Gance music as 2 whole as listenine an.

EE — rr but I must admit chat Colvin’s band has something about it

that raises it into a listening status. I do not think that that comes about because it is a flesh-and-blood organisation, but simply because it is so thoroughly capable. in presenting straight dance music. There, I am certain, is’ where its appeal lies, It gives us dance music in the form of orchestral music, rhythm and technique being magnificently defined. A short time ago the band introduced a feminine vocalist who sang the choruses of pieces played. Without desiring to say one word against her accomplishment, I believe that she did not help the band’s performances. One lost the

feeling of listening to an orchestra when the singer’s voice predominated. Colvin’s band is good enough to stand up by itself,

ROBERT SANG TO ROBERT

Auckland baritone Robert Simmers sang very acceptably at 2YA recently. If there is one thing about Mr. Simmers that is so satisfying, it is that he is thorough.

He owas thorough in his musical _beginnings. He had no fewer than three masters

in his native city-Johan Wielaert, Barry Coney and Oyril Towsey. His eight years in Australia were spent in studying at the Conservatoriums, in Sydney and in Melbourne, travelling with J. C. Williamson’s companies, and doing concert and radio. work, not forgetting recording for Parlophone. He has appeared in the: productions of the Operatic . So-

ciety, is a member of the Dorian Choir, and an active member of the Society of Musicans in Auckland. At one appearance at 1YA, Mr. Simmers had the unique experience of hearing himself sing over the air while waiting for his turn to appear at the microphone. Listeners, of course, were unaware while enjoying a record by Robert Gilbert, baritone, they were so soon to hear the same voice proceeding from Robert Simmers. Robert Gilbert is the professional name of Robert Simmers. One wonders what Robert thinks of Robert. .

DO YOU KNOW THE TENORS?

How many times have you heard the equivalent of this when there have been several people in a room where the radio’s been playing: "Tauber singing? Oh, yes, know

his voice anywhere." It might be Tauber-or any of the thousands of recorda a a --. ee

cu ALULISLS wey are heard from time to time. It’s an easy, and safe, thing to say when the announcer has just given the name of the artist. It’s not so

‘easy when you navent got that name. Proof is to be found in the commercial stations’ feature, "Do You Know Your Tenors?" Hven though singers are limited to a class, he’s a pretty good man who can nominate the three who contribute to each session. I thought I had aq fairish « knowledge of voices, but I’ve been bluffed, and I know other listeners who should possess greater knowledge than I, have been led astray. Try your own luck vourself some nicht.

HIS VOICE IS PLEASING

Most pleasing tenor heard on the national network for a fair time is Thomas HE. West, often heard at 3YA. Of basses and _ baritones, Christchurch has a fair supply,

and several are of tip-top quality, but of tenors there is a dearth. Thomas E. has learned

the art of being neither throatily Italian nor chorally English. He manages to evade all the musical cliches, produces a fresh, keen young voice, always a pleasure to listen to. He was broadcasting in Australia a short time back, proposes to go to the Commonwealth again shortly.

RADIO PIE THE BAKING

‘Radio Pie," NCBS contribution to the "Made in New Zealand" campaign; may be weak in some respects-notably the humour, which strikes one as being a little

forced-but it is a step in the right direction. Obviously modelled on "Mirth Parade" lines,

‘Radio Fie" yet ollers more variety } than the popular American feature. Artists are mainly ZB stars, and it is plain that the commercials have a few lights in their midst, and it’s good to think they are not being hidden under the bushels. I have heard the three programmes so far put over by 47B, and I must say that I like to -se¢ endeavours being made to break away from imported .material. "Radio Pie" is in its infancy; it is bound to improve as it goes along. No one makes a new thing} perfect at the outset, but the pie hasn’t been so badly baked so far. Miss Adeline McGrath, pictured on this page last week, was captioned 4YA’s programme organiser, She was programme organiser tc 4YO. |