Radio revue (Dec 1929-Mar 1930)

30 RADIO REVUE The Gypsies as They Nou> Appear, One of Radio's Finest Salon Orchestras melodies. Because of their freshness and peculiarly appealing quality, these songs immediately caught the public fancy. Many of these songs had never before been heard in this country. Harry had played them in Russia and had taught them to his men. Many of them later were written down and arranged. These have since become widely popular all over the country. They owe their introduction here to Harry Horlick. Personnel is Increased During the first year the Gypsies' most popular selections were "Black Eyes" and "Shadows of the Past." In 1925, "Dubinushka" was the favorite; in 1926, "Black Eyes," and in 1927 "The Old Forgotten Hungarian Song and Dance." Gradually the original five-man string ensemble began to grow. The repertoire was expanded, and so various other instruments were needed. More strings were added, then a woodwind or two, a flute, and a drummer who could play castanets and lend additional color to some of the compositions rendered. By this time, the Gypsies had become definitely established as an outstanding radio feature. Satisfied that Harry Horlick and his musicians could play the typical Russian music better than any of their contemporaries, the radio audience gradually began requesting music that required a larger orchestra. So a brass section was added to the Gypsies and they made their debut as a small orchestra. Their repertoire was greatly increased, enabling them to give a widely varied program. Although they still retained the characteristics of the original string ensemble, they were now able to play the more popular types of music and the more ambitious compositions. And still the listeners were not satisfied. They began asking for music that was in the province of a symphony orchestra. They wanted not only popular dance and novelty numbers but the great masterpieces as well. So again the personnel of the Gypsies was increased. The orchestra grew in size until today it is a great symphonic body of twenty-six pieces, equipped to play anything in the realm of music. In recruiting his musicians, Harry Horlick has adhered to the same exacting standard that distinguished his ensemble in the early days. He points with pride to the high artistic status of his men — musicians who play regularly with the major symphony orchestras. Something of Gypsy About Him Harry is an interesting study. There seems still to be something of the gypsy about him. One moment he is alive and vibrant, breathing fiery brilliance into the interpretation of an Hungarian czardas, and the next instant he is painting a sombre and melancholy picture of old Russia through the medium of a folk song. First, last and always he is a musician and a true artist. Little else matters in his life outside of his music. Since his orchestra has grown to such large proportions he no longer plays the violin regularly, inasmuch as directing demands his undivided attention. However, many times he cannot resist the temptation to seize the nearest violin and join his boys, as in the old days, while they play the now famous "Two Guitars," which has been the signature of the Gypsies' hour for years. Harry is a graceful figure as he wields his baton. Of medium height and well proportioned, he seems quite young to be directing such a large orchestra. Although he often laughs and jokes with ljis men he asserts his authority, when the occasion demands, in a quiet but forceful way that leaves no doubt in the musician's mind as to who is in charge. He seems to live only for today and apparently has no fear of the future. It took care of him during all his trials and tribulations in Russia, so it is not likely to play him false now. All in all, he is one of the most interesting figures in radio circles. Announcing a New Department Beginning with the February issue, Radio Revue will inaugurate a column, entitled "The Oracle," in which it will answer any questions its readers may care to ask in connection with radio broadcasting and those on the air.