Phonograph Monthly Review, Vol. 1, No. 7 (1927-04)

The Phonograph Monthly Review 327 6628—Impromptu in A flat (Schubert, Op. 142, No. 2) and Etude in E major (Chopin, Op. 10, No. 3) D 12, $2.00. Paderewski’s first recordings under the electrical pro- cess are excellent indeed. The lovely Impromptu of Schubert is well known as a favorite encore piece of the great Polish Pianist. The Chopin etude, well called a nocturne of “larger growth” is less often played. The climax is worked up with surprising power and breadth; indeed throughout, the recording gives a more characteristic and faithful reproduction of Paderewski’s concert hall performance than has ever been achieved before. A record to be highly recommended. Columbia 5068-M—Prelude in C sharp minor and Prelude in G minor (Rachmaninoff) D12, $1.25. Ethel Leginska’s first recordings in this country. The publicity that has lately been hers has rather obscured the fact that she is an excellent pianist and while these pieces are of the more familiar type, they disclose anew her abilities. The G minor prelude is to be preferred; it is excellently played and recorded. We may well hope for more works from her soon and that the Columbia Company, whose piano recording is in- comparable, will give her the opportunity to do some of the larger works she excells in. She is particularly effective in works by Liszt and various moderns. Brunswick 3357—Stradella Overture (Flotow) DIO, 75c. Played by Vessella’s Italian Band. Well played and re- corded; an excellent band record in many respects, suffering only in comparison with the recent remark- able releases of Creatore and his Italian Band. S.M. Phonograph Activities J UST as this issue is going to press we have had the pleasure of hearing from Akron, Ohio, of a new Phonograph Society that has been formed there. The Temporary Secretary is Mr. K. T. Ritterbusch and those living in the vicinity who are interested in the society should communicate with him, c/o The M. O’Neil Com- pany. At the first meeting temporary officers were appointed who are to act until permanent ones are elected. The program was given by Mr. Hantleman, one of the founders of the society and a well known phonograph enthusiast and lecturer on musical topics. Comparisons were made between acoustically recorded and electric- ally recorded works of various artists, giving a very vivid and interesting illustration of the dif- ference in the records of the same artist, per- forming the same composition, but which were recorded by different processes. Mr. Ritterbusch writes us further that Akron has a great many people who are record collec- tors and who are enthusiastic over the new elec- trical records and their place in the general edu- cation of the public. Many of these enthusiasts are authorities on music, one of them has a col- lection of over four thousand records, including every one that Caruso ever made, every opera ever recorded, and a record of every instrument that the manufacturing companies have recorded. At present this enthusiast is working on a com- nlete listing of all recorded works, with particu- lar attention devoted to showing the records which will show to best advantage various in- struments, including even the balalaika and the little known kanoon and oud. Surely, Akron seems to promise an enterpris- ing and successful society! This is the third society, either established or planned, in Ohio that we have heard of this month, as in Cleveland and Columbus plans are already under way to establish phonograph so- cieties. A number of our readers and enthusi- astic correspondents come from Ohio which seems to be able to boast a large number of rec- ord collectors and music lovers. It would be unfortunate if all the phonograph enthusiasts in these cities were unable to meet each other and enjoy their recorded music to- gether. Comparative programs, like that ar- ranged by Mr. Hantleman in Akron are as valu- able as they are interesting, and they are typical of the benefits received by members of the Phono- graph Societies. We hope that the fine start the movement is making in Ohio will receive the support of every earnest music lover and enthusiastic in the vi- cinity. We are looking forward with eager an- ticipation to the development of these new so- cieties, whose future outlook seems so promising. Electrically recorded Marvelous success. Beethoven’s 5. Symphony Philharmonic Orch. Berlin. Wm. Furtwaengler, Cond. 7. Symphony Orchestra Grand Opera Berlin, Rich. Strauss, Cond. o Schumann’s 4., Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphonies Rich. Strauss “Death and Transfiguration. Interlude and Waltz from “Intermezzo.” o Jos. Rheinberger Organ Concerto op. 177 o 30 other great Compositions. o Overtures, Selection from Grand Operas, etc., etc. Electrically recorded New—Actual Bird Singing on Records. Many new Vocal, Orchestra and Dance Records. o New “Right Tone” Sound Boxes.—Better Record Albums. New Fiber and Spear Point Needles. Any Records advertised—reviewed—wanted write to me for them. Records, etc., on Approval. Catalogue free. B IM' A ¥ Importer and Distributor of • 1V1» IViX'TL* World’s best Music on Records. 414 North State St. Chicago, Ills.