Phonograph Monthly Review, Vol. 3, No. 12 (1929-09)

September, 1929 The Phonograph Monthly Review 411 To return to the list. Beethoven’s Eighth (85), Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique (76), Schubert’s Quintet in C (75), Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony (75), Beethoven’s Seventh (74), Schubert’s Octet (62), Beethoven’s Sixth (58), Schubert’s Winterreise (55), Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony (50), and Debussy’s Quartet (50). The high standing of the Berlioz work is notable, especially as it has been out much longer than most of the other works on the list. Debussy’s Quartet did surprisingly well. I wonder how the Ravel Quartet spld in the imported N. G. S. recording. At one time it was rumored that Brunswick would issue it here. If they had done so, I imagine it would have been at least as successful as the Debussy work. Under fifty the leading works are: Chopin’s B minor Sonata (49), Brahms’ F minor Sonata (49), Beethoven’s Fourth (47), Haydn’s “Clock” Symphony (45), Beethoven’s “Appassionata” Sonata (43), Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata (42), Brahms A major Violin Sonata (42), Beethoven’s Trio in B flat (41), Schubert’s Quartet in D minor (40), Ravel’s “Mother Goose” Suite (39), Beethoven’s Second (39), Schubert’s Sonata in A (37), Beethoven’s Sonata in A (34), the Wagner Album No. 1 (31), Schubert’s Quintet in A (29), Mozart’s D major Sym- phony (29), Beethoven’s Quartet in B flat (28), Beethoven’s Quartet in F minor (27), and Schubert’s C major Symphony (26.) It is good to note that such fine piano works as the two sonatas by Grainger and the Schubert sonata by Myra Hess made a worthy showing. But I am surprised that the ex- cellent version of Beethoven’s Second and Fourth Symphonies (easily the best on records) did no better than they did. Of course, one must remember that as yet the best known symphonies demand first attention. This is probably the reason that Mozart’s D major Symphony ranked so com- paratively low. But what about the works not listed. Presumably they fell before the 26 mark. It will be interesting to see what they are. Naming the electrical sets only, we have Master- works set 43, the Mendelssohn Trio; No. 34, the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto; No. 49-51, the three Beethoven Rassoumov- sky Quartets; No. 53, the Kreutzer Sonata; No. 55, the Beethoven Quartet, Op. 135; No. 57, Beethoven’s First; (there is no Set No. 58 now listed); No. 59, Beethoven’s Quartet in C minor, Op. 18, No. 4 No. 60, the Quartet in B flat, Op. 18, No. 6 (No Set No. 62 is listed); No. 66, the Quartet in G, Op. 18, No. 2; No. 69, the Haydn Quartet in C major; No. 71, the Mozart Bassoon Concerto; No. 73, the Tchaikowsky Trio; No. 75, the Beethoven Quartet in D, Op. 18, No. 3); No. 78, the Grieg Sonata in A minor for ’cello and piano; No. 80, the Brahms Piano Quintet; No. 81, The Carnival of the Animals; No. 82, Brahms’ Second Symphony; No. 83, Holst’s Planets; No. 85, Dvorak’s “American” Quartet; No. 86, Schubert’s A minor Quartet; No. 89, Schubert—Selected Songsj Nos. 91-94, Schubert’s Trio in B flat, Sonata in G, Impromptus, Sonatina and Moments Musicaux; No. 96, Schubert’s E flat Quartet; No. 98, Grieg’s Piano Concerto; and No. 99, Liszt’s A major Piano Con- certo. The sets after No. 100 (Debussy’s Quartet) are per- haps too recent to be fairly included. Again I must emphasize that this analysis is perhaps far from characteristic, yet at the same time it undoubtedly does give some indication of the way the tide of public favor flows. It is apparent that except for a few outstanding works, chamber music does not receive the favor to which its merits rightfully entitle it. I hope that sometime The Phonograph Monthly Review will be able to print lists of the “best-selling records of the month”, prepared by leading dealers in various cities, and including all makes of records, similar to the book lists in “The Bookman,” prepared by leading book dealers. Kansas City, Mo. Statistician OPERA TOURS VIA PHONOGRAPH Editor, Phonograph Monthly Review: The correspondent to your July issue who boasts of his remarkable collection of recorded piano concertos seems to have good reason for pride in his virtually complete collect- ion. His letter leads me to wonder if any gramophile has had the energy—and the finances— to collect all the re- Encyclopedia of The World's Best Recorded Music A catalogue that lives up to its name is now avail- able. Within the two hundred and fourteen pages of this unique book will be found listed thousands of compositions, in every instance electrically record- ed, miniature scores and books on the composers and their music. Price 25c postpaid throughout the world. Some Current Importations BEETHOVEN Sonata in F Major, Opus 24 (The Spring) Com- plete in six parts. Violin and Piano. Played by Erika Morina and N. Schwalb. Three 10 in. discs in album. Gramophone Shop Album Set No. 123. Price $5.25. SCHUMANN Carnival Suite, Opus 9—Complete. Played by Alfred Cortot. Three 12 in. discs in album. Gramophone Shop Album Set No. 124. Price $8.25. WAGNER Tannhauser: Overture. In four parts. Played by Dr. Karl Muck and the Berlin State Opera Orchestra. Twa 12 in. discs. The set-Price $4.00. BACH Gavotte in G Minor. Wolsey’s Wilde (Byrd) Played by Wanda Lan- dowska (harpischord). One 10 in. disc. Price $2.00 (G-DA1014) MENDELSSOHN Elijah Help Lord; Yet doth the Lord see it not; Blessed are the men who fear Him; Baal, we cry to Thee; Thanks be to God; Be not afraid; Behold! God the Lord; And then shall your light break forth. Performed by the Royal Choral Society accompanied by the New Sym- phony Orchestra conducted by Dr. Malcolm Sargent. Four 12 in. discs in album. Gramo- phone Shop Album Set No. 121. Price $8.75 DEBUSSY Reflets dans l’eau. General Lavine-Minstrels. Played by Denise Molie. 12 in. disc. Price $2.00 (G-W991) The Children’s Corner: Complete. Two Preludes: La vent dans la plaine; La fille aux chcveux de lin. Played by Alfred Cortot. Two 12 in. discs. The set-Price $5.00 (G-DB12- 48/49) _ MAIL ORDERS Will be given prompt and careful attention. Every record is carefully inspected and packed in substantial wooden boxes, and insured against breakage. 0hi' dramnphmu' S’hnp Specialists in Imported Records 47 East 47th Street, New York City between Park and Madison Avenues J. F. BROGAN W. H. TYLER