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

414 The Phonograph Monthly Review September, 1929 FAVORITE RECORDS Editor, Phonograph Monthly Review: Questionnaires are so often a bore, I know, but there would be intense interest and very helpful information in a list of the “favorite records” of phonographic celebrities,—that is to say, not only recording artists, but recording directors, officials, record critics, and some of the more prominent col- lectors and connoisseurs. Of course it is impossible even for a recording artist to say which of his records represents him most characteristically, and yet he has his own favorites among them, those which seem to him most characteristic. Similarly, of the thousands of records heard by you and your staff, a certain few remain fresher in your memories than the others. A symposium of this sort would undoubtedly attract wide attention and be of great benefit to your readers. Portland, Oregon. R. T. S. ARNOLD BAX Editor, Phonograph Monthly Review: At a friend’s house I recently had the opportunity of hearing some records of Quintet for Oboe and Strings by Arnold Bax, to my mind, one of the finest modern chamber works I have yet had the pleasure of knowing. I have heard and enjoyed several of this composer’s orchestral works, notably the E flat Symphony and “November Woods” and I am interested in learning what compositions by him have been recorded, beside the quintet mentioned above. Note: In addition to the Oboe Quintet, the National Gramophonic Society has also recorded Bax’s Phantasy Sonata for Viola and Harp (reviewed on page 171 of our February issue), and his Moy Mell for two pianos. The numbers of the former work are NGS 118-20, and of the latter, NGS 102. A three-part work for unaccompanied chorus has been recorded by H. M. V. at the Leeds Festival 1925: Mater Ora Filium, sung by the Leeds Festival Choir and conducted by Albert Coates (HMV D-1044-5). A piano piece, Medi- terranean, was recorded acoustically by D’Albert (Polydor 66032). Probably there are other European records of his piano works, particularly the popular “In a Vodka Shop.” It is unfortunate that none of his large orchestral works yet have been recorded, but undoubtedly they will soon receive the attention their merits deserve. Phonographic Echoes SPECIAL AUTOMATIC PRESSINGS The following announcement is made by the Victor Talk- ing Machine Division, Radio-Victor Corporation of Am- erica : Many owners of Automatic Instruments have requested us to supply special automatic record sets to suit their personal tastes. Although we feel that our present list of automatically- arranged records meets the requirements of most customers who possess Automatic Instruments, it has, as a matter of service, been decided to offer customers the opportunity of selecting their own combinations of selections. We will make special pressings of any selection in the current catalogs in combinations to the Customer’s order at double the regular list price of such records. These records will bear a special white label. Owing to the unusual routine and special attention which this service will involve, we will not accept orders for less than five double-faced records. PHONOGRAPHIC BENEFITS OF THE TALKING FILMS Editor, Phonograph Monthly Review: Most of those who have the welfare of the phonograph and recorded music at heart are probably unaware of the benefit the much maligned “talkies” are liable to become. Within the last year or so it has been suddenly brought home not only to actors, but to everyone appearing in public, that there is a definite microphone technique that they must learn. Bad as the talking films have been and for the most part still are, they are here to stay, and tremendous efforts and sums are being expended to perfect them and to perfect the voices of those who record for them. Everyone appearing in public today must face the micro- phone; for radio broadcasts, the talking films, or the phono- graph, the same microphone must be met, and naturally those who would succeed are giving great thought and effort to pass this test with flying colors. Here in New York several small studios have sprung up where one is able to record one’s own voice. They seem to be doing excellent business, for such 'records are in demand as specimens of one’s recording talents when seeking movie work. Voice teachers find them invaluable indexes to their pupils’ progress. The disks are also of considerable personal value and are frequently used in the place of greeting cards. It is interesting to note that one recording studio is run by the former wife of one of the greatest recording artists of all time—Caruso. The coming generation of recording artists is sure to possess more capable recording talents than the present one. And the time is rapidly passing when eminent artists make a boast of despising the phonograph. Its problems have to be met and solved; they cannot be ignored. Forest Hills, L. I. Recordian Joseph Szigeti (Exclusive Columbia Artist) Mr. Szigeti’s records of the Brahmas Concerto are reviewed on page 419. ♦j. .£« .*■» »*« »*. »*.»£» .j. »j» **■» .£♦+*+ »j* »j» **-» **■» **« **« H. ROYER SMITH CO. I “The World’s Record Shop” f V * NEW IMPORTATIONS ALMOST EVERY DAY (See advertisement on page 425)