Phonograph Monthly Review, Vol. 6, No. 5 (1932-02)

86 they indicate that the Portuguese, or da Motta, reacted very much as anyone else to the romanticism of the ‘90’s. The formula then was curves and billows; now it is straight lines and edges. Those who care for the curves will like ‘Cantiga de Amor’ on X5449, and ‘Valsa Caprichosa’ on X5450. ‘Chula’, coupled with the valva, is more sug- gestive of folk-music. Personally I value Records From By E. It is a pity that until now one of the best of all European record lines has received scarcely a line of notice in the phonographic press outside of the boundaries of the coun- try in which it is being produced. The ref- erence is to the Ultraphon records now being produced in Czechoslowakia. The disinte- gration of the Dutch-German interests which controlled this brand until recently has left the affairs of the completely equipped plant, studios and offices in Prague in the hands of Czech interests, and the work is now going forward with Czech management, Czech money, Czech technicians, and Czech artists. It is the second venture of its kind within the country, the first being the Esta organ- ization. The new group, however, still acts as outlet for the German Ultraphon inter- ests in addition to conducting all the func- tions of an entirely independent corporate entity. Under this new arrangement the Ul- traphon record has taken precedence over all other brands at present obtainable in Cze- choslowakia. Czechoslowakia is preeminently a music lovers’ country. The land of Dvorak, Sme- tana, Weinberger, Ludikar, Emmy Destinn, Janacek, Kubelik, etc., etc., is extraordinarily responsive to artistic impulses, and it is no miracle, therefore, that its entrance into the field of musical record manufacture should be marked by a singular measure of highly gratifying success. The following records from the Czech Ultraphon repertoire, a few of which happen to be from German origi- nals, are illustrative of what the entire re- pertoire affords. Records of Professor Bakule’s singers are of particular interest. This group is a cho- rus of Czech children, the best trained and most interesting in Europe. Their uncom- The Phonograph Monthly Review them as typical examples of a genre, played authentically with all the charm and grace they can possess. The labelling of the Pathe records is very complete, down to mentioning the use of a Gaveau piano. It might be added that they were among the varied and unusual impor- tations of the International Records Agency. Czechoslo wa kia UGGE monly sweet voices proved a surprise even to American audiences whom they compli- mented with the most inspired singing of patriotic and other English songs in exceed- ingly creditable English. The records of this group should be played only with a soft nee- dle, and preferably in the gloom. The voices flash with the brilliance of lightning. Again they reflect that calm light that lies on des- erted open roads in the calm suspense of a summer day noon. At times the chorus sug- gests the silvery tinkling fall of a myriad, musical, twinkling stars out of a vast, vel- vet sky towards an enraptured earth. The placidity of a gas lighted suburban street in the violet gloom of approaching night, when diamonds glitter in the new fallen snow, breathes from some of these records. Others are as whimsical as a grandfather’s tale spun to enrapture a wide-eyed four-year-old. These are some of the best examples of the Bakule Chorus records:— A12017 The Star Spangled Banner; Dixie, and My Country, ’tis of Thee; Abide with me. In Eng- lish. A12037 Dame Get Up; Old King Cole; Sleep, Baby, Sleep. In English. A12038 Where Are You Going; Simple Simon; Even- tide. In English. A12003 Milenka—travicka (Dvorak) and Stilly Night (Zdenko Fibich). Sung in Czesky. Two records sung in Czesky by Paul Ludi- kar of New York’s Metropolitan Opera, are of uncommon interest and charm. His rav- ishing bass-baritone voice reveals his poeti- cal soul and betrays his great understanding of the musical values of the language. The recording here is exceedingly good. Not the least interesting is a composition by Ludikar himself.