The record changer (Jan-Dec 1949)

18 concert notes: by ednard hill Only by extension of the mirror function which is criticism's first fundament may one take into account such circumstances outside of a given actual performance in preparing a report of the event and its results. The reviewer may be considered entirely true to his trust who confines himself to an account of what took place just as it happened. Having done so, he is entitled to .call it a day. Strings may depart from their proper tension in vile weather; sounding boards will perchance warp or hammer felts be affected under extremes in temperature— or pranksters drop niblets of glue between the pages of a score. Consternation follows any such untoward circumstances or misdemeanors and it is beyond the critic's field of concern. But there comes a time when the rules safely, honestly and for simple hospitality's sake may be thrown overboard. The critic, a man among men, can manage to take advantage of his opportunities to behave in a gentlemanly manner. (These opportunities present themselves in almost every one of his working days.) Certainly he must be a carping wretch who would fail to take into consideration the heart-moving situation which caused a shadow to be thrown upon the career of Askel Schiotz. New York's Town Hall was occupied to its full legal capacity on the evening of October 20th to herald the Danish tenor's initial American appearance and the artist was cordially received throughout the execution of a program as taxing as that likely to be undertaken by any singer at the top of his form. Mr. Schiotz's reputation had preceded him by several seasons via a number of splendid recordings, by comparison with which his recital must be reckoned a harrowing disappointment. But wait ! Since the best of those records were made the singer had undergone the ordeal of brain surgery to assuage injuries incurred as a soldier of his King. While his memory is quite unimpaired, he has been afflicted with a marked diminution of technical prowess. The voice, as presently produced, is but a pallid echo of its former self; the co-ordination is there but the sense of climax, although it may be called, will not answer. There is little inkling of the true range in size and texture, almost no definite revelation of coloristic varieties. The organ is, forsooth, etherized. Yet, this gallant gentleman seems determined to carry on with his career and his wish to do so will ever find a companion heart in this reviewer's prayers for his eventual full recovery. Oratorio arias by Handel and Haydn comprised the opening recital group and were followed by a complete edition of Schumann's great "Dichterliebe" cycle, to which was added that composer's "Die Lotusblume." Four Brahms songs and a group by Danish composers brought the program to a close. Among the three encores, Mr. Schiotz gave a particularly winsome rendition of a dear old friend, "My Lovely Celia." Make no mistake, the intelligence and refinement of an artist of the first rank were in fulsome evidence at all times. It is the full flower of the emission that needs to be recaptured. Askel Schiotz appears to be about forty years of age. Granted that his misfortune can be entirely repaired, he should be able to grace the platform with his winning presence for a' goodly number of seasons to come. all you CATS in the los angelea area. . . . you 're invited to marie & gene deitch's regular friday night record sessions: cr 1-8240 CMS 621 Muggsy Spanier and His Ragtimers DARKTOWN STRUTTERS BALL SOBBIN' BLUES Muggsy Spanier, Trumpet; Pee Wee Russell, Clarinet; Lou McGarity, Trombone; Gene Schroeder, Piano; Eddie Condon, Guitar; Bob Haggart, Bass; Joe Grauso, Drums. CMS 622 Bobby Hackett & His Orchestra NEW ORLEANS SKELETON JANGLE Bobby Hackett, Trumpet; Pee Wee Russell, Clarinet; Ernie Caceres, Baritone Sax; Lou McGarity, Trombone; Eddie Condon, Guitar; Jess Stacy, Piano; Bob Casey, Bass; George Wettling, Drums. CMS 623 Wild Bill Davison and His Commodores JAZZ ME BLUES SQUEEZE ME Wild Bill Davison, Trumpet; Pee Wee Russell, Clarinet; Lou McGarity, Trombone; Dick Carey, Piano; Eddie Condon, Guitar; Bob Casey, Bass; Danny Alvin, Drums. List Price $1.00 Pius Tax COMMODORE MUSIC SHOP 134 EAST 42nd STREET NEW YORK CITY