GRAMOPHONE NOTES
UNQUESTIONABLY first place must be given this month to the superb recording of Sibelius's Violin Concerto in D Minor, played by Ginette Neveu, the brilliant young French violinist, with the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Walter Susskind (H.M.V. DB9007-1o). Not only is his Violin Concerto one of Sibelius's finest and most individual works, but Mlle. Neveu's playing of it deserves to rank with the magnificent performance by Menuhin of that other modern master- piece for the same combination by Bela Bartok. This is music for connoisseurs. Two items of a more popular kind by Sibelius from his suite " Karelia " are brilliantly played by the B.B.C. Symphony Orchestra under Sir Thomas Beecham (H.M.V. DB6248). There will be a welcome for Mr.,William Walton's revised version of his " Sinfonia Concertante " played by Phyllis Sellick with the City of Birmingham Orchestra under the Composer (H.M.V. C7635-7). It has a pleasing slow movement and a lively finale. The Spanish Dances of Moszkowski, which I have not listened to for many years, are disappointing. Not only are they not remotely Spanish, but they are rather dull, though well played by the City of Birmingham Orchestra under George Weldon (Col. DX 1225-6).
The vagaries of recording companies are past understanding. Here is the Columbia showing the good taste to give us three delightful duets by Purcell, "Let us Wander," "Shepherd Cease Decoying," and "Sound the Trumpet," sung by Isobel Baillie and Kathleen Ferrier with Gerald Moore at the pianoforte (Col. DB.2201) ; then, after following this with a perfect performance by that impeccable artist Denis Matthews of two Nocturnes by John Field which retain their freshness and exquisite lyrical feeling after a hundred years (Col. DX1228)—they record two pianoforte pieces by Debussy arranged for pianofortes duets by that indefatigable pair Rawicz and Landauer. I have described Mr. Denis Matthews as an impeccable artist—a pianist who has not even yet got the reputation he deserves, but really I do not see why Debussy's pianoforte solos should be earned into duets by players who are so unanimous in their approach as to make one feel that it is the instruments that are playing. However, this is nothing to the depth of bathos to which the H.M.V. Co. has sunk in recording two—I suppose I must call them songs—" Insensible- ment " and "I'll Close My Eyes," sung by Jean Cavall with orchestra. Perhaps I misunderstand Mr. Cavall's art. Is this what people call " crooning "? If so, I do not recommend it.
Nevertheless this is a good month. I note from Decca "A Cere- mony of Carols," delightful recordings of carols by the Morriston Boys' Choir (Decca K1155-8) and that brilliant, glittering contem- porary Spanish work by Manuel de Falla, "Nights in the Garden of Spain," played by Clifford Curzon and the National Symphony Orchestra under Enrique Jorda (Decca Ki159-6o). Finally, for those who can appreciate good, light music I recommend the latest instalment of "Old Time Dances," The Saunter and The Florentine (Col. DX1229), played by Murray Davidson and Orchestra.
W. J. T.
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