27 OCTOBER 1944, Page 11

GRAMOPHONE NOTES

REcurr new recordings include Mozart's early symphony No 32 in G played by the B.B.C. Symphony Orchestra under Sir Adrian Boult (H.M.V. DB 6172), also Beethoven's Trio No. 4 in B flat for pianoforte, clarinet and 'cello played by Denis Matthews (piano- forte), Reginald Kell (clarinet) and Anthony Pini ('cello), (Col. DX u64-6). Both these are charming works which I heartily recom- mend. Among the vocal numbers there is a good recording of Coleridge-Taylor's " Onaway, Awake, Beloved," by Webster Booth, with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under Dr. Malcolm Sargent (H1VI.V. C 3407). Peter Warlock was the best English song composer of his day, and the two songs, " Milkmaids " and "Captain Stratton's Fancy" (Decca M 563), are excellent examples of his work. They are sung by Roy Henderson, and on the other side of this disc is a characteristic song by C. V. Stanford, "A Soft Day," also sung by Roy Henderson. Best of all these vocal records is that magnificent song of Purcell's, "From Rosy Bow'rs " from Don Quixote, sung by Astra Desmond, with Mr. Harold Craxton at the pianoforte (Deoca M 569). I don't think Mr. Craxton gives her quite enough support in the dramatic recitative passages. The lyre should be struck boldly for Purcell.

Finally, I strongly recommend Scarlatti's Sonata in C minor and Sonata in F sharp minor for pianoforte, played by Mrs. Kathleen Long (Deccf M 566). This is gay, brilliant music of great formal beauty which everybody should be able to enjoy. W. J. T.