Records

By Murray White

Haydn : Cello Concerto in D major.

Boccherini: Cello Concerto in B flat major. Janos Starker/ Philharmonla Orch./Glullnl.

Record Society RZ 6093.

Fine performances of two lovely concert!. My, the cello is an under-rated (solo) instrument: we have the work of Dvorak. Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saens, Schubert and with the two above compositions, that's about it. Starker phrases his passages decisively and meticulously, maintaining a crisp line in legato and staccato. Balance between soloist and orchestra—notice in the tuttis—Is perfect. Recording (first issued in 1959) likewise. The Gevaert edition using full orchestra, is used for the Haydn; Starker uses his own cadenzas.

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Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor.

World Opera Series ZX509

This is the early (1954) Callas, Gobi, di Stefano/Serafin production now issued in a handsomely presented box with line-by-line libretto by World Record 'Club. Worthy value for the small outlay, the set does have its drawbacks, however. Recording Is tired, with noticeable pre-echo and poor separation of chorus and soloists from the orchestra. The edition itself is somewhat abridged—there Is a chunk missing from the beginning of Act III for instance. And the singing itself is somewhat dubious. Granted Callas' phrasing and intonation leave little to be desired, her casting in the role of luckless Lucia is misplaced; her rendering of mood and involvement passe. If you want a Lucia, di Lammermoor this Is adequate If you want a top-flight Job choose that of Sutherland.

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Sullivan: Trial by Jury. Soloists/Chorus/Pro Arte Orch./ Sargent.

Light Music Club LZ 7078 mono and stereo.

Undoubtedly, the best production yet of this delightful Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. Some marvellous singing from George Baker. Elsie Morison, Richard Lewis and Owen Brannigan whose combined expressiveness and diction are grand. Sir Malcolm Sargent has worked hard to get the level of rapport between rapport and soloists he has. In a phrase, the whole thing 'comes off magnficently. Highly recommended—recording-wise, too!

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Don Adams Meets the Roving Reporter.

Vogue LAEM6021.

Topical American humour from one Donald Adams who partsuccessfully furnishes takes-out on such persons and institutions as Hitler. Kennedy and the Kingston (Finkston) Trio. Sample: Tell me Mr. Hitler, what's your opinion of the Kaiser?—Well, it's not a bad car but it will never sell like the Volkswagen. Get the joke? Pretty profound, huh? One small item: Mr. Adams could well survive without the additive of a screaming hopelessly prompted audience. I can recommend this as a 'sell to all anti-Marxists. (AntiGroucho Marxists, stupid—get it?)