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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 29, No. 3. 1966.

Record reviews

page 11

Record reviews

Reviews of

• Classical

• Humorous

• Folk Music records by DJ.H.

"The Art Of Arturo Bene-Detti Michelangeli" — piano recital. Decca SXLM 6181. Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor Op.111 Galuppi: Piano Sonata No. 5 in C minor; D. Scarlatti: Piano Sonatas L. 104 in C major; L.352 in C minor: L.483 in A major.

A very interesting release from a pianist noted not only for his ability, but also for his absence from the concert and recording scene. His last record was released in 1958.

The actual selection of works performed may offend the purist. From the sleeve note I gather that it is intended as a survey of the development of the sonata form from Scarlatti to Beethoven.

The Galuppi sonata is very simple, and would border on the monotonous if not played with the amount of expression and simplicity Michelangeli achieves. All in all it is quite delightful.

The Beethoven is an entirely different proposition. A very difficult work handled with ease and complete self-confidence. Michelangell's superb interpretation of the introductory Maestoso is indicative of what is to follow: an intensely personal reading noted for expressive simplicity—none of the "false bravuro" that often creeps into the performances of many of his contemporaries who have their hearts in their pockets and their minds completely absorbed with technical virtuosity.

"Not Only Peter Cook ... But Also Dudley Moore." Adapted from the BBC tv series. Decca LKM 4703.

"The lavatory was invented in the eighteenth century by John Louis Stevenson. He was sitting in the bath one day when suddenly he said, 'Eureka, I've thought of the lavatory!' "

If you would like to add this and other incredible pieces of knowledge to your useless information file, then undoubtedly this is the record for you. Peter Cook and Dudley Moore are better known to New Zealanders as members of "Beyond the Fringe" ——who could ever forget Moore's glorious take-off of German lieder and Benjamin Britten folk songs? Unfortunately this disc has not any of the really biting satire of the revue, but it is still very enjoyable.

Subjects attacked range from an ageing aristocrat who has devoted his life to attempting to teach ravens to fly under wafer, superstitions, a rather unusual order of nuns, and art, galleries, to the use of initials in speech:

Two gentlemen (ex army) talking together.

"'Did you hear about old H.K.?'

'No'

'He did frightfully well—picked up the V.C. in Germany—at least I think that's what his mother said'"

Joan Baez: "Farewell Angelina." Vanguard MCLP 6207.

Electric guitar backing for folk music—a Dylan innovation loudly condemned by Joan Baez. Now, on Miss Baez's latest. disc we find her singing Dylan numbers with nothing less than this form of accompaniment. This would not be so bad if the guitar added something. but it mostly remains submerged by the acoustic guitar, and the only times when it is prominent it is boring and repetitive, lacking any constructive approach towards the standard of accompaniment we have come to expect on Joan Baez discs.

However, there are some excellent tracks—notably "Farewell, Angelina," "The Rangers Command," "River In The Pines," "Pauvre Ruteboeuf," and a singularly attractive rendition of "Where Have All The Flowers Gone." These are sung with the "pure" lone that has characterised Baez; the others are marred by excess vibrato and a rather nasal tone.

In light of her other recent release ("Joan. Baez 5") this record is disappointing.

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 (The Pathetique). Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Lorin Maazel. Decca SXL 6164 LXT 6164.

A rather fresh approach which Warrants attention from both lovers of Tchaikovsky and those whose attitude is one of scorn. Throughout, Maazel maintains tempi rather on the brisk side, thereby allowing the orchestra to exhibit its technical virtuosity.

However, the work is never reduced to a mere vehicle for this virtuosity; Maazel remains sympathetic to the emotion — for example, he manages to bring a lyrical eloquence to the second subject in the first movement without dragging the tempo.

The third movement highlights magnificent playing from all sections. The rhythm of the brass is extremely good.

The recording is up to the excellent standard one has come to expect from Decca.

I would like briefly to mention two recent folk releases from World Record Club.

Peter. Paul and Mary in Concert EZ 1040/1-2: Anyone interested in this two-record set will most probably have heard it when first issued by Warner Brothers in 1964. The added point now, of course. is that it is now at a much cheaper price.

Thunderin' Lightnin' — Hoyt Axton: A sequel to his previous album. "The Balladeer." This record is more blues orientated, highlighted by an excellent version of "Cocaine." Some of the other songs are not particularly appealing after more than one or two playings, being rather superficial: however, the record is worth having for the good tracks.