Evening star., 1940-11-17
Review of Recordings

toms and tradition. It's music
abounds in rhythmic intensity free
from any European influence.
The three intervals of a minor
third. used by Mr.. Sandi, are an
authentic representation of the me-
lodic extent of the scale of the
Yaqui, and the neighboring tribe of
Seri, music. They are carried here
by q flute to the tom-tom of q
drum. 1t is the savage and varied
rhythm Of the latter that exercises
stimulating effect. Listening to
this recording one cannot help but
realize that beauty of rhythm has
q greater swaying power than that
Of q perfect harmonic structure.
"Huapango," arranged by Geroni-
mo Baqueiro Foster. is Cuban dance
music tinted by the influence of
the Negro race. The composer uses
guitars. which at times, however,
bring forth the tinkling sound of a
cembalo. There are also violins and
marimba. The harmonic COM
plexities of this selection, often in
an involved rhythmic pattern, serve
as a grand finale to bring the entire
set Of these unique recordings to q
brilliant close.
News Of the temporary retirement
Of Lawrence Tibbett. greatest Of
American baritones, from the con-
cert field on account Of overwork has
been a source of concern to his
many friends. The popularity of
this artist has resulted in increasing
demands for concerts or operate
appearances and the result has been
a vocal fatigue which only q four
months rest can alleviate. For
tunately, during this interem he can
be heard by proxy in the numbers
recently released by the Victor
Company. Here the famous BARI
tone gives of his finest art.
On a single IL inch disc he records
Handels Defend Her, Heaven"
from the oratorio Theodore" and
"Where'er You Walk" from the
dramatic piece "Semele," with piano
accomplishments supplied by Stew
art Willie. The arias emphasize
some of the strong points of his art
such as: The devotional character
he Is known to project at will into
his voice and his ability to sing
long sustained phrases with utmost
comfort, the latter speaking for his
superb breath control.
Helen Traubel, dramatic soprano,
of the Metropolitan Opera, whose
name is already familiar to WASH
ingtonians through her participation
as soloist at one of the Water Gate
concert last summer, gives lovely
Characterization to "Elsais Dream"
from Wagners "Lohengrin." The
strength and purity of her powerful
voice are at their best in this Victor
recording Of the aria, as well as Of
Schubert's "Aufenthalt," Wiegen-
lied" and Richard Strauss "Ruhe,
Meme Seele." The last two are
sung to the piano accompaniment
by Conrad v. Boss, while the Wag.
ner selection and Schubert's "Aufen.,
thalt" have the support Of the Vic
tor Symphony Orchestra conducted
by Bruno Reibold.
American music is not absent in
the Victor output this month. Rob-
ert Braine, composer, pianist and
staff conductor for N. B. c., has two
Of his short numbers presented by
Howard Barlow and the Eastman
Rochester Symphony Orchestra.
Habanera, Lazy Cigarette is
Spanish In character with cas-
tanets given prominence. Pavane,
"El Greco" on the reverse side of
the 10-inch disk, Is q solemn rhyth-
mic march where the pace of
humping feet is accentuated alter
natively In various sections Of the
orchestra. Not ultra-modern, these
numbers are well written and show
individuality of style.