.';" - ---

AMPLIFIERS

2tlJIOlrJ YEARS OF TH E PI PE ORGAN

CS FOR VlI.'Bft

ANt V3~J.f\ J~Y ONV'K~IH&tt~ svnOU.l ::1 ij Of!IeC;9Sf I:)

I' .,..~. .... another "firs "... from I th first nam in high

~ fid lit urntables a RONDIN turntable with hysteresis motor * at 95 net

REK-O-KUT RONDINE K~~H '~Hysteresis motors are used in professional broadcast and recording studios. Specifications: \ { Single·speed (331/3 rpm). Crown·Spindle Belt Drive. Assembles in 30 minutes or less with ordi· nary tools. Built·in strobe disc. Noise level: 52db. $49~~t turntable only. Tonearms - from $27.95; Bases - from $10.95; Mounting Boards from $4.95.

~------,Rek-O-Kut Co., Inc. Dept. MR 3819 108th St. Corona 68, N.Y. Please send complete information on the new Rondine REK-O-KUT K33H Kit with hysteresis motor. HIGH FIDELITY TURNTABLES Name ______TURNTABLE ARMS Address ______

Export: Morhan Exporting Corp., 458 Broadway , Ne w York 13, N. Y. City______Zone_Sta t e ___ Canada: Atlas Radio, 50 Wingold Ave. , Toronto la, Ontario L RK~6 I Rondine -the HystereSiS Line ... Engineered for the Studio . .. designed for the home! ., ------~

MARCH 1959 3 Precision Stereo Arm for optimum performance w ith any stereo or monaur al car tri dge

Smallest numbe, of pivot. reduces traversing friction to absolute minimum. Mallimum f.reedom of vertical movement is achieved by sprlng·loaded needle·type ball·bearing pivots. as in the finest chronometers .

. True professional performance results from Single hole mounting. Just measurtt Plug·in·shell-the ideal die cast aluminum arm the radius, drill one hole and mount stereo arrangement ,for construction, combining -no elaborate templates required. quiCk change of cartridge. low mass and rigidity. Arm Knurled "nob-quickly and accurately Designed to accommodate not only eliminates every stereo and monaural resonances, but it also adjusts height for any turntable. pick·up. tracks perfectly at the minimum pressure specified by the cartr.dgtt manufacturers.

Coin-slot stylus pressure adjustment easily accessible. simple and aocurate.

.r/flta.wired for steNo. $implifl~ '!lstanatio" Glistening white enamel slncefelldt end at terminal and chrome enhances your entire record playing bIOC:l'. installation.

I New Comparator Guide - FlEE I Carrard Sales Corporaticm. Dept. CC-l29 I Port Washington, New York. I Please send your new comparator cuJde I which compares aU Carrard pla)rers II1II1 I their advanced features. RCI2I/1l TPA/12 301 eHF UodelT/Il Iniermil $I.... Transcription Tr.nsulptloft Manual CIwIpt Tone AmI furnlabh: Manual Pllyet Player I Name'______1 ,..2.50 $19.50 m.oo 159.50 $32.50 Address ______-I GARRARD SALES CORPORATION. DIV. OF BRITISH INDUSTRIES CORP .• PORT WASHINGTON, N. Y. Ca nadian inquiries to Chos. W. POinton, Ltd .• 6 Alcina Ave., Toronlo Tenllorles other than U.S.A. and Canada to Garrard Eng;noer;ng & Mig. Co., Ltd., Sw;ndon. WHls .. England City- ______St ate __ FEATURE ARTICLES

Musical Oddentities HiFiREVIEW 8 Nicolas Slonimsky A ce le brated musical lexicographer spots the unusual-from Beethoven Marcti" .1959 ' and Na po leon to Pade rewski's dog VOI.; 2 ' N.o : a Upbeat on Two Counts 35 Morton Gould The personal thoughts of hi- fi 's most versatile Publisher ., " music man Oliver: Read

'Editor Have Pipe Organ-Can't Move 38 Robert Hazelleaf Ol/v~r ' p., 'Ferrell , A theater organ enthusiast te lls a bout the in side anatomy of a monste r and how it gre w Music Edi tor DavId Hall, Beginner's Luck 42 David Ha ll Art Editor The novi ce collector w ho knows what to Sau.! D. Weiner look for can build a basic hi -Ii library at rock-bottom cost As s ~ciah; Editors Hans H. Fantel ' Warren De~otte On a Chassis Built for Two 45 Warren DeMotte Checklist and review of nine Assistant Editor dual powe r a mplifiers desig ned for use with stereo prea mps Rodney H. Wl/Jiams ,

Contributing Editor• The Basic Repertoire: Part 5 of the "First Fifty" 49 Martin Bookspan . t-farfln. Boo/rspan Ralph J . Gleason Beethoven/s " Eroica" Symphony has Stanley Green phonographically challenged two Hat HentoR dozen conductors- some more than once George Jelllnek David Randolph John Thornton ' The Well-Tampered Claviers 51 Ha ns H, Fantel Duo pianis ts Ferrante & Teicher Advertising Director p ioneer a valid e xperiment? Mere John A. Ronan, Jr. gimmick? Monstrous perversion? Which?

Advertising Manager Herb Olsow REVIEWS

ZIFF-DAVI S PUBLISHING C O .. O ne Pa rk Your HiFi Concert 63 Martin Bookspan, David Hall, George Ave., New York 16 , N,. Y. William B. Ziff, JelJinek, David Randolph, John Chairman of the Board (1 946-1953)' William Thornton Ziff, President; W. Bradford Brig9s, Execu­ tive Vice President; Michael Michaelson Vice President and Circulation Director: Hershel B. Sarbin, Secretary; Howard Stereo Disc Reviews 81 Martin Bookspan, Ralph J. Gleason, Stoughton, Jr. , Treasurer; Albert Gruen, Art Stanley Green, Nat Hentoff, George Director. " JelJinek, John Thornton BRANCH OFFICES: Midwestern O ffice, 434 5, Wabash Ave., CHicago ' 5, ' ' 11 ., Tom Berry, Mid west . 'Adveiti.sing Manager; Western Office, Roof]1' 412" 2!5 ,West 7th Your Entertainment Mood 91 Ralph J. Gleason, .stanley Green, St., Los Angeles: 17" ,Calif.;"James R."Pierce, Nat Hentoff Western Adverhsing· Manager; Foreign· Ad­ vertising Represenfatives:' D. A. Goodall Ltd ., London; Albe,t Milhado 8< Co." Ltd., . The Stereo Reel John Thornton Antwerp and Dus~eldorf; , : " 100

J SUBSGRIPT/ON SERV IC{ , Forms 3579 and:' ail" subscription,' cor·re­ sponlienceshould be ' addiessed to' 'C ir­ COLUMNS AND MISCELLANEOUS culation' Department ~4 3 4 " SolJth '. W~bash ' Avenue, Chicago' ,5, ' /Hinois: ' Ple~se allow at least four weeRs for chllnge 'of address. Include your old: adaress as well as new HiFi-ndings 53 , -enclosing if Poislb.!e·' a n ' addr~ss ' I~be l ' HiFi Soundings 6 Acrosound Ultra-Linear II Amplifier; Bell from a recent , issue~. ; !.' 6060 Carillon Stereo Amplifier; Jerrold C Ot·hRIBUTbks : Just Looking 10 Master TV-FM Home System Kit; Knight Co ntributors are a d vised to retain a copy KN-1 260K Dueled-Port Enclosure Kit; Ste­ of their manu scr.ipt and ilfustrations, Con.­ phens Trusonic B-IOO Speaker System; tributions sliould · bemailE-d. to 'the New Bookshelf 16 Stromberg-Carlson SR 440 AM-FM Tuner York Editorial office and m'ust· be accom. panied by relurn ' poslage, Conlributions are handled .with reasonable care, but tbis Advertisers Index 105 magazine assumes no responsibility for their Sound and the Query 26 safety. Any acceptable man,"seript, is, sub­ iect to whatever. 'adaptations a nd .r-evisions The Flip Side 106 are necessary to meet requiremenls 'of this publicalion, Payment ' covers all a ufhor's rights. titles on,d interest in and to 'the Cover illustration by Chuck McVicker material accepted and, will be made at our currenl rates upon acceptance. All photo's and drawings will be considered as part of I ·- malerial purchased, " HiFi REVIEW is published monthly by Ziff-Davis Publishing Compa ny , William B. Ziff, Chairma n of Ihe Board (1946.1953). at 43 4 Soul h Wa bash Ave., Chicago 5, III. Second class postage paid at Chicago, Illinois. Authorized by the Post Office Depa rtment, Ottawa, O nt. , Canada as second cl ass matter, SUBSCRIPTION RATES : One ye ar U.S. and possessions, a nd AV-f!rn Copyright 1959 by ZIFF-DAVIS PUBLISHING Company ,123,95.3., All rights reserved 5

""1< • ,. ',., " use this check list when selecting the record changer for HiFi Sounding.s your stereo/mono high fidelity system By David Hall

RUMBLE, WOW AND FLUTTER -These mechani­ cal problems, especially pertinent to stereo STEREO-A SPUR TO MUSIC LISTENING reproduction, require maximum attention to design and engineering for suppression. He who has been lured by the sonic bl~ndi s hrne n t s of stereophonic hi-fi Check the new GS-7'J is likely to agree that things will ~ e v e r be quite the same. Gone are the " RECORD CARE - Dropping record on moving days when one could fl op an LP on the record player, set the volume l evel turntable or disc during change cycle causes and settle back to enjoy a favorite symphony, the Mantovani s trings or grinding of surfaces harmful to grooves. Check Turntable Pause feature of new selections by the Modern Jazz Quartet. Now you don't dare sit back­ GS-77. stereophonic hi·fi compels active listening. Similar to TV, it demands undivided attention. STYLUS PRESSURE-Too little causes distor­ tion; too much may damage grooves. Check this feature of the new GS-77: difference As the era of disc stereo rounds out its first year, records and equipment in stylus pressure between first and top rec­ show significant improvement in quality and operating ease. Cartridges ord in stack does not exceed 0.9 gram. now approach the perfection of the best monophonic cartridges of eight. ARM RESONANCE-Produces distortion and een months ago. Rumble-free turntables and changers are common rather record damage. Caused by improper arm than exceptions to the ruIe. Stereo amplifiers of u'uly first-rate quality, design and inadequate damping. Check new GS-77 for arm construction and observe fitted wi th controls that are sensible and which provide compensation for acoustically isolated suspension. the vagaries of room acoustics, may be purchased off the dealers' shelves. Compact and unobtrusive speaker systems are being offered the public, HUM-Most often caused by ground loops developed between components. Check new many of them equaling the quality of the best monophonic monsters. GS-77 and note use of four leads to car­ Undeniably, there are signs that all things concerning stereo are moving tridge, separate shields per pair. in the right diI·ection. MUTING-To maintain absolute silence dur­ ing change cycle both channels must be Meanwhile, the "active" aspect of stereo listening, if anything, is enhanced muted. Check new GS-77 and note_ auto­ by the tinkering one must do with speaker placement. Then there is the matic double muting switch, plus R/C net­ business of knob twiddling which for many enthusiasts has become more work for squelching power switch 'clicks.' fascinating than ever, what with dual tone controls, balance, reversal, STEREO/MONO OPERATLON-Stereo cartridge loudness, etc. Of COUl'se, there is no optimum stereo amplifier equalization output signals are fed to separate amplifier channels. Record changer should provide and control setting i.e., one that can stay put. The changes in the micro· facility for using both channels simultane­ phone pickup pattern from one stereo recording to the next, occasional ously with mono records. Check new GS-77 thinness of bass or ,stridency of violins make knob twiddling part and Stereo/Mono switch. parcel of home stereo. Speaker placement, once the optimum spacing and These are just a few important criteria to projection angle have been worked out on a cut-and-try basis, can usually guide you in selecting the best recor" be allowed to stay put- that is, unless major changes occur in the acou· changer for your stereo and monaural hi-fi stics of the listening room. It is surprising what changes a new rug, system. Some of these features may be found in changers now on the market, but only overstuffed chair, or pine-panelled cabinet can make, not only in terms one changer incorporates them all-the mod­ of the general listening area, but even in apparent speaker balance. ern Glaser-Steers GS-77. Only $59.50 less cartridge. Dept. HFR-3 There is this to be said for coping with the present products of the stereo GLASER·STEERS CORPORATION art- the necessary twiddling of controls and juggling of speaker place· 155 Oraton 'Street, Newark, New Jersey ment has forced the listener to use his ears critically as never before. In Canada: Alex L. Clark, Ltd., Toronto, Onto This is healthy. It removes some of the purely passive elements of home & Export: M. Simons Sons, Inc., N. Y. C. hi-Ii listening. A good number of us lind a greater enjoyment in live concerts-if only as a, standard against which we judge what is heard in our living rooms.

All of this brings me to one major improvement tha t I hope the record companies will adopt as speedily as possible-a diagram or description that tells the listener what he should expect to hear from his right speaker, from his left speaker, and even in between. Practically all record jackets conta in elaborate information of really little value concerning the use of AKG or Telefunken microphones, Scully lathes, variable depth of cut and the like. Such quasi-technical " prestige" material couId easily be replaced by factual information that would tell the listener whether he hears the recording in the spatial relationship that the recording company preserved. For the I'est, stereo has done one thing that may prove to be a major accomplishment in our time. It has turned music listening into a GLASER-STEERS/GS-77 tTue art, as opposed to the passive experience which it had previously SUPERB FOR STEREO ••• tended to become. better than ever for monophonic records 6 HIFI REVIEW An Indispensable in Every Well-Balanced Record Library

']he 'RC:ll Victor Society of Gr~at 'Music UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB OFFERS BEGINNING MEMBERS 69 BELOVED WORKS OF CHOPIN

POLONAISES WALTZES, NOCTURNES, IMPROMPTUS, PRELUDES

PLAYED BY Jlrtur'Rubinstein A SIX-RECORD ALBUM ~~~y $ 398 12-lnch 33 13 R. P. M. Red Seal records ' (NATIONALL Y ADVERTISED PRICE: $29.98)

THE SOLE CONDITION OF MEMBERSHIP IS TO BUY SIX ADDI­ TIONAL RECORDS FROM AT lEAST 50 THAT WILL BE MADE AVAilABLE FROM THE SOCIETY DURING THE NEXT YEAR

The common-sense purpose of the Society is to help music­ lovers build up a well-balanced record library systematically instead of haphazardly ... and at an immense saving

OST MUSIC-LOVERS, in the back of their commentator, Chairman; SAMUEL CHOTZINOFF, RCA VICTOR Society of Great Music V146-3 General Music Director, NBC; JACQUES BAR­ M minds, certainly intend to build up cf 0 Book-of-the-Month Club, Inc. for themselves a representative record ZUN, author and music critic; JOHN M. CONLY, 345 Hudson Street, New York 14, N. Y. Please register me as a member of The RCA Victor library of the World's Great Music. Under editor of J-ligh 7' ide lit y; AARON COPLAND, Society 01 Great Music and send me immediately the six-record RUBINSTEIN-C'HbpIN album, b1lling me this plan, since the collecting can be done composer; ALFRED FRANKENSTEIN, music edi­ $3 .98 plus a small charge for postage a nd handling. I agree to buy six additional records within twelve systematically, operating costs can be great­ tor of Sail 7'rallcisco Chronicl e; DOUGLAS months from those made available by the Society. for each of which I wllI be bllIed $4.98, the price ly reduced, thus permitting extraordinary MOORE, composer and Professor of Music, nationally advertised (plus a small charge for post­ age and handling). Thereafter, I need buy only four economies for the record collector. The re­ Columbia University; WILLIAM SCHUMAN, such records in any twelve-month period to main­ tain membership. I may cancel my membership any markable Introductory Offer above is a dra­ composer and president of Juilliard School time after buying six records from the Society (in addition to those included in this rntrodnctory offer) . matic demonstration. It can represent of Music; CARLETON SPRAGUE SMITH, chief of After my sixth purchase, if r cantin"". for every two records I buy from the S oc~ 1''''v I win lcceive a third around a 40% saving in the first year. Music Division, N. Y. Public Library; RCA VICTOR Red Seal Record, free. After buying six records, members who G. WALLACE WOODWORTH, Professor of Music, * Harvard University. continue can build their record libraries at ~!~~s } ...... '(Pie~~c p;int piai~\ ;·) ...... • • .. almost a ONE-THIRD SAVING_ For every two HOW THE SOCIETY OPERATES ADDRESS •••••••••••••••.•• • .••••••••• • • •• •••• records purchased (from a group of at least ,'CH month, three or more 12-inch 33YJ R.P.M. C ITy ..••••••••••••• ••• ••.•••••••• ZONE • •.••• • fifty made available annually by the So­ E RCA VICTOR Red Seal Records are announced ciety) members will receive a third RCA and described. One is si ngled out as the record­ of-tbe-lIlolltb and, unless the Society is otherwise STATE ••••••.••.•••••••••••.• •·• · · • •• · ·· ••••• VICTOR Red Seal Record free, which can be NOTE: If you w ish to enr oll through an nulhorl:r.ed RCA instructed (on a simple form always provided), VICTOR d ealer, please fill In his name and address here: chosen from a wide and varied list. this record is sent to the member. If he does not DEALER 'S NAME •••••••••••••••••••• • •• • •• •• •• • *A cardinal feature of the plan is GUID­ want the work- he may specify an alternate, or instruct the Society to se nd him nothing. For ANCE. The Society has a Selection Panel ADDRESS . . ..•••• . •••••• •••. •••••••.•.•...•••. eve ry record purchased, members pay only $4.98, PLEASE NOTE: Heconls can be shipped only to residents whose sole function is to recommend "must­ o( t he U. S. :md Its lerrllorles, and Canada. Records (or the nationally advertised price. (For every ship­ Cnnndian members are made in Cannda and shipped duty free have" works for members. Members of the ment a small charge for postage and handling (rom Ontario. panel are: DEEMS TAYLOR, composer and is added.) 7 MARCH 1959 ~ ·iV4usical Oddentfties

Like any art jon n, music is the result 0/ people doing things. Its history is neither m.ore dignified nor hidebound than that 0/ poetry, painting and sculpture. HrFr R EVIEW is proud to add to its staff of regular contributors the renowned music lexicogra· pher, Nicolas Slonim.sky. Author, conductor, composer and pro· tagonis t for 20th century music, Nicolas Slonimsky is a veritable • storehol.tse of ml.tsical lore and anecdotes. M os.t recently he was appointed to the Editorial Advisory Board of the Encyclopaedia Britannica and he has just received the first copies 0/ his new edi­ torial work, a fifth edition of Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians (G. Schirmer, New Y ork, N . Y ., 1958). In the months to follo w Nicolas Slonimsky will shed light in nnexpected corners of musical history. -Ed.

Hefty prima donnas dyin g of consumption on the operatic stage are always the target of much audience ridicul e. When the Italian tenor Giuseppe Anselmi, as Wilhelm Meister in Mignon at La Scala, could not lift and carry off an exceptionally ample Mignon in the co nA agration scene, a sympatheti c voice from the galJ ery suggested : "Make it in two trips !" stereo by In another operatic situation, it was the tenor who was hefty, and the soprano design .. . rather thin. The corpulent French t e no ~' Leon Escalais, singing the title role of Meyerbeer's Robert Ie Diable, did his dramatic best in the scene of the attack on the castle, when the hero suddenly recognizes the lady of the house as his fostel with the quality that you have a right sister. "Desist!" he cried to his followers. "It is Alice! On the same milk were we to expect from Madison Fielding. nurtured! " Just as the orchestra sU'uck a forehoding chord, someone shouted from Series 320-Dual 20 watt Integrated the audience "You villain ! You must have lapped up all the cream! " Stereophonic Amplffier. . . from $170.0D

Series 330-AM/ FM Stereophonic Tuner Ravel was extrem ely ab se nt-n~inded which r esulted in nwne"ons with multiplex output . . . from $150.0D embal'l'assing incidents. One of the11l occUl'r ed in Chicago in Series 340-Master Stereo phon ic January 1928. At the end of a movem ent f,'om his suite Le Control Console . . . from $150.00 Tombeau rle Cou[Jerin, he gave the final downbeat and d"opped MX·l00-Compatible FM Multiplex his a"ms to his sides. The orchestl'3 continud to play fo,' two mOt'e Adaptor ... $49.50 bm·s. Ravel had completely fOl'gotten that h e had added these The thoughtful design of these fine units two bars in the final ve,'sion of the piece. guarantees you maximum enjoyment from the new experience of stereophonic Biographies of great musicians are frequently made up of anecdotes and reports sound. The flexibility built into from friends and disciples-the most ulll'eliable witnesses. Contrary to popular bio­ Madison Fielding components insures graphical anecdotes, Beethoven did not tear up the title page of his "Eroica" that no matter what your taste-records, Symphony in disgust at learning of Napoleon's "Proclamation of Empire"-nor did tape or tuner-it will be uniquely satisfied. he delete Napoleon's name from the dedication. The only known copy of the "Eroica" is preserved in the library of the Gesellschaft der M usik freunde in Vienna, D1adison :fielding wh ere it can be 'seen that Beethoven inked out the original title and replaced it with the famous dedi cation, "To celebrate the memory of a great man," The Sym­ stereo phony was never "dedicated" to Napoleon- it was originally titled "Napoleon Bona­ parte."

No book on musical insll'UDlents lists an " AugeJlgliiser." Yet there is a piece by Beethoven sCOl'ed fOt, viola, violoncello, and two Au­ gengliiser obbligato. It is d edicated to a couple of B eethoven's f"iends, Nikolaus von Zmeskall, who played tI~e cello, but who was so nea" sighted that h e could not "ead without his Altgetlgliiser, Series 340 Stereophonic Master Control Console i.e. eyeglasses, and to a viola player who was equally m yopic. ( see Boston R econl 210)

Write for complete specifications BRAND PRODUCTS INC. In his heyday in America, Paderewski never l'efused requests from his female ad­ Dept. E-3 , 11 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn 6, N. Y. mirers for a lock of his flowing hair. His manager was appalled by this generosity, "Why, you will be bald in no time if you go on giving away your hair." " Not I," replied Paderewski coolly, "My dog." Marketing Organization for Madison Fielding Corp. -Nicolas SIonimsk y 8 in the ALL· NEW *

dual·diameter speakers

•• Never before such concentrated power! The secret is in Utah's brand new dual-diameter magnetic circuitry and dynamic Uni-coils. By ingeniously combining two magnetic material structures into one, Utah has pro­ duced the greatest power per pound in a loud-speaker since the advent of Alnico V. See the all new Utah speakers now-BIt full range model DBLA and 12" full range model D12LA-they're as "hot" as a Jet Airliner!

Utah Radio & Electronic Corp., Huntington,lnd. j

, • Allied Radio apparently believes in hi.fi equipment absorbing the least possible living area. They have recently introduced several new items in their "Bantam" line. The Knight KN·130 "Bantam" stereo AM· FM tuner is a good example in point. It measures 3%" h. x 11%" w. X 9" d. Featuring two completely independent r.f. and i.f. sec· tions, the KN·130 has a claimed FM sensi· tivity of 4.0 /LV. for 20 db. of quieting and

10 /LV. for 20 db. of AM signal.to.noise ra· tio. Full stereo' tuner provisions and a sep' arate front panel AFC defeat switch. The unit has eight tubes plus a selenium recti· fi er. Attractively finished in a leather· tone brown with a' brushed brass panel and ebony trim. Price $79.50 (Stock Number 92SU421). (Allied Radio Corp., 100 N . .We stem Ave., Chicago 80, TIL)

• Argos may have the answer to your playroom or basement speaker problem. Four of the populi\r Argos ballles are now offered with factory·installed speakers. Two fingertip control of the of the ballles use 8'·inch speakers and two use 12·inch speakers. Two separate models are available, one with along.the·wall mount· full orchestral range .. . octave by octave ing provisions and one for slanting·corner mounting. Prices range from $9.90 to $19.20 new BLONDER·TONG·UE .complete . . (Argos Products Co., Gen~a, Ill.)

audio baton • Ferrodynarnics offers "for the ask· ing" a tape recorder ruler that measures the Each musical instrument possesses its own the dynamic range of musical sound. footage remaining on open tapes. This easy beauty of tone and overtone. Each lends its' How does the Audio Baton do it? By divid­ guide answers the puzzle of "how much own timbre to the magnificent whole that is ing the audible spectrum with nine separate the orchestra. If you really love music, you octave controls, the Audio Baton enables you deserve to hear all of the instruments, purely, to boost or attenuate any octave or combina­ deanly, realistically. To assure yourself the tion of octaves as much as as ± 14 db. At the fullest possible enjoyment of your music sys­ same time, an ingenious' visible indicator dis­ tem, you need the new Blonder-Tongue Audio plays the degree of boost or attenuation in each Baton-one of the most dramatic developments octave, forming a response curve over the in the audio field in 30 years! entire spectrum. Imagine that you have just heard an excep­ In compensating for acoustical or equipment tionally beautiful passage in the alto strings­ deficiencies, the Audio Baton is indispensable, the 'celli. The chart above shows you at a For stereo, two Audio Batons ' give you un­ glance, exactly where in the orchestral spectrum matched facilities for tonal control in listening this instrument is located. The Audio Baton or recording. enables you to. draw any instrument forward In strikingly handsome, modern,cabinet, the from the orchestral background for study, or Audio Baton is priced at only $119.95. to enhance your enjoyment when the selection For an unforgettable experience, hear the is replayed. The same is true of the fiutes, the Audio Baton at your high fidelity dealer today, double-bass, the snare drum, and so on through or write Dept. HFR-3. more tape recording time do I have?" The Iflill BLONDER·TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. / ~:~!~Ht~:!;Jersey ' ruler is simply fitted over the reel spindle In Canada: Telequipment Mfg. Co., ltd., london, Ont. Export:. Morhan Export Corp., N. Y. 13, N. Y. and the tape edge and the reel numbers hi·1i components ' . UHF conyerter~ • master 'TV s.Jstems • industrial TV cameras • FM·AM radios are aligned. The owner can then calculate the footage and time remaining from one of SPECIFICATIONS 0 nine octave compensator controls (40/80/1.60/320/640/1280/2566/5120/10240 cps) with illuminated vertical indicator o' frequency response: fiat from 20 cps to 20,000 cps ± 2db 0 by·pass rotary 10 HIFI REVIEW switch 0 0 insertion loss 0 1. 5V RMS maximum input 0 less than 1% harmonic distortion CHANCES ARE· TWELn HOF HEVER NOT fOR ME roSAY· WIlD IS TH(WlND COME TO ME • WONDERFUL ¥roNOERfUl PLUS 6 OTHERS ANY 511 of these superb 12" IHigh-Fidelityl COLUMBIA and EPIC RECORDS

REX HARRISON JULIE ANDREWS

" ~~:B roadway'I • Call if you join the Columbia @ Record ~ Club now - and agree to purchase only 5 selections during the coming 12 months ROSSINI: Wllllll nu AND You receive ANY 6 of these 12" records for only $3,98 lUlU Of m'ILlI on.TUIIS . * DOH Ill"': DAUGHHI 0' tHI * Your only obligation as a member is to purcha~e five selections' UG'MUnOYIllUII from the more than 200 high·fidelity Columbia and Epic records SotUIERT: ,uICH( l'lIT"'1I to be olfered in the coming 12 months ' TCHAIIOYSIY: IUICHI SlAY ... STRAUSS: UDmll .,uCH * In add it.i0n , alter purchasing only live records you receive a 12" Columbia ~r EpIC Bonus record of your choice free for every two selections you buy VAl IIM'Ut (OIlUI1Cnouw Alii flnroll in anyone of the four Club Divlsio'ns: Classical; ...."'.OU'IUIOICHfSUU * Y~u Listening and , DanCing; Broadway, Movies Television and MUSical Comedies; Jazz ' * Each ,month the Club's staff of musical experts selects out. Armstrong Goodman standIng re c ordln ~s from every field 01 music , •• mU'sic that Brubeck Herman deserves a plac,e In any well·planned library, These selections are fully desc ribed In the Club Magazine which you receive Claylon James free each month ' C.ndon Joy & Kai !IIinglon Rug.lo * You may accept or reject the selection for your Divi si on take any, of the other records offered, or take NO record in any, Garner Vaughan particular month You ll,1ay discontinue membership at * any time after purchasing l ive rec· ords from the Club * The records you want are mailed and billed to you at the regular list price of $3,98 (Classical Selections $4,98), plus small mailing charge ' * MaU coupon -without money-to reo celve your six records '-______..:.. ____r_e_c_e_i_v_e ______..:.. __.:...... ll------. CIRCLE THE NUMBERS OF THE 6 RECORDS YOU WANT- COLUMBIA '@ RECORD CLUB, Dept. 222-3 I. Polly Bergen 15. Sing Along With 26. Tchaikovs ky : Nut· 44. POP Hit Party TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA Party's Over, But Not Mitch Miller . cracker Suite; A dozen hit tunes per- I accept your offer a nd have Indicated at the r ight For Me, My Melancholy You Are My Sunshine. Ravel : Bolero. etc. formed by 12 pop art- the six records I wish to r eceive for S3,98, plus small Baby-9 more Sweet Violets~ Don' t Philadelphia Orches- Ists -Day, Mathis, mailing charge, Enroll m e in the following Division F ence M e In - 16 tra. Ormandy. condo Laine, Bennett. etc. 5. 's Marvelous favorites In all of the Club: Ray Conniff and Orch. 27. Benny Goodman 46. Erroll Garner- (check one box only) As Time G oes By. 16. Schubert:Unfinished L et's Dance. Sing Sing Paris Impressions Where or When, etc. Symphony; Mendels· Sing.Avalon ,MoongLow Moulin Rouge. I Love o Classical 0 Listening and Dancing 0 Jazz sohn : A Midsummer - 11 swin g classics PariS. L eft Bank Swing o Broadway, Movies, Television and Musical Comedies 7. Frankie Laine Night's Drea m 28. Rom antic Music -8 numbers in all J ezebel. High Noon, Philadelphia Orches­ of Rac hmaninoff 48, My Fair LadY I agree to purchase five selections from the more than Jealousy, 9 more tra, Ormandy, condo Andre Kostelanetz and Original cast recording 200 to be offered during the coming 12 months, at 17. Desert Song his Orchestra play this with Rex Harrison and regular list p rice plus small mailing charge, For 10. Schweitzer-Bach Romberg's operetta is h aunting music Julie Andrews every two additional selections I accept. I am to Includes 3 major Bach stili a Joy to hear r eceive a 12" Columbia or Epic Bonus record of my organ compositions 29. Roy Hami lton 49. Waltzes of Strauss choice FREE 18. Beethoven : Emperor The "Big Voice" slngs and TchaikovskY II. Johnny Mathis' Concerto Unchained Melody. Ebb Philadelphia. Orches- Greatest Hits Casadesus, piano; New Tide. I Believe. 9 more tra.. Ormandy. condo Hame •••••••• • o •• ~ •••••••••••••••••••••••• • 0 •• 0 • •• •• 0 ••• • •• No L ove. Chances Arel (Please Print) T we lJth oj Never. I ~~{r~p~~I~ls~ac~~J. nicl 30. Tcha ikovsky: Swan 51. Front Row Center Look at You. 8 more Lake Ballet Suite September Song, House Address •••••••• • • • • • •••••••••• • •••••••• • ••••••• • ••• •• ••• • • • 19. Eddy Duchin Story Philadelphia Orches- of F lowers. Bewitched, 12. Grofe: Grand Canyon Duchin plays The Man tra, Ormandy. condo April in Paris, 9 more Cily • ••• • ••• •• , ••••• •• •• • •• • • ,., . " . ,ZONE, ••• • Slale •••• • , •• This vivid m usical painting h as become i,~o~e 'B1:;t~ Sl~°i::;:e 34. Ellington at Newport 60. Music of Victor CANAD A: Pr ices Slightly higher, an American classic Newport Jazz F estival Herbert - Faith address 11-13 Soho St.. T oronto 2B 20. Dvorak: New World Suite. Jeep's Blues, etc. Dream Girl. A Kiss in If you wish to have this membership credited to an estab­ 13. Doris Day's Symphony 38. The Hymnal the Dark. GyPSY Love lished Columbia or EpiC record dealer. authorized to accept Greatest H its Philadelphia Orches- Norman Luboff Choir Song, 9 more subscriptions, please Ullin the following: Doris sings 12 hits - tra, Ormandy. condo sings 12 beloved h ymns 61. Rossi ni: William L ove Me or L eave Me, 21. $64.000 Jazz - L et Him I n. Sweet Tell Overture, etc. /t's Magic, Que Sera 13 J azz Greats per- Hour of Prayer. etc. Six. stirring overtures Dealer's Name. 0 ••• • •••••• • •••••• •• ••• • •••• •••• • • ••• •• ••• • •• 14. South Pacific forming Honeysuckle 39. Firebird Suit e; and marches Mary Martin and Ezl0 Rose, Perdido. etc. Romeo and Juli et 62. Frank Sinatra Dealer's Address ••• •• • •••• • ••• • • •• •.•••••••••••• • • •• • •• • •• 213 Pinza star in this or- 22. Mozart: Requiem Two colorful scores - A dozen songs - Blue © Colu mbia Records Sales Corp., 1959 ' iglnal Broadway Cast New York Phllhar- performed by Bernstein Skies. The Nearness 01 @"Cotumbla," (ij) •• 'Eplc," ~ Marcas rte't! recording monic, Walter, condo and N.Y. Philharmonic You. Mean to Me. k~41

MARCH!------1959 11 the three speed charts printed on the ruler. (Free on request from Ferrodynamics, Dept. M-13, Lodi, N. J.)

• Glaser-Steers offers a rigid, tinted Plexiglas cover thar fits over its GS Seventy­ Seven stereo record changer. Rigidity-a novelty in record changer covers-allows freedom of operation when the changer is in use. Thu·s, the changer may be "loaded" with records and kept dust-free during two­ three hours of continuous operation. Avail­ able at all Glaser-Steers authorized dealers. Price $9.75_ (Glaser-Steers Corp., 20. Main St., Belleville, N. J.)

• Pilot is now marketing its new "216" professional stereo preamplifier. To anyone interested in two-channel stereo tape re­ cording this preamplifier is certainly the premium answer. Audiophiles will imme­ diately note the two illuminated VU meters and recording level controls and switches on the front panel. The recording lever switch measures the tape output level as adjusted by the recording level controls

• • • • • • • The Weathers StereoRamic Systems bring'you full, clear, and undistorted sound, at a budget price.

and the main output level as finally ad­ Weathers Technical Magic has produced the lightest, quietest, and justed by the stereo balance and volume smoothest turntable ever made .•• no mechanical noises, no outside controls. The "216" also features 12 inputs, vibrations, and practically no rumble or feedback. Its cool running including a special provision for a multiplex 12 pole synchronous motor maintains constant speed regardless of adapter for FM-FM stereo. A new loudness variations in line voltage or load. Noise level is below that of today's and volume control arrangement has been built into this unit. The volume control finest records. consists of four potentiometers mounted on • the same shaft, thus providing synchronized • attenuation to assure maximum signal-to­ • The Weathers StereoRamic Systems use the famous Weathers Tonearm and the amazing Weathers StereoRamic noise ratio at all listening levels_ The fre­ Cartridge which tracks at only 2 grams and outperforms quency response of the "216" preamp is ± 1.0. db. from 20. to 20.,000. cycles. Har­ any magnetic cartridge at any price. monic distortion for 1 volt output is less than 0..2%. Hum and noise are 80. db. be­ The K-SOl system gives you the Famous Weathers Tonearm, Turntable low the 1 volt output leveL Record equali­ and StereoRamic Cartridge complete-ready to plug into your amplifier zation on both channels provides for • •• • with diamond stylus $119.50 ••• with sapphire stylus $111.75. RIAA, LP, NAB and AES curves by varia­ • tion of the bass and treble tone controls. The MC-1 system combines the Famous Tonearm and the StereoRamic Tape equalization (NARTB) is provided • Cartridge ready for mounting on your turntable ••• with diamond stylus with the tone controls in the RIAA position. • $55.95 .•. with sapphire stylus $48.25. In keeping with the current Pilot line of stereo equipment, the "216" has a brushed Ask your dealer for a demonstration or write for booklet No. 659R. brass dress panel with gold-plated bezel and knobs_ Price $189.50.. (Pilot Radio Corp_, Long Island City 1, N_ Y.)

DIVISION or ADV ... NCE INOUST"'ItS. INC. • Scott has redesigned portions of its 66 E. Gloucester Pike, Barrington, N. J. popular "Type 250." power amplifier. Rated Export: Joseph Plasencia, Inc., 401 Broadway, New York, N. Y. at 40 watts output, or 80. watts instan­ taneous peak power, the new amplifier has WEATHERS TECHNICAL MAGIC IS SOUND a distortion figure of less than 0..10/0 (1M) and a harmonic distortion figure of less 12 HIFI REVIEW FISHER

INCOMPARABLE FEATURES .40 walts in stereo, 75-watt peaks. T IS BUT ~ioGreAL . that only a higti:fidellty instrument .12 inputs for all stereo and mono· I using the finest materials can produce the finest sound. phonic progrom sources. When you look inside THE FISHER X-I 01, you will see • Record-Monitor facilities. an immaculate wiring and component layout-you will .8-position Function Selector: 78, LP, see massive, low-flux; density' transformers, with inter­ RIAA·1, RIAA-2, Tape, Tuner, AUX.1, AUX-2. leaved windings to prevent hum and noise (and guqran­ • 4·position Output Selector: Reverse, for tee, the at others caJ;lnot)-and you will transposing the two channels; Stand· ard stereo; Channel A and Channel B for two·speaker operation from monophonic source. • Single-knob Channel Balance control. quality-is to the eye ... irrefutable to the. ear, • Full-range, Bass and Treble controls. • Hum and noise, inaudible. o'!>jective in design, to bring. you the music INTACT ... the music itself. • Rumble Filter. Loudness Control. Hear The Music Itself­ WRlTE TODA~ FOR NEW STEREO BROCHURE! Hear THE FISHER!

fISHER RADIO CORPORATION. 21·37 44th DRIVE • LONG ISLAND cln I, N. Y.

MARCil 1959 13

o nUJJb01, ex a01UJi iO pi C36llTe-Lt:Ilu::'- rcr"TIrcrease:-.rresml Inay be damage to records or sensitive stereo cartridge. This can't happen with the Collaro counter-balanced arm which varies less than 1 gram in pressure between the top and bottom of a stack of records. Arm accepts any standard stereo or mono a ural cartridge.

R~

American sales representative for Collaro ltd. & other fine companies. RCD MARCil 1959 15 t.han 0.5% at full power output. Frequency response is fl at from 12 to 4·0,000 cycles. The circuit design of this power amplifier has been developed so that it may operate with reactive loads such as electrosta ti c

a

LAFAYETTE STEREO TUNER KIT THE MOST FlEXIBLE TUNER EVER DESIGNED BOOKSHELF • Multi,l.. ·Output for Now Sit,.. FM • 11 Tubas (including 4 dual-pur,.,e) + Tuning EYI + Selenium rectifier Pro .. "ide 17 Tub. rerformante ~ 10KC Whisti. Filt.r • Pr.·aligned I F's • Tuned Ca"od. FM • 12 Tunod Circuits • Dual Cathod. Follower Output • S'pa;at, ly iun~d FM and AM Sections "Beethoven-A PietOl'ial Biog"aphy­ • Armstrong Circuit with FM/ AFC and by E"ieh Valentin. Publish ed by Studio.. AFC Dof ••t • Dual Double-Tuned Transformer C"owell, Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 432 Coupled Limiters. FOUl·tlt Avenue, New York 16, N. Y. 148 More than a year of research, planning and engineering went into the mo~ing of the Lafayette Stereo Tuner. Its unique flexibility permits the reception.of blnoural pages. $6.95. V.e .t ... B' ••• r.'. broadcasting (simultaneous transmission on both FM and ~), the Indepe~dent StereoplaoR'e operation of both the fM and AM sections af the same hme, and the ordlnory FM;AM t ••er reception of either FM or AM. The AM and FM sections oro seporatel~ tuned .. This is a superbly prod uced picture book. eClch with a separate 3-0009 tuning condenser, separate flywheel tuning and The author has assembled a Beethoven bi· V.e It ••• D ...,· separate volume control for proper balancing when used for bi~aural programs. No.... r.J E'M-AM t ...er Simplified accurate knife-edge tuning is provided by magic eye which operates ography in terms of contemporary images. V.e It .. • .tr...... t j ndependently on FM and AM . Automatic frequency control " locks in" ~M sig~a' permanently. Aside from its unique flexibility, this is,. above all el~e, a . qu~hty The houses of Beethoven's birth and resi· ,,"oR•• r.J JIM or AM high-fidelity tuner incorporating features found exclUSively in the highest priced t ...er tuners. dence, the cities he visited on his travels, FM specifications include grounded-grid triode low noise front end with trIode his fri end s and patrons, his letters, manu· mixer double-tuned dual limiters ·with Fosler-Seeley discriminator, less than 1% harmo'nic distortion, frequency response 20-20,000 cps ± V2 db, full· 200 kc scripts, th e title pages of his first ed itions, bandwidth and sensitivity of 2 microvolts for 30 db quieting with full limiting at one microvolt. AM specifications include 3 stages of AVe, 10 kc whistle filter, and portraits of himself at various stages of built-in ferrite loop antenna, Jess than 1 % harmonic distortion, sensitivity of 5 microvolts, 8 kc bandwidth and frequency response 20-5000 cps ± 3 db. his life generously decorate these pages. The 5 controls of the KT-500 are fM Volume, AM Volume, fM Tuning, AM Tuning The art of the engraver had reached a and 5-position Function Selector Switch. Tastefully styled with gold-brass escu­ tcheon having dark maroon background plus matching maroon knobs with gold peak in those early years of the nineteenth inserts. The lafayette Stereo Tuner was designed with the builder in mind. Two separate printed circuit boards make construction and wiring simple, even for century, just before Daguerre's invention KT.500 IN KIT such a complex unit. Complete kit includes all parts and metal cover, a step-by. revolutionized the entire technique and step instruction manual, schem~t.ic and pictorial diagrams. ·Size is 13'/,," W x 74.50 FORM 10'/," D x 4 1/2" H. Shpg. wt. ,t22'lbs. co nce pt of illustration. The superb printing ONLY 7.45 DOWN KT-500 ...... Net 74.50 by the Kindler Verlag of Munich and the 700 MONTHLY LT -50 Same as above. completely factory wired and tested ... Net 124.50 fin e texture of the paper reproduce the NEW! LAFAYETTE PROFESSIONAL STEREO many excellent etchings in all their richness MASTER AUDiO CONTROL CENTER of gradation and Biedermaier charm. Solves Every Stereo!Monaural Control Problem! Through this book, Beethoven's world • UNIQUE STEREO & MONAURAL CONTROL FEATURES takes form before our eyes. From the static • AMAZING NEW BRIDGE CIRCUITRY FOR VARIABLE images, our mind can project a visualiza· 3d CHANNEL OUTPUT & CROSS·CHANNEl FEED tion of his entire milieu. A glance at these • PRECISE "NULL" BALANCING SYSTEM pages, makes even more astonishing the A REVOLUTIONARY DEVELOPMENT IN STEREO HIGH Fl. fact that such heroic musical forms took DELITY. Provides such unusual features as a Bridge Control, for variable cross-c hannel signol feed for elimination of "ping­ shape in Beethoven's mind amidst what ap· pong" (exaggerated separation) effects and for 3d channel pears to us as the idyllic quaintness of his output volume control for 3·speoker stereo systems; 3d channel output also serves for mixing stereo to produce excellent mono surroundings. No doubt, it aids the under· aural recordings. Also has full input mixing of monaural program sources, special "null" stereo balancing and calibrating system standing of a composer's work if we can ONLY 7.95 DOWN (better than meters), 24 equalization positions, all-concentric vi sualize just what the man saw before his 8 .00 MONTHLY controls, rumble and scratch filters, loudness switch. Clutch type volume controls for balancing or as 1 Master Volume Control. eyes as he walked the streets on his every· Has channel reverse, electronic phasing, input level controls.' Sensitivity 1.78 millivolts for 1 volt out. Dual low-i mpedance day errands. This is especially important if T outputs (plate followers), 1300 ohms. Response 10·25.000 cps we are separated by a great span of time • RESPONSE 10·25,000 CPS ± 0.5 DB ± 0 .5 db. less than .03% 1M distortion. Uses 7 new 7025 low. • 6 CONCENTRIC FRONT PANEL CONTROLS noise dual triodes. Size 14" x 4%" x 10'/.". Shpg. wt.. 16 Ibs. from th e composer's own period. In this • 4 CONCENTRIC REAR fA·NEL INPUT Complete with printed circuit board, cage, profusely illustrated sense, authentic and intelligently compiled LEVEL CONTROLS instructions, all necessary ports. LAFAYETTE KT·600 - Stereo Preamplifier kit .... Net 79.50 picture books help toward intuitive rapport • 180 0 ELECTRONIC PHASE REVERSAL LAFAYETTE · LA·600-Stereo Preamplifier. Wired ·. .. Net 134.50 with a creative artist's time and personality. LAFAYETTE STEREO/MONAURAL BASIC POWER AMPLIFIER KIT Being German, the author had access to • 36·WATT STEREO AMPLtFtER· • 2 PRINTED CIRCUIT IOARDS FOR sources that might be less accommodating 18·WATTS EACH' CHANNEL NEAT, StMPLtFIED WtRtNG • FOR OPTIONAL USE AS 36·WATT • RESPONSE BETTER THAN 3S·30,000 to American researchers, notably in East MONAURAL . AMPLIFIER CPS ± '" DI AT 11 WATTS Germany (Weimar) and Czechoslovakia • EMPLOYS 4 NEW PREMtUM·TYPE • LESS THAN 1% HARMONtC OR 7189 OUTPUT TUBES INTERMODULATION DISTORTION (Prague). The Austrian National Library A superbly·performing bosic ,Iereo omplifier. in easy·lo-build kit form to save you lots of money and let you get Into stereo now at minimum expensel Dual at Vi enna the City Archives at Bonn and inputs are provided, each with individual volume control, and the unit moy be some private Viennese collections served as used with a stereo preamplifier, for 2· 18 watt stereo channels or, at the flick of a switch, as a fine 36·wott monaural amplifier - or, if desired, it may be used as additional sources. 2 separate monaural 18·wott amplifiersl CONTROLS include 2 input volume con­ trols, channel Reverse switch (AB . BA) , Monaural·Stereo switch. DUAL OUTPUT Interwoven through the illustrations is a IMPEDANCES· arc: 4, 8, 16 and 32 ohms (permitting parollel (monaural) opera· ·tio n of 2 speaker systems of up to 16 ohms. INPUT SENSITIVITY is 0 . .(5 volts per literate and informative account of Beetho· channel for full output. TUBES are 2·6AN8, .(·7189; GZ ·3'( rectifier. SIZE; 9-3/1 6" d ONLY 4 .75 DOWN- (10·9/ 16" with controls) x 5 1/,,"h x 131f.. "w. Supplied complete with perforated ven's life. The text does not reach spiritual 5.00 MONTHLY metal cage, all necessary parts and detailed instructions. Shpg. wh, 22 Ibs. heights comm ensurate to its subjec t (as in T KT·310 St.r.o Pow.r Amptifier Kit ...... N.! 47.50 lA.3l0-Stereo Power Amplifier, Wired ...... Net 69.50 Romain Rolland's famed Beethoven biog· ,------_.------, raphy) , but it serves as an eminently read· I . I able factual reference, made even more I I serviceable by a detailed index. I 0 Send FREE LAFAYETTE Catalog 599 I This wholly enfoyable book, however, is I CUT OUT I I Name ...•...... •...... " AND I marred by an error (possibly in translation) I PASTE ON I so blatant that not even charity may pass ~ Address .. ' ...... POSTCARD : over it. A caption on page 27 refers to Vienna as "Mozart's native city." When I~ity:.:..::.. ::~:..- ~:.:..::.:. ZO~'':': .~tate.:...:...::...:_:~.:.;.. :.:.::. .______I (Continued on page 18) 16 HIFI REVIEW You are the Fifth :man In• this Quartet ...

... when the instrument you are playing is the produced. Operating controls include: ganged bass, treble Harman-Kardon Concerto. Listen to Harman·Kardon and loudness; contOur, rumble filter, scratch filter, equaliza. stereo high fidelity and you are in the very midst of the tion, balance control, mode switch, function selector and two music. Here is music in its fullest dimension: all of its depth tuning controls for AM and FM. The TP200, including its and width and color - its infinite variety - reproduced for copper finished enclosure, is priced at $189.95. The HK250, you perfectly every time. including its copper finished enclosure, is priced at $99.95. There is a complete new line of stereo units by Harman· Other new Harman·Kardon models in dude complete Kardon. All are sensibly designed to permit maximum per· stereophonic amplifiers priced as low as $99.95 and new formance with a minimum of complication. Each reflects the stereophonic tuners as low as $114.95. Harman·Kardon also brilliant design which has won Harman·Kardon products produces The Nocturne, Model AX20, the ideal instrument the distinction of exhibition at the Milan Triennale and the to convert any existing system (console or component) to Brussels World's Fair. superb stereo. The AX20 price is $99.95. Prices of all units The range of control in these new instruments is such are slightly higher in the West. that your position in the room is uncriticaL Virtually For complete information on Harman·Kardon stereo write wherever you sit, the room is alive with music. Further, your to Dept. MR·3, H arman·Kardon, Inc., '\N"estbury, N. Y. present LP records are enhanced in performance when repro· duced this wonderful new way. The Concerto, Model TP200 (see below) is a complete stereo tuner and stereo control center. It incorporates a splendid stereo AM and FM tuner and superb stereo pre· amplifiers in one, handsome, compact unit. The Concerto connects easily and quickly to the new Model HK250 (not shown) dual power amplifier. The HK250 delivers 25 watts of hum·free, distortion·free power from each channel (a combined peak power of 100 watts). It is meant to be placed out of sight and is controlled by the TP200. Together, they provide a complete, flawless stereo electronic center. The TP200 includes separate highly sensitive FM and AM tuners with a convenient stereo· indexer which permits ready identification of six pairs of stations. The preamplifiers kardon permit any monaural or stereo program material to be reo MARCH 1959 17 (Continued from page 16) rrWhat do you mean I can copies of this book reach Salzburg, there take the first step will be a municipal uproar. -hhf toward stereo at "SCHUBERT - Memoirs By His Friends," collected and edited by Otto I no extra cost?" Erich Deutsch. Published by The Mac­ • • millan Company, 60 Fifth A venue, • New YOl:k City II. 501 pages, 23 • • • plates. $10.00• • • • "SCHUBERT-A Critical Biography," by Maurice J. E. Brown. Published by St. Ma.·tin's PI'ess, Inc., 103 Pal·k Avenue, New York City 17.414 pages. $6.75.

To read about the life of Franz Schubert rrEasy. This Sonotone is a frustrating experience for one who loves his music. There is the unhappy fact Stereo Cartridge plays that if Schubert had been a virtuoso con· your regular records cert performer, his compositions would have been accorded more contemporary reo now ... plays stereo when spect and would have been published more you convert later on. " readily, circumstances that would have made his life easier and probably would have delayed his death many years. Another nagging suspicion is that some of his lost music was not lost accidentally. It is a sorry aspect of cause and effect that an individual's good nature should betray him-and al so posterity. Schubert's friends often borrowed his manuscripts and one of these friends was a composer whose servant was found using Schubert's manuscripts for kindling. I join Maurice J. E. Brown in wondering how a servant in a composer's household would dare to burn a piece of music without permission. Sonotone Stereo Cartridges Mr. Brown's book places Schubert in excellent historic and artistic perspective. give brilliant perfqrmance on both stereo and regular discs ... and cost the same as regular cartridges.

Specify Sonotone ... here's why you'll hear the difference: 1. E xtremely high compliance ... also m eans good tracking, longer record life. 2. Amazingly clean wide-range frequency response. 3. First-quality jewel styli tips-correctly cut and optically ground for minimum record wear. 4. Rumble suppressor greatly reduces vertical turntable This may not be flattering to the musical noise. Prices start at $6.45 (including mounting brackets). sophistication and tastes of Vienna, despite the high opinipn the Viennese have had of their culture. Get details on converting to stereo. Send for free In 1827, only two years before Schubert's booklet: "Stereo Simplified," Sonotone Corp., Dept. CTT-39, Elmsford, N. Y. death, a well· known publisher rejected 'som e of his piano pieces because he was involved in publishing the Complete Works of Friedrich Kalkbrenner. (The repertoire Sonotone ®~ barrel will have to be pretty near complete Electron ic Applications Division, Dept. CTI·39 P. exhaustion before any recording company ELMSFORD. NEW YORK follows that publisher's lead.) In Canada, contact Atlas Radio Corp., Ltd., Toronto (Continued on page 20) Leading makers of fine ceramic cartridges, speakers, microphones, tape heads, electron tubes. 18 HIFI REVIEW Here are the exciting The H. H. Scott engineering laboratories proudly introduce the new.Model 299 40 watt stereophonic amplifier and control center. It details on contains many advance features that not only meet the needs of today's stereophonic program sources, but anticipate the require­ ments of the future. Check the details of this new amplifier, and see for yourself why the new 299 is superior to any ' other amplifier The Stereo available. Alllplifier that 3 14 6 1 7 13 4 sets the Standards for • the Next 9 10 11 a 2 5 12 1 40 watt powe'r stage consisting of duaf 20 watt power ampli fiers. You need this much power to meet the requirem ents of today's speaker systems. 2 Com pletely separate Bass and Treble controls on ea ch channel so tha t different speakers may be matched. 3 Provision for connecting both a stereo phon o Decade! cartridge and stereo tape heads. 4 Phase reverse switch to compensate for improperly phased tape recordings or loudspeakers. 5 Special balancing circuit for quick and accurate volume balancing of both channels. 6 Separate record scratch and rumble filters. 7 Unique visual signal light control panel. Instantly indicates mode of operation . 8 Can be used as an electronic crossover (bi ·amplifier) 9 Special compensation for direct connection of tape playback heads without external pr eamp. 10 Spe· ci al switching lets you use your stereo pickup on monaural records. 11 You can playa monaural source such as an FM tuner through both channels simultaneously effectively doubling power. 12 Loudness compensation . 13 Stereo tape recorder output. 14 D.C. filament supply for preamp to virtually elimi ­ nate hum ,(80 db below full power output)'. 15 Distortion (first order difference tone) less than 0.3%. I 11);;<) III II < ,I q'l Size in accessory walnut case : 15 !I.w x 5h x 12 !I.d. Price $199.95. (West of ~~'1 Rockies $201; .95) I H. H. SCOTT. INC. 111 POWDER MilL RD .. MAYNARD, MASS . ~~~I EXPORT: TELESCO INTERNATIONAL CORP. 36 W. 40TH ST., N. Y. C. Write for complete technical specifications and new catalog MR-3 (Continued from page 18) When Chopin visited Vienna in 1829 and again in 1830, he encountered no references to Schubert in the musical life there. And Karl Czerny, in the "Reminiscences" of his INSPIRATIO life in the Austrian capital up to 1832, also makes no single mention of Schubert's Hi-Fi Cabinetry from WELLCOR name. that breaks the As late as 1870, Schubert was dismissed Sound and Beauty Equipment Cabinet . in Viennese musical circles as a son g-writer. E2 barrier. This judgment condemned him to the bot­ tom of the musical totem-pole ; hi gh man WELLCOR'S was the opera composer. Hence the reason "Inspiration 59" for his persistent attempts to write a suc­ offers new beauty cessful opera. in Hi-Fi Ca binetry As a song-writer (and not necessarily be­ styling. WELLCOR equipment "quality cause he was a highly original, path-break­ engineering" ing song-writer) , Schubert attracted a circle guarantees audio of friends and hangers-on who came to­ perfection for gether with irregular frequency in gather­ your stereo or ings known as "Schubertiads." They read Hi-Fi system. poetry; they played music; they sang Schu­ bert songs ; they indulged in what was Send for a catalog today. See the termed "melTY nonsense." entire WELLCOR line at your local dealer. "Inspiration 59", In the course of these Schubertiads and WELLCOR, the finest in Hi-Fi other gatherings of "merry nonsense so­ Cabinetry. cieties," many people came in contact with the composer. With the refu sal of Schu­ bert's music and reputation to be interred with his bones, these friends and acquaint· ances began to remember more and more about him, and many of these memories were committed to writing. Some of them were accurate and perceptive ; others mere· ly provided a peg upon which their authoTs' immortality hangs. Otto Erich Deutsch has done yeoman work in collecting and editing these remi­ niscences and the reminiscences of persons who came into more serious contact with Schubert. They are published in a solidly AUDIOPHILE PRICES handsome format. This volume, which is E2 Cabinet...... $130.50 S12-15 Enclosure 72.00 well-indexed, is a gold mine for the Schu­ SB-12 Enclosure. 51.75 bert biographer who can read between lines E1 Cabinet...... 157.50 and separate wheat from chaff. CS12-15 Enclosu re 72.00 Maurice 1. E. Brown has done just that CAC Cabinet ..... 2B .50 C8-12 Enclosure . 33.75 in his book and it is deservedly termed a "critical biography." To his erudition and Prices quoted are for ma ­ hogany; wa ln ut or limed insight, Brown adds a literary style that . oak sli ghtly higher skilfully organizes disorganized material into an entirely readable story. This is a ... biography about a composer who has grown greatly in over·all reputation and impor­ tance during the past two decades. Brown's book explains to a large degree why Schu­ bert's place in the musical firmament is taking so 101lg to fix. It also offers the good cheer to Schubert admirers that that place is high and secure. - wdm. HIGH FIDELITV ENCLOSURE S R EQUIPMENT CABINETS • CONSOLE SPEAKER ENCLOSURES • CORNER SPEAKER ENCLOSURES· KITS • WALL AND CORNER BAFFLES· TURN TABLE AND CHANGER BASES • MOUNTING BOARDS • REDUCER RINGS TAPE CARRYING CASES • SPEAKERS • SPEAKER BAFFLE ASSEMBLIES WELLCOR, INC., 1214 NORTH WELLS STREET, CHICAGO 10, ILLINOIS Please send me your FREE catalog giving full details about the "Inspiration 59" line of WELLCOR cabinets and enclosures. NAME ADDRESS ______CITY ZONE_ __STATc.E ______20 HIFI REVIEW MODEL SE-1 (center unit) $14995 Shpg. Wt. 162 Ibs. (specify wood desired)

MODEL SC-1 (speaker enclosure) $3995 each Shpg. Wt. 42 Ibs.(specify R. or. L. also wood desired) Superbly designed cabinetry to house your complete stereo system. Delivered with pre-cut panels to fit Heathkit AM-FM tuner (PT-I), stereo preamplifier (SP-l & 2) and record changer (RP-3). Blank panels also supplied to cut out for any other equipment you may now own. Adequate space is also provided for tape deck, speakers, record storage and am­ plifiers. Speaker wings will hold Heathkit SS-2 or other speaker units of similar size. Available in %" solid core Philippine mahogany or select birch plywood suitable for finish of your choice. Entire top features a shaped edge. Hard­ ware and trim are of brushed brass and gold finish. Rich tone grille cloth is flecked in gold and black. Maximum overall dimensions (all three pieces); 82%" W. x 361/2 " H. x 20" D.

PROFESSIONAL STEREO-MONAURAL AM-FM TUNER KIT MODEL PT-1 $8995 The IO-tube FM circuit features AFC as well as AGC. An accurate tuning meter operates on both AM and FM while a 3-position switch selects meter functions with­ out disturbing stereo or monaural listening. The 3-tube .front end is prewired and prealigned, and the entire AM circuit is on one printed circuit board for ease of con­ struction. Shpg. Wt. 20 lbs.

MONAURAL-STEREO PREAMPLIFIER KIT MODEL SP-2 (stereo) (TWO CHANNEL MIXER) $.5695 .$hpg. wt. . • 151bs. Complete control of your entire stereo system in one com­ pact package. Special "building block" design allows you to ~ODEL SP-1 (monaural) purchase instrument in monaural version and add stereo or $3795 Shpg. wt. . 1,3 Ibs. second channel later if desired. The SP-l monaural pre­ amplifier features six separate inputs with four input level controls. A function selector switch on the SP-2 provides two channel mixing as well as single or dual channel monaural and dual channel stereo. A 20' remote balance control is provided.

MARCH 1959 21 HIGH FIDELITY RECORD CHANGER KIT

MODEL RP-3 $6495 Every outstanding feature you could ask for in a record changer is provided in the Heathkit RP-3, the most advanced changer on the market today. A unique turntable pause dur­ ing the change cycle saves wear and tear on your records by eliminating grinding action caused by records dropping on a moving turntable or disc. Record groove and stylus wear are also practically eliminated through proper weight distribution and low pivot point friction of the tone arm, which minimizes arm' resonance and tracking error. Clean mechanical sim­ plicity and precision parts give you turntable performance with the automatic convenience of a record changer. Flutter and wow, a major problem with automatic changers, is held to less than 0.18 0/0 RMS. An automatic speed selector posi­ tion allows intermixing 33 V! and 45 RPM records regardless of their sequence. Four speeds provided: 16, 33V!, 45 and 78 RPM. Other features include RC filter across the power switch preventing pop when turned off and muting switch to prevent noise on automatic or manual change cycle. Changer is supplied complete with GE-VR-II cartridge with diamond LP and sapphire 78 stylus, changer base, stylus pressure gauge and 45 RPM spindle. Extremely easy to assemble. You simply mount a few mechanical components and connect the motor, switches and pickup leads. Shpg. Wt. 19 Ibs. Model RP-3-LP with MF-I Pickup Cartridge $74.95

HIGH FIDELITY TAPE RECORDER KIT HIGH FIDELITY AM TUNER KIT Includes tape deck MODEL TR-1A $ 9995 assembly, preampli fier MODEL BC-1A $2695 (TE·1) and rol l of tape. The model TR-IA Tape Deck and Preamplifier, combination Designed especially for high fidelity applications this provides all the facilities you need for top quality monaural AM tuner 'will give you reception close to FM. A record /playback with fast forward and rewind functions. special detector is incorporated and the IF circuits are 71h and 33,4 IPS tape speeds are selected by changing belt " broad banded" for low signal distortion. Sensitivity drive. Flutter and wow are held to less than 0.35 0/0. Fre­ and selectivity are excellent and quiet performance is quency response at 7V2 IPS ±2.0 db 50-10,000 CPS, at 33,4 assured by high signal-to-noise ratio. All tunable IPS ±2.0 db 50-6,500 CPS. Features include NARTB play­ components are prealigned. Your " best buy" in an back equalization-separate record and playback gain con­ AM tuner. Shpg. Wt. 9lbs. trols-cathode follower output and provision for mike or 'tine input. Signal-to-noise ratio is better than 45 db below normal recording level with less than I % total harmonic dis­ tortion. Complete instructions provided for easy assembly. (Tape mechanism not sold separately). Slipg. Wt. 24 lb. Model TE-I Tape Preamplifier sold separately if desired. Shpg. Wt. 10 Ibs. $39.95.

HIGH FIDE FM TUNER KIT

IT'S EASY . .. IT'S FUN MODEL FM-3A $2695 And You Save Up To !h With Do-It-Yourself Heathkits For noise and static-free sound reception, this FM tuner is your least expensive source of high fidelity Pulling together your own Heathkit can be' one of the most exciting material. Efficient circuit design features stabJized hobbies you ever enjoyed. Simple step-by-step instructions and large oscillator circuit to eliminate drift after warm-up and pictorial diagrams show you where every part goes. You can't possi­ bly go wrong. No previous electronic or kit building experience is re­ broadband IF circuits for full fidelity with high sensi­ quired. You'll learn a lot about your equipment as you build it, and, tivity. All tunable components are prealigned and of course, you will experience the pride and satisfaction of having front end is preassembled. Edge-illuminated slide rule done it yourself, dial is clearly marked and covers complete FM band 'from 88 to 108 mc. Shpg. Wt. 8 Ibs.

22 HIFI REVIEW • No Woodworking Experience Required For Construction CHAIRSIDE ENCLOSURE KIT MODEL' CE-1 $4396 h (Specify' model and wood .• All Parts Precut and Predrilled eac desired when ordenng.) . ,For Ease of Assembly Your eomplete hi-fi sYstem is right at your 'fingertips with this. h mely styled chairside enclosu addition to its co ence and utility it will compl 'your living '~hings with its str.iking desi 't.her tradi- temporary models. Desi·gn flexibi d compactness consistent appearance, this enclosuFe IS intended to h AM and F:M tuners (BC-IA and FM-3A preamplifier, along with the RP-3 or chan~e~s which will fit in the space p tilafed space is provjded in the rear of t e enclosure for any of the Heathkit amplifiers designed tQ' operate with the W A ~ P2 . The tilt-out shelf can be installed on either right or left side as desired during construction, and a lift-top lid in front can also be reversed. Both: tUners may be installed In ,tilt-out shelf, with preamp mounted in front 0 changer .. . . Or tuner and preamp .co.rnbined with oth ')1 changer area. Overall di s are 18" .W. x 35~' D. Changer compar measures 17% • W.' J!. 9%" D. All parts areur-ecut and pre- driUe asy assembly. The ContemlWrary caDin.~t 'S avail either mahogany or birch, and Hie Traditional cabin vailable in mahogany suitaole foi the finish of YOUt; ehojce. All hardware supplied. ~hpg. WI. 46 Ibs.

TRADITIONAL Model CE-1T Mahogany

"BOOKSHELF" HI-FI 12 WATT AMPLIFIER KIT MODEL EA-2 $2896 An amplifier and preamplifier 'in one compact unit, the EA-2 has more than enough power for the average home hi-Ii system and provides full range frequency, response from 20 to 20,000 CPS within ± I db, with less tlian 2% harmonic distorition at full power over the entire range. RIAA equalization, separate bass and treble controls and hum balance control are featured. An outstanding per­ former for the size and price. Shpg. Wt. 15 Ibs.

"UNIVERSAL" HI-FI 12 WATT AMPLIFIER KIT MODEL UA-1 $2196 Ideal for stereo or monaural applications. Teamed with the Heathkit WA-P2 preamplifier, the UA-I pro­ vides an economical starting point for a hi-fi system. This hi-fi ainplifier represents a remarkable value at less In stereo applications two UA-.J's may be used along than a dollar a watt. Full audio output and maximum with the Heathkit SP-2, or your present system may dampi'n . a true 55 watts from 20 to 20,000 CPS with be converted to stereo by adding the VA-I. Harmonic less rha % tQtar harmonic distortion throughout the distortion is less than 2% from 20 to 20,000 CPS at entire range. 'Features include le:veLfcontrol and full 12 watt output. "On-off" switch located on chassis right on the chassis, plus pro'Vis ion for and an octal plug is also provided to connect pre­ Pilot light on chassis. MoClern, functional amplifier for remote control operation. Shpg. Wt. Wt, 28 Ibs. 13 Ibs,

~ %'~ CONTROL" PREAMPLIFIER KIT ' A-P2 $1976

MARCH 1959 23 "ADVANCE DESIGN" 25 WATT HI-FI AMPLIFIER KIT MODEL W5-M $5975 Enjoy the distortion-free high fidelity sound reproduc. tion from this outstanding hi-fi amplifier. The W5-M incorporates advanced design features for the super critical listener. Features include specially designed Peerless output transformer and KT66 tubes. The cir· cuit is rated at 25 watts and will follow instantaneous po~er peaks of a full orchestra up to 42 watts. A " tweeter saver" suppresses high frequency oscillation and a unique balancing circuit facilitates adjustment of output tubes. Frequency response is ± I db from 5 to 160,000 CPS at 1 watt and within ±2 db 20 to 20,000 CPS at full 25 watts outpu.!, Harmonic distor­ tion is less than I % at 25 watts and IM distortion is 1% at 20 watts (60 'and 3,000 CPS, 4: I). Hum and "HEAVY DUTY" 70 WATT HI·FI AMPLIFIER KIT noise are 99 db below 25 watts for truly quiet per· MODEL W6-M $10995 formance. Shpg. Wt. 31 Ibs. For real rugged duty called for by advance hi-Ii systems or P.A. ,networks, this high powered amplifier more than fills the' bill. Silicon-diode rectifiers are used to assure long life and a heavy" duty transformer gives you extremely good power supply regulation. Variable damping control provides , optimum performance with any speaker system. Quick change plug selects 4, 8 and 16 ohlT) or 70 volt, oUtput and the correct feedback .resistance. Frequency response at 1 watt is ± I ,db from ' 5 CPS to 80 kc with controlled RF rolioff above 100 kc. At 70 watts output harmonic distortion is be­ low 2% , 20 to 20,000 CPS and 1M 'distortion below 1 % 60 , and 6,{)00 CPS. Hum and qoise 88 db below fun output. Shpg. Wt: 52 lbs: .

: " .

YOU'RE NEVER OUT OF DATE WITH HEATH KITS

Healhkil hi-fi syslems are designed for maximum flexibilily, Simple conversion from basic to complex syslems or {rom monaural 10 slereo is easily accomplished by adding 10 already exisling units. Healhkil engineering skill is your guarantee againsl obsolescence. Expand your hi-fi as your budgel permils .. . and, i{you like, spread Ihe paymenls over easy monlhly inslallmenls wilh Ihe Healh Time Payment Plan.

~ENER~kPURPOSE' 20 WATT AMPLlFIER KIT MODEl, ' A9-G' $3550 ,The moqel ..\9-C: combines a preamplifier, main amplifier and , power supply all on one chassis, providing,a ,compact unit ta fill rhe<. need for- a good amplifier with a moderate cash in­ vesrment. ' Features , four separate switch-selected inputs. Separate bass and treble tone controls offer 15 db boost 'and cut. Covers 20 to 20,000 CPS within ± I db, A fine unit with . which to start your awn hi-fi system. Shpg. Wt. 23 I~s ,

ELI;CTRONIC CROSSOVER KiT ' MOIJEL XO-1 $1 a 9S This unique instrument separates high and low. f(equencies and feeds them through two amplifiers.to separate speakers. \ It is located ahead of the main amplifiers, thus, virtually eliminating 1M distortion and matching pfoblems. Crossover , frequencies for each channel are at 100,200,400,7'00, 12QO, 2,000 and 3,500 CPS, This unit eliminates the need for con­ vention'al crossover circ'uits and provides amazing versatility at low cosL A unique answer to ,frequency division problems, Shpg. W ~ . 6 Ibs . • r___ ,,,, .. ..,, ___~,,,,,-~_~ .

24 HIFI REVIEW "LEGATO" HI·FI SPEAKER SYSTEM KIT MODEL HH-1 $29995 Words cannot describe the true magnificence of the "Legato" speaker system .. . it's simply the nearest thing to perfection in reproduced sound yet developed. Perfect balance, precise phasing, and adequate driver design all combine to produce startling real­ ism long sought after by the hi-fi perfectionist. Two 15" Altec Lansing low frequency drivers and a specially designed exponential horn with high frequency driver cover 25 to 20,000 CPS. A unique crossover network is built in. Impedance is 16 ohms, power rating 50 watts. Cabinet is constructed of lA" veneer-surfaced plywood in either African mahogany or imported white birch suitable for the finish of your choice. All parts are precut and predrilled for easy assembly. Shpg. Wt. 195 Ibs.

"RANGE EXTENDING" HI·FI DIAMOND SPEAKER SYSTEM KIT STYLUS HI·Ft PICKUP MODEL SS·1B 95 $99 CART~!DGE Rewind tape and film -at the rate of. Not a complete speaker system in itself, the SS-IB ~ODEL MF'~1 '1200' in 40 seconds. Saves wear on is designed to extend the range of the basic SS-2 tape and recorder. Handl~s .up to (or SS·I) speaker system. Employs a 15" woofer $2695 I Olh" tape reels and 80'0' reel~ of - and a super tweeter to Replace your present 8 or 16 miUimeterfilm;Tncorpqrates extend overall response pickup with theMF-I automatic' shutoff an<;1. brakid'g de­ from 35 to 16,000 CPS and enjoy the fuUest vice. Shpg. Wt. 12 Ibs: ± 5 db. Crossover circuit fidelity your library is built-in with balance of LP's has to offet. control. Impedance is 16 Designed to Heath ohms, power rating 35 . specifications to offer watts. Constructed of you one of tlte.finest lA" veneer-surfaced ply­ cartridges available wood suitable for light today. Nominally flat'" or dark finish. All parts response from 20 to precut and predrilled for 20,000 CPS. Shpg. easy assembly. Shpg. Wt. lib. Wt. 80 Ibs.

COMPANY· BENTON HARBOR 40, MICH.

U~bSidiary of Daystrom, Inc. o Please send the Free Heathkit catalog. 0- Enclosed is 25c for the Hi-Fi book.

Enclosed find $ ...... Pl ease enclose postage name for parcel post-express =:..=------! orders are shipped de· livery charges co ll ect. All prices F.O.B. Benton address Harbor. Mich. A20%de- =.::.:..:=------­ posit is reQ uired on all C.O. O. orders. Prices --_-'JI_ ~~~j;;tti~~. change with- ::::ci~ty~&...:s:..::ta::.:t:.:::e _ _'_ ____'______

MARCH 1959 25 Sou'rl d artd the Query DYNACO . ..-..j

STEREODYNf My fl'iends and I have endless argu­ a 16·ohm and 8·ohm input on both channels Inents over speakel' phasing, Is it n ec­ -which some power amplifiers do not pro· essal'y fOl' ster eo, how is it done, and is vide simultaneously. They were designed there any simple m ethod of demon­ PHONO PICK UP strating its effectiven ess? before the Stereodot connections were an· This new, unique pickup is nounced. This is a rare case of mismatched made in Denmark by Bang and It is very important that the two stereo components- give your dealer an extra Olufsen. It features a push speakers be phased properly, i.e., the cones "thank you" for being on his toes. pull magnetic principle (pat­ move forward and backward in unison. If ent pending) which per mits they do not, some of the bass notes will be The litel'atm'e accompanying my realization of the full potenti­ cancelled out by the ears of the listener. alities of the most modern re­ new speakel' said that it was I'ated a t 20 cording t ef!hniques. The special Midrange and tI'eble notes will not be as watts. My Heathkit W-7M power am· attributes which make the noticeably affected, although their contribu­ plifiel' is rated at 55 watts, I s thel'e Stereodyne an outstanding some way that I can " fuse" 01' protect tion to stereo directionality will confuse the the loudspeakel' from being pel'ma­ stereo pickup make it equally average listener-making instruments and exceptional for monophonic nently damaged? performers apparently leap fTom speaker to discs. On any t ype of record Speakers with limited power handling the S,tereodyne offers smooth speaker. A few stereo amplifi ers and pre­ and natural sound-firm clean amplifi ers have a switch for speaker phas­ capacity and especially those used with bass an'd sparkling treble­ ing built into their circuits, e.g., Bogen modern, very high power amplifiers should while its light tracking pres­ DB212, General Electric MS·4000, Scott be protected by appropriate fu sing. Such a sure insures negligible r ecord device is currently marketed by the Pro­ wear. 299, etc. This eliminates messy speaker lead changing which is just as effecti ve but sound Corp., 175 Fifth Ave., New York 10, not as fl exible. N. Y. It is called the "Gramercy Speaker The simplest method of verifying speaker Saver" and has an audiophile list price of phasing is to play a monophonic record, stand as close as possible and equidistant between the stereo speakers, essentially hearing the left speaker with your left ear and vice versa. The bass notes should sound full and well·rounded. Have a part­ BEST i!1 every way • . • ner quickly reverse the leads to one speaker. There will be a significant change-either • Wide frequency response Smooth peak free response from 30 adding or subtracting the bass frequencies. cps to over 15 Kc The lead position that adds the bass is the • True Stereo correct one. Highest channel separation over en­ You can effectively demonstrate the im­ tire audio spectrum-better than 22 portance of speaker phasing if you can db. move one speaker over to a point one or • Precision balance Both' channels id~ntical two inches in front of the second speaker. 0 Out of phase speakers will automatically Same high compliance (5 x 10- FUSES preven.t speaker con.e damage from cm/ dyne) in all directions have a severe reduction in bass output due power amplifier overloads. Model shown • No hum pickup to the tight air coupling and bass cancella­ is sold by Prosound Corp., 175 Fifth Balanced coil structure plus low im­ tion. In·phase speakers will sound unmis· p edance plus complete shielding Ave., N. Y. C. 10, N. Y. takably richer and stronger in the bass eliminate hum from e xternal fi e lds range. This will conclusively prove the im­ • High output $4.98. The "Saver" consists of a small fu se 7 millivolts per cha nnel even on low portance of speaker phasin g to any "doubt­ level stereo discs provides gain to ing Thomas." panel mounted in a plastic box. It is con· spare nected between the power amplifier and the speaker. Internal wiring of the "Saver" per· o No magnetic pull The stol'e whel'e I bought 1ny exll'a Special magnetic circuit eliminates equiplnent to convel't to stel'eo " un­ mits its operating from 4 to 16 ohms and ' attraction to steel turntables sold" me on the Stephens Stel'eodot, from 1 to 100 watts. • Easy installation but I still haven 't figured out wh y. I Compact size and standard mount­ had a Fishel' 80AZ power amplifiel' and ing centers simplifies mounting. 4 Stephens speakel' system. I added a I want to convel't m y monophonic terminals to avoid hum loops Scott 130 stereo pI'eamplifier and sec­ systeln to stel'eo, u sing my pI'esent pl'e­ • Low price ond Fisher power amp. amp 50-watt powel' amplifier combina­ Only $29.95 net includill g .7 mil dia­ tion. I'll add a cal'tridge, low-wattage mond stylus (replaceable in 2 sec­ You must have been adamant about keep­ s eco~d amplifier, for the time being, onds) ing the Fisher power ampli fi er. Oddly and second speaker. How do I I'evel'se channels? A v ailable from leading high fid elity enough, the Fisher 80AZ, Heathkit W7·M, dealer's eVe?'ywher e Heathkit W6-M, and a few other power am· Since your planned approach to stereo DYNACO INC. plifiers cannot be used with the Stereodot seems most economical, try either the -unless you're a died-in·the·wool tinkerer. Electro-Voice 21D or 26DST stereo ceramic Dept. HR. 617 N, 41st St,. Phila, 4. Pa, Export Di vis ion: 2S W a rre n st., N ew York, N . Y . The problem is in the power amplifier out­ cartridge and the E-V 505 adapter. The put c·onnections. The Stereodot needs both adapter is inserted between the cartridge 26 HIFI REVIEW NEW ALTEC 803B ... Linearity-cone movement exactly fol­ YOU CAN GET THE ALTEC 8038 AS A SINGLE COMPONENT, lowing the voice coil current-has been achieved to the highest degree OR IN ONE OF THESE SUPERB in the new ALTEC 803B bass speaker. The optical test-the most pre­ ALTEC SPEAKER SYSTEMS cise measurement of linearity known-has proven it. You can prove it to yourself by listening for the distortion-free reproduction of sound from the 803B. And listen too for its outstanding transient response -the clean, sharp reproduction of sounds from percussion instruments. The 803B is the improved version of the famous 803A, the same bass speaker which is installed in more theatres through the world The laguna. Two 80385, 511 horn, 802 high frequency driver. Walnut, than all other makes combined. These ALTEC speakers are used blond, mahogany. Price: $639.00 exclusively in Cinerama and other "big sound" reproducing systems. ALTEC assures linearity in the 803B through advanced engineer­ ing and precision manufacturing in all five major areas of bass speaker design: • high-compliance suspension components for wide linear excursion • stress-free assembly for ultimate linearity of the suspension system The Capistrano. One 803B, plus 802 high frequency driver mounted on • voice coil which stays in a uniform magnetic field axially 811 horn. Walnut, blond, mahogany. Price : $ 399.00. The Corona-for • high-flux density m agnetic fi eld for optimum damping corner installations. • lo'W cone resonance of only 25 cycles for clean r eproduction of the lowest bass notes SPECIFICATIONS: 803B BASS SPEAKER. power : 30 watts. impedance : 16 ohms· cone reso· nance: 25 cycles· range: 30·1600 cps· magnet weight: 2.4 Ibs • price: $66.00.

Write t01' tree catalogue and valuable loudspeaker enclosure booklet: ALTEC LANSING CORPORATION, Dept. 3MR-A 1515 S. Manchester Avenue, Anaheim, Calif. A-7 Voice of the Thea're. One 803B, 802 driver, 811 h orn . Pertect t or cu s­ 161 Sixth Avenue, New York 13, N. Y. tom installations. Price: ' $299.40.

MARCH 1959 27 and t.h e two amplifiers. It has a switch for channel reversing, eliminating the danger of "blasting"- a problem you would nor­ mally have with dissimilar amplifiers. The voltage output of the cartridge on either Channel A or Channel B is identical and knighl® you can safely reverse channels at this created by ALLIED RADIO point in the circuit. By the way, the E-V 505 will also switch the A and B outputs advanced in design, features, performance and styling so that they feed the amplifiers mono· outstanding for superb musical quality phonically.

Every once in a while I see an ad­ vertisement recommending that I use the TV antenna fOl' FM r eception. I live in an apm'tmeut house and tl'ied it. It doesn't WOl·k-how come? Presumably you used a "Two·set Cou· pler" connected to the apartment house master TV system. J ack Beever of Jerrold (manufacturers of master TV systems) in· forms us that probably the system had no FM band amplifiers, Master systems use either a broad-band amplifier covering all TV frequencies ( now a fairly rare method) or separate strip amplifiers for each TV channel in use. Unless your building claim s FM reception through its master system knight KN-734 deluxe 34-watt stereo amplifier then it is doubtful that the system has it. However, such amplifier strips are inexpen· The Knight KN-734 is, above all, an instru­ only sive and mQst apartment dwellings leave ment of superb quality, embodying in its $129 50 them out because they feel there is no de­ technical excellence an unrivaled combina­ easy terms: mand, Speak or write to your landlord, tion of features intended to bring to the lis­ $12.95 down or hetter yet check your neighbors and prob· tener the fullest measure and meaning of ably you are not alone. There may be musical enjoyment. Here, for your pleasure, a big demand- it'~ a good renting gim­ arethe ..• mick- and he will be only too glad to oblige. He would put one in for a new TV peerless value features: station in the area- why not FM? Cleanest reproduction of trumpet blasts, cymbal crashes, Is thel'e any way I can lueaSUl'C deepest organ pedal tones-assured by ample power reserve well beyond stylus conlpliauce at hOltle? the rated 34 watts. Velvet-silent background during quiet musical pass· No. This is a laboratory measurement. ages, through the use of fourteen special deposited-carbon resistors Many manufacturers of hi-fi cartridges do 'at critical circuit points. ":~~~,":::;' Exact acoustic matching of speakers not agree on how compliance should be measured. To some extent, it is dependent and fullest compensation' '. ',' ' , ~ for different absorption on the tone arm used with tIle cartridge. characteristics in various parts of the room, made possible by dual The audiophile has little alternative but to 'concentric tone controls. Lowest distortion bec~use output transformers accept the manufacturer's published state· incorporate finest quality grain·oriented steel .:":~ Unlimited ment. Some are honest appraisals and valid measurements that will withstand the light versatility-five pairs of inputs. Response beyond the full range of human of day-others are not. The audiophile can hearing. ~':'t~~'. Exciting privacy stereo lis~ening feature-has built-in approximate the magnitude of compliance plug·in jack " ~ ' for stereo headphones. ,,~ Maximum stereo by listening for "needle talk." A cartridge enjoyment in any room, because the wide· ~~~ range balance with infinite compliance would have no needle talk. A lot of needle talk is a rea on· control balances the volume of both speakers to provide proper stereo able sign of poor compliance. perspective from any listening position. Instantly convertible to 34·watt monaural amplifier and stereo preamp merely by switching; may be added My amplifier has a "damping fac­ tOl-" conll'o! that I'eads 0.1 to 15. I to any hi-fi amplifier to provide perfect stereo. Can be used with any have rotated it from one extreme to magnetic cartridge. Beautiful solid aluminum front panel, gold anodized, the other, but notice no change in vol­ mne 01' tone. What should I be look· with beige leathertone case. U. l. Approved. One·year guarantee ing for?

FREE 1959 ALLIED CATALOG The damping factor control effect will be more not1ceable on some speaker systems order from See the world's largest selection of everything i'1 stereo; all the new KNIGHT components and than on others. It depends on the type of systems; every famous line. It's your complete money-saving guide to hi.fi. FREE-write today. speaker, type of baffle (refl ex, infinite, horn, etc.) and to a very minor extent on the room acoustics. You should hear some ALLIED HAD I 0 changes in the bass region and on the 100 N. Western Ave., Dept. 115-C9, Chicago SO, illinois treble notes as the control is varied. Too 28 HIFI REVIEW ONLY SOUNDCRAFT TAPES ARE MICROPOLISHED SMOOTH! There's,more to tape surface than meets the eye. Any coating because SOUND CRAFT TAPES ARE MICROPOLISHEDI MICROPOLISH­ process can make the surface-of unpolished tape looh smooth. ING is SOYNDCRAFT'S exclusive way of physically polishing the However, unpolished' tape surfaces contain microscopic irreg. tape to insure' a mirror-smooth and irregularity-free , tape ularities that prevent the tape from making intimate contact surface. Your recoi:der heads make immediate and intimate wi'th the recorder heads. With orcUnary' tapes, it takes about contact with the tape surface, guaranteeing uniform high 10 plays, a "breaking in'" period, before these irregularities frequency response right from the very first play. Remember, are smoothed out and proper contac,t is made. only SOUNDCRAFT TAPES are MICROPOLISHED for your protec­ During this critical pedod you lose important high frequen-, tion. Buy them-use them, your recorder doesn't deserve less des and force your recorder heads to do the job of phy.sically than the best. Write for SOUNDCRAFT'S free Catalog RS58-l0R. polishing the tape Mlrface. This Can result in excessive wear· EXCLUSIVE BONUS RECORDING - "Sweet Moods of Jazz ing of your re.corder heads and in gradual head deterioratio,n. in Stereo" recorded on one of two 7" reels of tape in With S'OUNDCRAFT TAPES there is no "breaking in" period­ SOUNDCRAFT'S NEW PREMIUM PACK. You pay for the no excessive. 11ead wear-no loss of high frequency response';'1 ;tape plus only $1.00. Ask your dealer today!

REEVES SOUNDC,RAFT CORP. Great Pasture Road, D~lnllury, Conn. '. We'sf coast: 342 N. La Brea, Los Angele~ 36, Calif .• Canada: 700 Weston Road. Toronto 9. Ont.. Canada R·S' MARCH 1959 29 much damping can be just as detrimental /J to good hi-6 sound as too little. Starting THE INCOMPARABLE ARGOS from the minimum reading, turn up the con­ trol until the boominess of the speaker sys­ tem is reduced-or until th.e bass is smoothed out. Another technique involves the us.e of an FM tuner with a Foster-Seely discriminator', rather than a ratio detector. III between FM stations, the hiss contains random noise pulses cove):ing the entire audio spectrum, With too much damping, this hiss will sound as if it is bein g hea.rd inside a barrel. Decreasing the damping wiII make the hiss more sharply defin ed without the' barrel-like reverberation, Leave • the damping control at this setting,

Most at,tides on stet'eo installations emphasize the nec~ ss ity to have the' cat'h'idge stylus exactly perpendicular to the )'ecOl'd. What is the,easiest wa~ ' fOI' the audiophile at hOlne to check 011 . this ? There are two important facets to this problem, both of which may be quite simply checked out in any hi-fi installation, To verify ' that the stylus is riding correctly in th e tereo grooves, we must assume that the cartridge is properly mounted in the tone arm head or shell. ILit is"you need only' place a mirror under the stylus so lha t the refl ected image may be directly com- · pared with the actuai mounting. As shown in the photogl:aph belo-iv, the head is dis­ placed so that excessive stylus pressure would be exerted o'n th e outer walls of the record grooves, The shell holding the car­ tridge should" be . rO,taJed 'so that the re­ fl ected image appears to be .a truly parallel extension: Audio technicians use another method to determine hoW' well the tone arm wjlJ ride in 'the recora grooves. All of this, of course, Never befMe such th1'illing tone quality in this size at this price! assumes that an' "idealized" stylus pressure Response 40 to . 17,000 cycles. has been decided upon, T echnicians take

USE in adding Stereo to your pres­ ent Hi-Fi system USE two together in new Stereo Hi-Fi system USE as Hi-Fi extension speaker in other rooms USE on bookshelf or floor (space­ saving size 24 x 11 x lOY2 in.) ASK at your radio parts distributor or Hi-Fi store or write direct for FREE catalog.

MIRROR REFLECTION of the shell hold­ ing the stereo cartridge reveals that the stylus would exert unequal pressure ill the record groove:':: If the cartridge has DEPT. F, 301 MAIN ST., GENOA, ILL. been properly mounted, the reflection would appear to be a parallei extensioll. By the way, just in case YOIl recognize the turntable and tone arni lIsed iil these photos, they were both gimmicked to illustrate the commol! mistakes discussed in this question. 30 HIFI REVIEW THE \\400" STEREOPHONIC MASTER AUDIO CONTROL-

• Eight pairs of stereo inputs, 4 pairs for low· level, 4 pairs for high·level. • Seven pairs of permanent connections, 4 low·level, 3 high·level. • High·gain microphone preamplifier. • Push·button function and channel selection. • Built-i n crossover network, with complete use of the tone controls at all times. • 3-position, lever·type Rumble Filter. • 3-position, lever-type loudness Contour Con"trol. • Special input for ceramic stereo cartridge. • Channel indicator lamps. • Power-on indicator lamp. • Four auxiliary AC receptacles. • Three cabinet finishes, for any room decor.

FISHER RADIO CORPORATION. 21-37 44th DRIVE. LONG ISLAND CITY., N. Y.

31 MARCH 1959 a highly polished blank acetate record, put it on the turntable and put the tone arm about 4 inches from the spindle. While the blank disc is rotating, the tone arm should not glide toward or away from the spindle .. If it does, it clearly indicates that the turn· table platter is not level. A tone arm that We'll give you nine reasons for buying AUdiotape: weaves in and out would indicate eccentric

1. AUDIOTAPE has excellent response at high and low frequencies­ assures most faithful reproduction of all sounds.

2. AUDIOTAPE has exceptionally low background noise, through better dispersion of finer oxide particles.

3. AUDIOTAPE has increased output and reduced distortion because the oxides are magnetically oriented.

4. AUDIOTAPE has unequalled uniformity of output-guaranteed not to exceed ± 1/ 4 db within the reel and ± 1/2 db from reel to reel.

5. AUDIOTAPE is continuously monitored in production for output, uniformity and freedom from distortion.

6. AUDIOTAPE has no oxide rub·off because an improved drier·type formula prevents it, even on dirty heads. GLIDING TONE ARM on a blank acetate disc indicates that the turntable is /lot 7. AUDIOTAPE is on the C·slot reel-fastest·threading reel ever developed. level or possibly that th e tone arm has 8. AUDIOTAPE assures you of smooth, quiet tape travel-even under hot, been. improperly mounted. humid conditions-because of a special moisture· repellent binder. motion of the turntable platter, possibly due 9. AUDIOTAPE has exceptionally low surface friction-reduces wear on heads •. to wear in the thrust bearing. I have seen a lo t written a bout stt'o be For even more reasons-see your Audiotape dealer today discs an d lut'nta ble speeds, but wh a t a bout the ch a n ger or tut'nta ble whose speed is a little o ff? H ow much vad a­ tion may I a llow and h ow do I measurc it? There are a wide variety of strobe discs available to the audiophile. All of them have one common feature-216 separate dots or bars around the periphery. At 33.33 rpm and with a neon light connected to a 60·cycle line, the dots or bars shoul d "freeze"; i.e., appear to s tand perfectly still as if they were not in motion. Standards Before I buy ANYTHING, for turntables and changers are predicated I've got to have a on less than 0.3 % speed error. Most turn­ Ieason, so ... tables and changers have an errOl' of less than 0.05% . Yo u can compute this by ob· serving how many dots or bars slip by an imaginary line in a 60·second period. Seven whats SO dots or bal's are equal to an error of 0.1 % .

This is the first installment of a good about new monthly department-devoted to answering (in print) selected ques­ tions from our voluminous mail. In­ asmuch as the questions and answers Audiotape? have been extracted from previously answered letters, the names and ad­ dresses have been omitted. Questions are selected as· exam­ ples of those areas in which OM read· ers have the greatest interest. Spe­ cifics will be frequently mentioned in this column in order to elaborate or fldly illustrate a particular point. Questions fo r possible use in this· department may be add ressed to "Sound and the Query," HI FI RE­ VI EW, One Park Ave., New York 16, New York.

32 HIFI R EVIEW ne

3 Brilliant Stereo Reproducers

featuring *STEREO SEPARATION CONTROL and other exclusive SR engineering features

Clean, precIsIon design-loaded with advanced features for SR·'OOO DE LUXE the discriminating stereophile: Stereo AM·FM Tuner 5184.50 , • Gold-pl~ted "frame grid" cascode tube, guarantees maxim.um obtainable sensitivity-0.S5 fLV for 20 db quieting! • Exclusi}:e SR 2-tube AM det~ctor, acclaimed by aU leading test laboratories as the only detector capable of reproducing AM at less distortion' than ·FM-O.I % harmonic at 50..% modula- --' ., tion; 0145 % at 100 % modulation. ' , . . • 2.positio~ .AM b~ndwidth ,. selector-sharR and extremely broad , 414.5 Itc flat audio response on Sharp~ S.• 2 kc flat audio response -' on Broad.

STEREO S'EPARATION CONTROL-an exclusive Ilew SR feature that's a full year ahead-gjves you finger;-tip contr:ol of the

degree , of sep~ration betwee:n the t~o stereo 'chanlieisl lets SR·2000 DE LUXE Stereo Pre.Amp . you blend them at will to,'suit yaur own ;' ear. With. the $163.50 Stereo Separation Control, you CtllJ fill the-"hole in. 'the middle, '2 elhriinate .obiect10nable '. .seearafio.. or "pln9- pong" e:ff~ct, and compensafe fO'I" vari~tions . in st.ereo" ._ progromm;ng r.ecorded :wlth.extre",e ~hann~1 separation. ;' OtR '~r aCf~anced feat~;,es: '

SR·5100 DUAL 50·watt Amplifier $175.50 1$IBl.bo with *Combin~s two ' profes~ionQI-quality 50-watt. an:aplifiers, .elec­ perforated cage) tronically isorat~d, yet on .one, chassis~ engineered for stereo. • Each channel delivers full rated power (50 watts) with less than I % 1M -distortion; less than 0.2 % "at. 45 watts. ' • Switching provided for instantly paralleling channels to permit use as I OO-watt monaural amplifier (200 watts peak). • Dual GZ34 cathode type rectifiers for , ~ptimum regulation and long, life. : , . . , '

Write for your copy of the exciting new ·12-page SR brochure, discover why S,R components out-perform and our-last all others i,n their price .range, and "check the specs" on other SR stereo products such as the SR-3S0 AM-FM Tuner/Stereo Pre-Amp tone control, th~ SR~534 Full 1-Year Guarantee on Du~1 17-watt basic power amplifier, and the SR-1717 Stereo Pre-Ampl all SR Ster.eo Reproducers Dual 17-watt amplifier.

S.A.RGENT·- R.A.Y'JM[ENT CO.

4926 East 12th Street • -Oakland I • California

MARCH 1959 NEW STEREOPHONIC EQUIPMENT HF85: Stereo Dual Preamplifer is a com !> lete stereo ' control system in "Iow silhouette" des ign adaptable to . any type of installation. Selects, preamplifies, control s any ste reo source-tape, discs, broadcasts. Superb vari· abl e crossover, fee dback ton e controls driven by feed· back amp lifier pai rs in each' chann el. Distortion borders on unm easurabl e even at hi gh outpu t levels. Separate 10' level input in each chann el for ma g. phono , t ape he ad, mike. Se parat e hi·level inputs for AM & FM tuners & FM Mul tiplex. One each auxi lia ry A & B input in each ch an nel. Independ ent leve l, bass & treble con trols in each ch ann el may be ope rated together with bu i lt·in clutch. Swi tched· in loudn ess compen sa tor. Function I Se lector permits hea ring ea ch stereo chann el individu· ally, and reversi ng them; also use of unit for stereo or AND mon op honic play. FUll-wa ve rect if ier t ube power supply. 5·12AX7/ EC C8 3, 1-6X4. Wo rks with any 2 hi gh·qua lity powe r amp lifiers su ch as EICO, HF14, HF22, HF30, HF35, MONAURAL HF50, HF60. Kit $39.95. Wired $64.95. Includes cover. HF81: Stereo Dual Amplifier-Preamplifier seiects, amplifies & contro ls an y stereo so urce - tape, discs, braadcas ts- & fe eds it t hru self·co ntained dual 14W am· plifiers to a pair of speakers. Monophoni ca lly: 28 wa tts for yo ur speak ers; compl ete stereo prea mp . Gange d level controls, separate focus (balanc e) control, ind epend ent • full-range bass & trebl e controls for ea ch channel. Id entical Williams on-type, pu sh·pull EL84 powe r ampli· flers, exce ll ent output transfo rm ers. IISe rv ice Selector" switch permits on e preamp -control section to drive t he intern al powe r amplifiers while other prea mp·control section is left free to drive your existing extern al ampli· fier. "Its performance is excellent, and the operation is uncomplicated."-HI-FI MUSIC AT HOME. " Excellent"­ SATU RDAY REVIEW. Ki t $69.95. Wi red $109.95.lncl: co ver. MONAURAL PREAMPLIFtERS (stack 2 for Stereo) NEW HF65: superb new design, Inputs for tape he ad, microphon e, mag-ph on a cartridge & hi-level sources. 1M distortion 0.04 % @ 2V ou t. Attractive " Iow silhouette"· des ign. HF65A Ki t $29 .95 , Wi red $44.95. HF65 (with power supply) Kit $33 .95. Wired $49 .95. HF61: "Rivals the most expen sive preamps " - Ma rshall, AUDIOCRAFT. HF61A Kit $24.95, 'Wired $37.95, HF61 (with power supply) Kit $29.95. Wired $44.95. MONAURAL POWER AMPLIFIERS (use 2 for STEREO) HF60: 60-Watt Ultra Linear Power Amplifier with Ac ro TO -3 30 Output Xfmr .; "One of the best-performing amplifiers extant; an excellent buy." AUDIOCRAFT Kit Report. Ki t $72 .95. Wired $99.95. Cover E-2 $4 .50. HF50: 50-Watt Ultra Linear Power Amplifier with ex treme ly hi gh qual ity Chi cago Standard Output Tran s· f orm er. Identical in eve ry oth er respect to HF60, sa me. sp ecs at 50W. Kit $57 .95. Wired $87.95. Cover E-2 $4 .50. NEW HF35: 35·Watt Ultra·Linear Power Amplifier• .K it $47.95. Wired $72.95. Cov er E-2 $4.50. . HF30: 30-Watt Power Amplifier. Kit $39.95. Wired $62.95 . Cover E-3 $3.95 . NEW HF22: 22·Watt Power Amplifier.. Kit $38.95. Wired $61 .95. Cov er E-2 $4.50. NEW HFl4: 14·Watt Power Amplifier. Ki t $23 .50. Wi red $41 .50. Cove r E-6 $4 .50. MONAURAL INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS (use 2 for STEREO) HF52: 50-Watt Integrated Amplifier with complete "front end " fa cilities ' & Chicag o Standa rd Output Trans· form er. " Excellent value" -Hirsch-H ou ck Lab s. Kit $69.95. Wired $109.95. Cover E·l $4.50 . HF32: 30·Watt Integrated Amplifier. Ki t $57.95. Wired $89.95. Both includ e cover. . HF20: 20·Watt Integrated Amplifier. "Well-engi. neered " - Stocklin, RADIO TV NEWS. Ki t $49.95 . Wired FM Tuner HFT90 $79 .95 . Cover E-l $4.50, HFI2: '12-Watt Integrafed Amplifier. "Packs a wallop"-POP. ELECTRONICS. Kit $3 4.95. Wired $57.95. SPEAKER SYSTEMS (use 2 for STEREO) 'HFS2: Natural ba ss 30·200 cps via slot-loaded 12-ft. split coni cal bass horn . Middles & lower hi ghs : front radio ation from 8'/2" edge·damp ed co ne. Distortion less spike­ Stereo shap ed super-twee ter rad iates omni·d irectionally. Flat Amplifier·Preamp 45-20 ,000 cps, useful 30 -40 ,000 cp s. 16 ohm s. HWD HF8I 36" , 15 '/4", 11 '/2". " EminentlY musical; wou ld suggest unusual suitability lor stereo."-Holt, HIGH FIDELITY. -.. Com pletely ·factory.built : Wal nut or Mah ogany. $139.95; ~ . Blonde , $144.95 . II HFSl: Bookshelf Speaker System, comp lete wi th f ac· tory·built cabinet. Jensen 8" woofer, matching Jensen =.: compress ion-driver expon ential horn ' tweeter. Smooth cl ean bass; crisp extend ed highs. 70-1 2.000 .cp s range. ~ at CapaC ity 25 w. 8 ohm s. HWD : 11" x 23" x 9" . Wiring' ~ II> 't1 time 15 min. Price $39.95. 't1 FM TUNER 3 < Bookshelf HFT90: surpasses wired tun ers up to 3X its cost . Pre - ..: Jl Speaker System wired, pre·a ligned, temperature-compensated " tront end .. HFS I - drift-free. Precision "eye-tronic" t uning. Sensit ivity ·E 1.5 uv for 20 db qui eting - GX that 01 other ~ i t tuners. g Res pon se 20-20,000 cps ::!: I db. K·follower & multiplex : outputs. "One of .the best buys you can get in high ~ Sp eaker Svstem HFS2 fidelity kits." - AUDIOCRAFT KIT REPORT. Kit $39.95 * • • 36" H x I5Vl' W x lllh" D Wired $65.95 *. Cover $3.95.

EICO, 33·00 Northern Blvd., L. I. C. 1. N. Y. HR-3

SHOW ME HOW TO SAVE 50 % on 60 I models of top-quali'ty equpment as I checked below. 0 H i-Fi , o Test Instruments 0 Ham Gear. , Send FREE literature & name of nei gh b or· hood EICO dealer. I I I NAME ...... "...... I I L~T~R:.~ ..~ . ~. ~ .. ~ .. ~ ... ~~~. ~. ~= . ~J 34 I •

Upbeat on Two Counts

By MORTON GOULD

Photog r aphs by Ir v Dolin

ECAUSE I follow two supposedly distinct paths in my musical life, I am sometimes B ex pected to stumble over my own feet. My dual musical personality is supposed to be getting in its own way. Many people think there must be a conflict between the public image of myself as a popular music maker and my involvement with symphonic com­ position. But there is no conflict ; at least not in me. To me, the supposedly divergent paths lead in the same direction. The "two sides" I of the street make one avenue. It may not be the most traveled road, but it is my way of music making. (Continued next page) I 35 enjoy it, and when I work with it I give my fullest a~iliti ~s and concentration. I try to transmit my pleasure III tIllS idiom through my performance and settings. But I know that the purpose of such work is merely to create an immediate impact- much like a poster. I am aware that when I write such arrangements I am not creating last· ing art. To believe otherwise would be personally pretentious and musically self-deluding. Such self· delusion is a -trap from which an artist can rarely spring himself. When I ar­ range and record a popular song-in contrast to my work as a symphonist-I am not engaged in expressing my basic outlook and attitude. I am merely doing a project in orches­ tral colors to bring out what I conceive as the salient ele­ ments and essential moods of the song. ow as a symphonic composer, my purpose and method are wholly different. To be specific, let me cite an example that is still within the realm of transcribing or arranging, but at a different level, and closer to the pure creative process. Some years back, I arranged a number of Stephen Foster songs for my radio program. During this same period, I wrote a large-scaled symphonic work on Foster material for Dr. Fritz Reiner-then conductor of the Pittsburgh Sym­ phony. The work was called Foster Gallery and the differ­ ence between this 33 minute metamorphosis, and the three or fo ur minute arrangement is evident from the first note-yet both start with the same tunes. In the larger work I used ALL MUSI C is made oj the same substance. M u­ the Foster songs as folk material-germinal kick-off patterns sic is not split-just diversified into variolls types. for extensive development and transformation. In the radio arrangement I translated for orchestra rather than trans­ formed pretty much the literal tune. One is evocation and synthesis, using all my creative fantasy and resources. T he I grew up with all kinds of music, ranging from the so­ other is restricted to a smaller and more readily assimilable called classical to the so-called popular-and I fe el part of aspect of my musical expression. One took place on a pro­ all of them. Some of my student days were also spent in the gram and atmosphere of spacious and stylized musical archi­ practicalities of vaudeville pits and the Broadway theater. tecture; the other on a half-hour program of eight or nine At the same time, I have been engaged in symphonic co m­ lhree-minute pieces de igned for immediate impact and di- l)O sition since the late '20's. Sometimes, of course, the two phases of my musical life interact. The symphonic attitude may rub off on my popular arrangements, and maybe a The artistic profile of M orton Gould, composer, ar­ thread of Broadway shows up in the tonal fabric of my own ranger, conductor, and pianist, contains two seemingly concert compositions-either consciously or unconsciously. opposed fa cets. But I don't object. I think it is a mi staken attitude to make For as an arranger he brought to popular and "mood" entirely separate categories of so-called "light" and "serious" music elements of musical literacy and wit rarely en­ music. All music is a single category, made of the same countered in that fi eld. As a conductor of his own ar­ substance. The realm of music is not split-just diversified. rangements, he endowed his broadcasts and recordings Music, though a wlified art, has varying intents, purposes with a professional spit and polish that transcends and modes of fulfillment. Like the other arts, the purpose mere style because it is clearly rooted in a cultivated might be a love ballad, a descriptive poster, an advertisement, sense of musical esthetics. Gould's sinewy arrange­ a philosophical tract, an epic mural, a spiritual revelation or ments are a constant goad to those who purvey pop just an exploratory romp. All these areas of music are valid music merely as amorphous sap. and "serious" in their own right and time and place. What The other jacet of Morton Gould is that oj a sym­ matters is that the music reflects genuine talent and imagina· phonic composer. Despite the demands 0/ his tigh~ tion on the part of the composer, self-imposed discipline, and radio and recording schedule, he has built up an im­ craftsmanship. pressive creative achievement of over thirty major It is this ver y diversification of music that acts on me as compositions. In these works, the musical vernacular creative stimulus. My first symphonic work, performed by oj the United States, so ably uttered in his popular Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra, was written when arrangements, is translated and transcended into more I was 18 or 19. It was called Chorale and Fugue in Jazz. I formal symphonic language. Such scores as Interplay think the title is significant. It already shows my "split," for Piano and Orchestra, Fall River Legend, and Spir­ which marks most of my work, whether it is a transient ituals for Orchestra speak with an unmistakably Amer­ "popularization" or a developed symphonic invention. But ican idiom. cross-pollination is a natural process in both nature and art, As a man working both sides of the street, Gould and contact between different areas of ;:nusic might beget commands an unusual perspective the total musical some healthy specimens. 0/ scene.-Ed. I certainly don'l· feel patronizing about popular mll sic. I

36 HIFI REVIEW HAVE PIPE ORGAN-CAN'T MOVE

What is this fatal attraction that a bellows ... and a box of pipes have on our fellow man?

By ROBERT HAZELLEAF .. Illustration by Leo Summers

Part I of Two Parts ervoirs were provided to maintain even pressure, and, finally, NY approach used to describe a pipe organ is legitimate electric blowers eliminated the bellows. Today, power re­ A-as long as superlatives are employed. The pipe organ quired ranges from less than one horsepower in a small organ is the oldest keyboard instrument; and of all musical instru­ to a tornadic total of 395, on several blowers, for the At­ ments, it is the most complicated, most versatile, most deaf­ lantic City Convention Hall organ, one of the world's largest. ening, most capacious, most prodigious-AND the least un­ That Halberstadt organ, incidentally, was a gem of inventive derstood. genius. A slide a~rangement perf~rated with holes corre­ All an audience sees is a console (the housing for the key­ sponding to the pipe feet had been perfected.. With this, board apparatus), perhaps a few large decorative pipes re­ each set of pipes could be used at will. Also this organ: had splendent in gilt, and some screens or grillework. Actually keys. They were 2V2 to 3 inches wide, of proportionate the modern organ console is little more than a dial telephone length, and were struck with the fists . . Thus, with the use system with keys, relaying information to the pipe chambers. of the slides, acting as the first example ~f "stops;" and kers Deep in the bowels of the instrument will be a panel rivaling hooked to pallets, which opened and closed the air passage an electronic computer in wiring. An electric motor with up to pipes, the organ mechanism rapidly became complicated to 25 or more horsepower behind it drives a blower. Yet, -but this was only the beginning. many pipes will sound with the merest breath of air, so del­ It took about 200 years for keys to shrink to the Size we icately are they made. Sound in the chambers may range know. If, in your record browsing, a jacket mentions use of from barely audible to downright painful. a "tracker" action, remember that every iota of music comes The hectic past of the pipe organ from the first box of from a direct hook-up of thin strips of wood (trackers) con­ pipes encompasses 2100 years. At the time of Ctesibius, a nected through leverage to the pipe pallets from the key­ gentleman from Alexandria who lived about 200 B.C., flutes board. It wasn't until the 19th century thilt intricate me­ were all the rage; not the side-blown flutes we know, but chanical linkage or tracker mechanism was replaced with the penny-whistle type blown from the end. The makers had pneumatic boosters to take some of the work out of organ­ progressed through finger-holes and were looking for ,a new playing. kick. They tried blowing two flutes at once, which worked Playing a tracker is work with a capital W. As time but made for complications. passed, it was found that more levers would allow the or­ Enter Ctesibius. With a stroke of genius he took an assort­ ganist to "couple"-that is, he could connect the keys so ment of pipes scaled to graduated pitches. Being an ambi­ that each note would sound its octave either above or below tious type; he made several sets, each pipe ' correspo~ding in the key depressed. There was a catch, though. Each addi­ pitch up the scale. Then a large box was constructed with tion required more finger-pressure on the keys. holes in the top for the pipes. Slides were inserted under the By this time J. S. Bach was turning out his wondrously "flutes" of each note, a bellows attached, and Ctesibius was contrived toccatas and fugues (along with 20 children). The on his way. tracker mechanism had developed to allow notes played on To provide a semblance of even pressure, bellows were one manual or keyboard to sound those on other manuals. rigged to water chambers. Raising the water level brought Also foot pedals, credited by some authorities to Ludwig von air pressure to the pipes. By being fast with ' his hands, Vaelbeke of Brabant in the 13th century, had been added­ the organist blew his pipes to create melody of sorts, pulling these, too, were often coupled. It's no wonder, then, that and pushing the wooden slides under them. This worked well Bach, when playing heavy chords with full orglln was known as long as the men on the bellows bowed their backs to the to bear down with all his strength as he stood with full weight job. Labor must have been cheap in those days. The Ctesib­ on the pedals. ius Model Mark I needed about a half-dozen men to blow it, One odd fact about pedals. Developed early, they pro, but it set no records. gressed rapidly in Germany, sometimes going to two octaves. Centuries later, by 1362, the water chambers had been The rest of Europe, too, readily accepted pedals. But Eng­ superseded by bellows working in gangs. In an organ at land didn't take a shine to them until about 1790. Maybe Halberstadt, Germany, built by the priest Nicolas Faber, a the British wanted to be sure the pedal board wasn't just a score of overgrown blacksmiths' bellows were used. "Bellows­ passing fad. Their first pedal installation on record was in treaders" placed each foot in a special shoe arrangement, St. James' Church, Clerkenwell. (Let us not knock the working two of them as they held handrails above their organ builders of England, though. The firms of Henry shoulders. Willis and John Compton have built some of the greatest ._ Through evolution, wind supply became more efficient, res- instruments ever to sound a pipe.) 39 If you'd like a record album of authentic early pipe organ to Jordan, an Englishman, who devised a VelJetian blind so unds, try, for one, Columbia's A Mozart Organ Tour, by E. effect for an instrument in London about 1712. It took more Power Biggs. He plays the music of Mozart on instruments than a century for this addition to the baroque Brustwerk used by the composer himself when touring Austria and to meet acclaim on the continent. Maybe the British were Germany. making up for their tardiness in accepting pedals, for this A word of warning: If a record jacket mentions "tracker was the first continuously variable control for loud and soft action" organ, be prepared for a bit of shake, rattle and dynamics on a pipe organ. Opening and closing the shutters roll in the recording. Some, but by no means all, trackers did not give the full effect desired, muffling as much or more had noisy linkage between key and pipe. You can hear it than it softened the tone. Still, it was something else to add on some discs, so don't tear down your music system when for effect-and another pedal fOl: the organist to worry about. you encounter the strange sounds. When asked about the Solo organ is just that. The chamber is well-stocked with execution on tracker manuals, one organist said, "Well, you incisi ve solo voices to carry the melodic lines over its own press a key, then go for a drink of water. By the time you accompaniment and that of the other chambers. return, there's your note." This represents an extreme view, Pedal organ, and the not-too·common echo organ are self· for most modern and some 18th century tracker action in­ explanatory. P edals Wel"e first used almost as drones on bass struments are easy to play and quick to respond. tones, later became essential support and tllen gradually Enough of mechanism for a while. How about some of the ca pable of occasional solo passages in their own right. The terms the jacket-writers toss around so freely? When a stop echo organ used with some of the more elaborate instru­ list accompanies a record, it reads as though several different ments is a chamber located at some distance from the other instruments are under discussion. The writers mention Great, pipes-no wonder stereo is the coming thing in recorded Choir, Swell, Solo and Pedal organs for a four-manual in­ music. Organs have had it for hundreds of years ! stallation, then blithely list the voices included-using four Sizes vary, of course, from small, two-manual church and or fi ve languages to do it. Harking back centuries, when resid ence organs to the enormous fom-manuals now available. these were separate organs in a sense, the designations stick. As an example of heel' size, the Atlantic City installation Each organ has its special use. offers seven manuals with 455 ranks of pipes and 1250 stops.

18th CENTUR Y OR GAN in cross section-featured three man­ uaLLy operated bellows fiLLing the wind chest. K eys and/or pedals actuate pallets via tracker action, releasing air to pipes in hauptwerk (above) or positiv (right) chambers.

Great organ is the "original" organ corresponding to the Normally, each "organ" has a chamber to itself. Of course, "Hallptwerk" of the baroque organ. All pipes are meant to size and architectural limitations combine to force modifica­ be exposed, their primary purpose to provide music as a solo tions, but modern builders work near-miracles in design and instrument_ Volume is determined by the pipes themselves, acoustics. On many installations, most chambers will be voiced for tonal differences as determined by the designer. built with swell shutters, multiplying the total effectiveness. The early baroque organ, with some modern mechanical re­ Along with this, the various chambers are coupled, permitting finements, is still being built today, with good LP records the organist to play one "organ" with a manual normally used to prove it. for another. The so- called Choir organ was a late development being Like Topsy, pipe organs "jes' grew." Now they were be­ derived from the baroque Positiv-a small set of pipes coming downright cumbersome. Playing a recital called for usually placed in back of the organ bench and before the a combination musician, strong man and contortionist. This Hauptwerk. Its purpose was to accompany the voices of the is where pneumatic assists came in, later to be supplanted church choir. To keep from overpowering the singers, pipes by a combination of electromagnets and small, quick-acting were voiced for softer tones and frequently enclosed behind valves. The following paragraphs may be a bit technical but screen or grillework. In early days, choir organ had an in­ there's no way out. dependent manual to itself, just as the great organ. The pneumatic organs used air pressure in bellows to boost What has co me to be known as the swell organ is credited the effort on the keys. Though complicated, and not always 40 HIFI REVIEW reliable, the system was a tremendous help on large instru­ Many of these, too, are surprisingly good imitations. ments. Since fully pneumatic actions are now relatively few Part of the graceful appearance that marks a pipe organ in number, let's look at a modern console. is due to the symmetrical alignment of pipes in chromatic A key is pressed, making contact with a low-voltage circuit scales: the large diapasons, slim and petite strings, reeds under it. Wired through a relay, a magnet attracts a small with their intriguing hardware. All combine for a well­ armature· valve, opening the wind chest. Action is so rapid balanced whole in sound as well as esthetic design. Sizes it is exceeded only by some makes of latter-day electronic run the gamut, right up to little peanut whistles less than organs. The electric action, now almost universal in the a half-inch in speaking length. United States, was perfected about the turn of this century, This is where you can check your hi-fi coverage. From a just in time for the motion picture theater, without whose low of 16 cycles the range may often soar to a high of 16,000. existence it is doubtful if many of the organs we presently Builders, even centuries ago, made pipes in this range­ enjoy on records would exist. knowing darned well no one could hear them. But they Now that we have buttons to push and keys to play, how thought it might add to the total effect. Who knows? Maybe about the pipes themselves? They are simplicity itself, up some of them weren't averse to loading a customer when to a point. they had a live one! If you can find a dime-store tin whistle, make a good, criti­ Wedgwood's A Comprehensive of Organ Stops uses well cal examination. It has a mouthpiece for the entry of air; over a hundred pages to explain and picture thousands of a lip to disrupt the flow of air; and a small block of wood pipe voices both current and obsolete. The high number is or metal immediately behind the lip, restricting and directing due in part to many stops that sound the same, but with air against the lip. This block is called a languid, a sophis· different names. A typical organ can have from fewer than ticated word for tongue. There you have an organ pipe, of a dozen to well over three hundred different voices and com­ sorts. binations each on a stop tablet or draw-stop. When a stop list mentions numbers like 2-foot, 4·foot, etc., The classic instruments employ many duplicated stops in up to 32-foot, it means the pipe-length of low "C" in that their various chambers for both tone color and ease of execu­ particular set. Each doubling is an octave. Four-foot is an tion. To give an idea of the confusion that can reign supreme octave below 2-foot, and on down the line. at an organ console, here is a very sketchy list of stops and Thirty-two foot means just that. It's a wind tunnel that their voices. It is not intended to present an actual stop list, belts out a 16-cycle blast, felt rather than heard. Pipes have but to give examples of some of the names: been built and are used on 64-foot pitch, but all the listener gets is an earthquake effect in the seat of his pants. Open, or flue pipes, are the foundation of any pipe organ. Diapasons Strings They're called diapasons, emitting a tone quality imitative Principal Gamba of no other instrument. That first "box of flutes" used pipes Twelfth Vox Angelica of this type, and today they are found well-distributed in Fifteenth Dulciana modern organs in all pitches to 2-foot. Take one of these Geigen Principal Gemshorn open pipes and put a plug in the top. It becomes a stopped Violone Violoncello flute, and an octave lower in pitch. A 2-foot stopped flute Octave Echo Gamba sounds as a 4-foot. Flute tone Reeds Usually the largest pipes are made of wood, both for light­ Claribel Tromba ness and resonance. There are certain types of metal pipes, Flute Harmonique Clarion though, to 32-foot length. They are made of zinc and tin and Concert Flute Hautboy weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds. For their individual char­ Bourdon Cornopean acteristics, even the metal in the pipes is considered-brass Flageolet Como di Basso (mainly for trumpets and horns); "spotted metal," a mix­ Lieblich Gedacht Orchestral Oboe ture of tin and zinc; and lead. Each imparts a flavor in tone. Clarinet Still reading the stop list on a record jacket, we see violins, Tuba cellos, violas, etc., called by dozens of names. These are stringed instruments, but there the resemblance in an organ loft ends. On many pipes you'll see a projecting fin on each Historically, pipe development followed no pattern. Build­ side of the lip. Naturally, they're ears. On string-toned pipes, ers, organists and designers all worked at the gradual ac­ there will often be a round cylinder of wood just below the cumulation. Through the years, some voices are lost in a fog lip. It's. a beard, and further guides and disrupts the air of antiquity-others have been in use for as little as fifty flow, giving a definite string quality to the sound. In lower years. In tone quality, they can range from a cloying sweet­ registers the strings are about as imitative as you can get. ness to sounds uncouth as a belch. Finally, there are the reeds, and here pipe-makers have (to be continued) a real picnic. Look at a saxophone or clarinet mouthpiece. Change the bamboo reed to brass. Call the mouthpiece against which it beats a shallot. This assembly is combined in a cylinder or cone which forms the lower portion of the • Robert Hazelleal has been a "Mighty Wurlitzer" fan pipe. The upper pipe may be straight, conical, or with a flare since he first heard them accompany 2-reel comedies, circa at the top-each shape giving its own effect to tone. A wire 1925. He was introduced to the anatomy 0/ the organ projects from the reed enclosure for tuning. Sliding it up through affiliation with the Theater Organ Club of Los or down changes the vibrating reed's length. Angeles. This branched into a liking for all types of organ From this basic design we get trumpets (that's a reed?), music as well as the craftsmanship going into the instru­ the oboe family, clarinets, saxophones and other ersatz voices. ment itself. MARCH 1959 41 You can build a hi-fi library of basic classics for under $100

By DAVID HALL

IGH-FIDELITY for $1.98 with name conductors and or­ cision and Berliozian style, there is more musical vitality Hchestras? . .. "I don't believe it! "-this remark has here than in either of two recently issued stereo albums­ sent many record buyers scouring through the Schwann at $3.96 it is a fantastic bargain. Catalog. But it is an easy matter to prove that it is possible Until recently, the Camden label concentrated on re-issues to build a genuine hi-fi classical collection from the more from 78 rpm originals-tapping a superb vein of recorded than half-dozen $1.98 record labels. artistry. Lately, Camden has come forth with a fine series of From the one hundred fifty classical discs bearing the $1.98 brand new recordings, such as the tastefully eloquent Bee­ price tag we have singled out thirty-five which offer distin­ thoven sonata disc with pianist Ania Dorfmann or the superb guished music.:, well performed, and respectably recorded set of "student pieces" for violin, played by Norman Carol, according to modern hi-fi standards. To this group you can and for piano as neatly interpreted by Lorin Hollander. We add another twenty by way of supplement for those to are now promised a big new symphonic series from one of whom the music.'s the thing-re-issues of great pre-LP per­ the best of Europe's smaller orchestras, the Oslo Philhar­ formances with Toscanini, Koussevitzky, Stokowski , Rach­ monic. Rachmaninoff's C Minor Piano Concerto, Haydn's maninoff,. Ponselle, Lehmann, and Kipnis. Surprise Symphony, Grieg's Peer Gynt Suites, and Ferde London Records has given the $1.98 hi-fi repertoire the Grofe's GTand Canyon will be in the stores by April-and biggest shot in the arm by transferring some of their choicest in stereo at $2.98 each. B.S. (before stereo) monophonic recordings to their Rich­ Vanguard, that connoisseur label·x-, has been paying more mond label. Chances are that the fifty discs comprising the and more attention to the broader aspect of public taste. Not present Richmond catalog constitute a bare beginning and the least of Vanguard's contributions has been their SRV that eventually the greater ·part of the London ffrr catalog series of $1.98 classics recorded in Vienna, most of which (recorded prior to 1955) will turn up on $1.98 labels. are also in the process of being made available on low cost True, RCA Victor's Camden label and the Harmony series stereo di scs. The Mario Rossi version of Rimsky-Korsakov's produced by Columbia have been steadily building up a Scheherazade is sonically top-drawer in any body's league. varied catalog of topnotch classic repertoire and there are Another fine .buy on Vanguard mono is the Bach concerto : indications that their activities will be accelerated in terms disc with Felix Prohaska conducting with his accustomed of re-issues and brand new recordings. But, the fact remains vitality and light touch. that it has' been London's Richmond re-issues that have ap­ Period's SHO series stems from a sm.aller scale operation plied the strongest impetus toward the development of a con­ than those summarized thus far, but two items-the Vivaldi sistently high quality iine of $1.98 classical discs. Four Seasons and the Boccherini Cello Concerto miscellany The Richmond listings hold thel~ own on both musical and represent excellent values by virtue of the repertoire and sonic grounds and some still remain "best l:ecordings"-e.g., the redoubtable Janos Starker as cello soloist. These ele­ the Ansermet-London Symphony version of Rossini's Boutique ments adequately compensate for minor sonic deficiencies. Fantasque ballet as arranged .by Respighi, or the Sibelius So much for the highlights from the list of $1.98 -discs re­ di sc with the late Erik Tuxen and the Danish State Radio corded as LP originals. We will say, in a word, that you Symphony Orche§tra. - can select your repertoire from this category with confidence. The Columbia Harmony line calls for careful selection, Quality of pressing is in no way inferior to the general run but there are some extraordinarily pleas~nt surprises-nota­ of $4.98 discs. - bly in the form of the Rochester Philharmonic recordings of The $1.98 repertoire is generally weak on chamber music Viennese classics under Erich Leinsdorf's baton. His Bee­ and music for the voice-opera in particular. There are thoven "Eroica" has been considered with ample justice the hard-boiled economic reasons for this. One has to do with best all-around monophonic version of this mighty master­ the fact that discs in this Tlrice bracket must sell in massive piece. Nor do Leinsdorf's versions of Mozart (generally quantities in order to make their issue worthwhile. The other s upe~·ior to his later Westminster recordings) and Schubert revolves around the high artist royalties called for in con­ have to take a back seat. An out-of-the-way "best buy" is nection with most major operatic recordings. Hence it may the Rochester Orato·rio Society recording of the Berlioz + See "Portrait of A Record Company- Vanguard," RIF! & M USIC REVIEW Requiem. While it takes no prizes for the ultimate in pre- Sept. '58, p. 58. ' 42 HIFI REVIEW be some time before the low-priced disc repertoire begins to with a dozen classical symphonic favorites, although some­ expand beyond the best loved "50 pieces" of the symphonic what variable in performance and sound. However, their repertoire-except in fits and starts. latest releas~a complete Handel Messiah on four stereo The "fits and starts" in this instance have to do mostly discs at $1l.92-show that they are going to provide top with the remarkable line of re-issues from RCA Victor's 78 quality merchandise. This recorded performance is one of rpm recordings that have been made available on the Camden genuine merit on all counts, musical and sonic. RCA Cam­ label. Even without access to the masters of its former den has begun to jump on this bandwagon which would British EMI affiliate, the RCA Victor vaults boast a fabulous seem to show the shape of things to come. If more labels treasury of great recorded performances made prior to the with major artistic and financial resources do likewise, it will microgroove epoch, a substantial number of which can still be the neophyte record buyer with limited budget who will be successfully rehabilitated for modern aural consumption.* reap handsome benefits in musical enjoyment. Some, even without the enhancement of "hi-fi," remain price­ less artistic treasures and irreplaceable documents of musical BEST HI·FI BUYS AT $1.98 interpretations. The Camden re-issues noted here barely scratch the surface of what could be made available. There are a number of remarkable Stokowski-Philadelphia BACH: Brandenburg Concerto No.2 Vanguard SRV 105 in F Major; Suite No.2 in B Minor; Violin Concerto No.2 in E Major. Orchestra and Koussevitsky-Boston Symphony performances Jan Tomasov {violin}; Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Felix Pro­ which could be made to sound quite tolerable and which haska condo would represent the work of these mighty virtuosi of the BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No.4 Richmond B 19017 baton in their prime and with their best orchestras. As it is, in G Major, Op. 58. Wilhelm Backhaus with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Clem­ we do have Koussevitzky's excellent Beethoven "Fifth," and ens Krauss condo Stokowski's "Nutcracker"; but there is much, much more BEETHOVEN: Violin Concerto in D Richmond B 19034 worth digging into. Major, Op. 61. Toscanini's New York Philharmonic recordings show him Ruggiero Ricci {violin} with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, for the most part at the very peak of his form; and the later Sir Adrian Boult condo BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonatas-No.8 Camden 458 ones of the series like the Beethoven Seventh Symphony, inC Minor, Op. 13 ("Pathetique"); No. 14 in C-sharp Minor. Op_ Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Haydn, and Rossini Se­ 27, No.2 ("Moonlight"). miramide Overture, still sound quite well. ** Ania Dorfman {piano}. A few noteworthy surprises among Camden's orchestral BEETHOVEN: Symphony No.3 in E-f1at Major, Harmony 7053 Op.55 ("Eroica"). _ re-issues are the discs of the young Leonard Bernstein in Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf condo music composed by Copland, Gershwin and Bernstein and the BEETHOVEN: Symphony No.7 in A . Harmony 7074 remarkable anthology of French repertoire under Pierre Major, Op. 92. Monteux's baton. Milhaud's Protee Suite is a real find and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf condo offers some of that 20th century French master's most vital BERLIOZ: Requiem. · Harmony 501 2 12" and uncluttered writing. Rochester Oratorio Society, Theodore Hollenbach condo By far the most exciting aspect of Camden's re-issues is BERLIOZ: Symphonie Fantastique. Richmond B 19010 Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, Eduard van Beinum condo comprised in the line of discs known as The Art of ... ; the Kirsten FIagstad, Alexander Kipnis, Lotte Lehmann, Ezio BIZET: L'Arlesienne-Suite No. I; Vanguard SRV 107 Carmen-Suite. Pinza, .Rosa PonseIle, and Sergei Rachmaninoff discs are Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Mario Rossi condo all real treasures offering unique and incomparable interpre­ BOCCHERINI: Cello Concerto in B-f1at Major; Period SHO 301 tations, regardless of their sonic shortcomings. There is CORELLI: "Christmas" Concerto; RAVEL: Introduction and Allegro~ PROKOFIEV: Overture on Hebrew Themes, Op. 34. plenty more where these came from-some of it, like the Janos Starker {cello}, Edward Vito (harp) & various ens., Anton discs of pianist Josef Lhevinne, cellist Emanuel Feuermann, Heiler & others condo soprano Elisabeth Rethberg, and baritone Giuseppe de Luca, BORODIN: Prince Igor-Polovtsian Dances; Richmond B 19032 once available on Camden have been withdrawn. FALLA: EI Amor Brujo-Suite. London Philharmonic Orchestra, Eduard van Beinum, Anthony Col­ lins conds. WHAT of the future of the high-quality low-priced discs? BRAHMS: Violin Concerto inD Major. Richmond B 19018 As intimated earlier, it would not be surprising to see a Christian Ferras {violin} with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, major expansion of the $1.98 catalog resulting from a Carl Sch'urichf cond.· wholesale transfer of recordings made prior to 1955 as the BRAHMS: Symphony No.1 in C Minor. Richmond B 19016 major labels build their stereo disc lines. Whether the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, Eduard van Beinum condo major firms other than RCA will consider the possibilities BRAHMS: Symphony No.3 in F Major. Richmond B 19050 Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, George Szel! condo of the $1.98 category as a working repository for great re­ BRITTEN: The Young Person's Guide Richmond B 19040 cordings of the pre-LP past remains to be seen. to the Orchestra; PROKOFIEV: Peter and the Wolf. Meanwhile, the low-priced high-quality stereophonic disc Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, Eduard van Beinum cond.; at $2.98 is fast becoming a major reality-a trend sparked Frank Philips with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicolai Maiko condo by the Stereo-Fidelity label of Swarthmore, Pa., which led off BRUCH: Violin Concerto No. I in Richmond B 19021 G Minor; MENDELSSOHN: Violin Concerto in E Minor. Alfredo Campoli {violin} with the New Symphony Orchestra, Roy­ * See "Old Wine in New Bottles," HIFI REVIEW, Jan. '59, p. 35. alton Kisch cond.; London Philharmonic Orchestra, Eduard van Beinum condo ** There are still quite a number of outstanding pre-LP Toscanini perform­ ances that we feel should come out as Camden re-issues--tbe Haydo Symphony DEBUSSY: La Mer; RAVEL: Mother. Goose. Richmond B 19007 No. 98, the Samuel Barber Adagio for Strings, the Strauss Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Suisse Romande Orchestra, Ernest Ansermet condo and Wagner's Fausl Overture are some of the NBC Symphony recordings we bave in mind. From the Philharmonic series we should have Rossini's L'Italiana DVOitAK: Symphony No.5 in E Minor, Richmond B 19003 in Algeri Overture, or the complete set of BBC Symphony recordings comprising Beethoven's Leonore Overture No.1, plus the Pastoral and Fourth symphonies, Op.95 ("From the New World"). Mozart's Magic Flute Overture and Rossini's Overture to La Scala di sela. National Symphony Orchestra, Enrique Jorda condo MARCH 1959 43 GRIEG: Peer Gynt-Suite No. I; Harmony 7057 Myra Hess (piano) TCHAIKOVSKY: Nutcracker Suite, Op~ 71a. Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf condo Piano Sonata in A Major, Op. 120; Harmony 7119 Trio in B-Flat Major, Op. 99-Schubert (with Yelly d'Aranyi and HAYDN: Symphony No. 94 in G Major Harmony 7105 Felix Salmond). ("Surprise"); SCHUBERT: Rosamunde-Incidental Music. Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf condo Alexander Kipnis (bass) Boris Godounov-Excerpts; Camden CAL415 MOZART: Symphony No. 35 in 0 Major Harmony 7072 Moussorgsky-Eugene Onegin-Prince Gremin's Aria-Tchaikovsky; (K. 385) ("Haffner"); Symphony No. 41 in C Major (K. 551) Sadko-Song of the Viking Guest-Rimsky-Korsakov; Prince Igor­ ("Jupiter" j". Galitzky's Aria-Borodin; Roussalka-The Miller's Aria-Dargomijsky Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf condo (with Chorus and Orchestra, Nicolai Berezowsky cond.). MOZART: Symphony No. 40 in G Minor Harmony 7054 Serge Koussevitsky condo the Boston Symphony Orchestra (K. 550); SCHUBERT: Symphony No.8 in B Minor ("Unfinished"). Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf condo La Mer-Debussy; 8 Gynnopedies- Camden CAL 376 Satie-Debussy; Rapsodie Espagnole-Ravel. RACHMANINOFF: Piano Concerto No.2 Richmond B 19009 Peter and the Wolf-Prokofiev Camden CAL 101 in C Minor, Op. 18. (with Richard Hale-Narrator); Till Eulenspiegel-R. Strauss. Julius Katchen I piano) with the New Symphony Orchestra, Ana· Symphony No.5 in C Minor, Op. 67; Camden CAL 405 tole Fistoulari condo Egmont Overture, Op. 84-Beethoven. ROSSINI: La Boutique Fantasque-Ballet. Richmond B 19012 Lotte Lehmann (soprano) London Symphony Orchestra, Ernest Ansermet condo Das Madchen spricht; Mein Madel hat Camden CAL 378 RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Scheherazade- Vanguard SRV 103 einen Rosenmund; Botschaft-Brahms; In dem Schatten meiner Symphonic Suite, Op. 34. Locken; Anakreons Grab; Auf ein altes Bild; Auch kleine Dinge; Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Mario Rossi condo Peregria No. I-Wolf; Gretel-Pfitzner; Ich leibe dich-Beethoven; Selige Nacht-Marx; Lehn' deine Wang--Jensen; Die Manner sind SIBELlUS: Symphony No.5 in E-flat Major, Richmond B 19036 mechant; Der Erlkonig; An die Musik-Schubert (with Erno Balogh; Op. 82; Karelia Suite, Op. II. Paul Ulanowsky-piano). Danish State Radio Symphony Orchestra, Erik Tuxen condo Pierre Monteux condo the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra STRAUSS FAMILY: Tales from the Vanguard SRV 104 Vienna Woods-Waltz; Persian March; Feuerfest Polka; Village Swal­ Protee-Symphonic Suite No. 2-Milhaud; Camden CAL 385 lows-Waltz; Ritter Pasman-Csardas; Eljen a Magyar-Polka; Roses Istar Variations; Fervaal-Prelude-d'indy; Sarabande-Debussy­ from the South-Waltz; Radetzky March. Ravel; Rakochy March-Berlioz. Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Anton Paulik condo Ezio Plnza (bass) R. STRAUSS: Don Juan, Op. 20; Richmond B 19043 Ernani-Infelice, e tu credevi-Verdi; Camden CAL 401 Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks, Op. 28. Robert the Devil-Suore che riposate-Meyerbeer; Le Caid-Drum Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Clemens Krauss condo Major's Air-Thomas; Don Carlo-Dormiro sol nel Manto-Verdi; The Magic Flute-O Isis and Osiris-Mozart; La Juive-Si la rigeur; STRAVINSKY: Petrouchka-Complete Ballet. Richmond B 19015 Vou qui du Dieo vivant-Halevy; Requiem-Confutatis-Verdi; Suisse Romande Orchestra, Ernest Ansermet condo Norma-Ahl del Tebro-Bellini; Faust-Le Veau d'or-Gounod; II TCHAIKOVSKY: Violin Concerto. Richmond B 19011 Trovatore-Abbietta Zingara-Verdi; The Marriage of Figaro-Non Ruggiero Ricci (violin) with the New Symphony Orchestra, Sir piu andrai-Mozart. Malcolm Sargent condo Lily Pons (soprano) TCHAIKOVSKY: Romeo and Juliet; Richmond B 19027 Lakme-Bell Song-Delibes; Camden CBL 101 2 12" Overture 18' 2. Lucia di Lammermoor-Mad Scene-Donizetti; Rigoletto-Caro London Philharmonic Orchestra, Eduard van Beinum cond.; Paris nome; Tutte Ie feste-Verdi & others. Conservatory Orchestra, Enrique Jorda condo Rosa Ponselle (soprano.) TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No.5 Richmond B 19006 La Vestale-Tu che invoco; Camden CBL 1002 12" in E Minor, Op. 64. o nume tutelar-Spontini; Ernani-Ernani, Involami-Verdi; Aida­ Northwest German Radio Symphony Orchestra, Hans Schmidt­ Pur ti riveggol; La tra foreste vergini-Verdi; La Gioconda-Suici­ Isserstedt condo diol-Ponchielli; L'Africana-ln grembo a me-Meyerbeer; Norma VIVALDI: Concerto Grossi, Op. 8 Period SHO 309 -Casta diva; Mira, 0 Norma-Bellini; La Forze del Destino-Pace, ("The Four Seasons"); Concerto in C Major for 2 Trumpets. pace, mio Dio; La Vergine degli angeli; Act IV Finale-Verdi; A Paris Collegium Musicum, Roland Douatte condo I'aime-Fontenailles; Si tu Ie voulais-Tosti; The Nightingale and the Rose-Rimsky-Korsakov. DISCOVERING THE PIANO- Camden 460 Rimsky-Korsakov: Flight of the Bumblebee; Granados: Spanish Dance Sergei Rachmaninoff (piano) No.5; Schubert: Moment Musical, Op. 94, No.3 & others. Piano Sonata No.2 in B-flat Minor, Camden CAL 396 Lorin Hollander I piano}. Op. 35-Chopin; Carnaval, Op. 9-Schumann. VIOLIN FAVORITES-Tartini: Presto; Camden 419 Moriz Rosenthal (piano) Variations on a Theme of Corelli; Chopin: Nocturne in C-sharp Mi­ nor; Mazurka in A Minor; Fiocco: Allegro; Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen; Piano Sonata No.3 in B Minor, Op. 58; Camden CAL 377 Kreisler: The Old Refrain; liebesfreud; Liebesleid: Schon Rosmarin. Tarantelle in A-flat Major; Chant Polonais No.5 (arr. liszt}-Chopin; Norman Carol Iviolin} with Julius Levine Ipiano}. Air and Variations-Handel; Blue Danube-Waltz--J. Strauss. Jesus Maria Sanroma (piano) Rhapsody in Blue; Concerto in F-Gershwin Camden CAL 304 GREAT PERFORMANCE RE·ISSUES (with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler cond.). Leopold Stokowski condo The Philadelphia Orchestra Leonard Bernstein conducting Nutcracker Suite, Op. 7Ia-Tchaikovsky; Camden CAL 100 Jeremiah Symphony Camden CAL 196 Carnival of the Animals-Saint-Saens (Orch. designated as "War­ (with Nan Merriman-Soprano); On the Town (excerpts); Facsimile wick Sym. Orch."). -Ballet-Bernstein. Billy the Kid-Ballet Suite-Copland; Camden CAL 439 Arturo Toscaninl condo the N. Y. Philharmonic An American in Paris-Gershwin. Semiramide Overture-Rossini; La Camden CAL 309 Kirsten Flagstad (soprano) Traviata-Preludes Acts I & III-Verdi; The Sorcerer's Apprentice­ Dukas; Siegfried Idyll-Wagner. Oberon-Ozean, du Ungeheuer-Weber; Camden CAL 462 Symphony No.7 in A Major, Op. 92- Camden CAL 352 Fidelio-Abscheulicher, wo eilst du hin7-Beethoven; Lohengrin­ Beethoven. Euch luften die mein Klage; Tannhauser-Elisabeth's Prayer; Die Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Camden CAL 326 Walkure-Ho-jo-to-ho; Du bist der Lenz-Wagner (with The Phila­ Op. 56a-Brahms; Scherzo from A Midsummer Night's Dream­ delphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy cond.; with Orchestra, Hans Mendelssohn; The Barber of Seville-Overture-Rossini; Symphony Lange cond.). No. 35 in D Major (K. 385) ("Haffner"}-Mozart. 44 BIFI REvmw On a Chassis Built ~orTvvo

Survey of nine dual power amplifiers for use with stereo preamplifiers

by WARREN DEMOTTE

N AN article published in our September 1958 issue,-x' it and un powered units are real in lessening cost, space and I was postulated that "the separate preamplifier provides weight. Unfortunately, these virtues are only potential since the means for achieving the finest reproduction of sound." there is no uniformity in the style of connecting cables and As a corollary, we also stated that the separate stereo pre· plugs and universal interchangeability is not possible. amplifier "permits the use of power amplifiers that conform The outputs of most preamps are cathode followers, so the to the audiophile's preferences in quality and wattage." leads between preamp and power amplifier can be quite long At that point, we left the power amplifier, but the hi·fi (even to 50 feet) without discernible treble quality deteriora­ manufacturers stayed with it, and now we have nine dual tion. Hence, it is possible to set the power amplifier in an power amplifiers before us for consideration. These are new out-of-the-way place which is well ventilated, while the pre­ 1958-59 products, specifically designed for use in component amp, record and tape mechanisms, and tuner, which generate hi-fi stereo systems. very little heat, are located more conveniently at hand in Each of these units consists of two individual but identical cabinets or bookshelves. amplifiers employing a common power supply and mounted As the operational fl exibility of a stereo system is primarily on a single chassis. Each has one power transformer and determined by the design of the preamp, it is evident that two output transformers, plus their concomitant tubes, capac­ the power amplifier can be kept to basic simplicity. Besides itors, resistors, et al. input jacks and output terminals, which are usually con­ Anyone of these power amplifiers can be used with any nected just the once and then forgotten until the time for self-powered stereo preamplifier. The Acrosound, Arkay, overhaul or repair arrives, any device for making changes Leak, Pilot and Sargent-Rayment are graced with tapofI is subject to two questions. (1) Is it a function that can be arrangements that can supply filament and plate power to performed only on the power amplifier? (2) Is it a function unpowered .preamplifiers or to unpowered tuner/ preamplifier that properly belongs to the preamplifier? combinations. As we stated last month in our review of the If the answer to the first question is affirmative, well and Pilot SP-210 preamp;;:'';' the virtues of combining powered good. If the answer to the second question is affirmative, then

* "Stereo Preamp Premiere," p. 27 . .~* "Stereo Preamps- Canticle Two," HIFI REVIEW, February 1959, p. 40.

CHOOSE YOUR WAITS OUTPUT to match your speaker system. Those shown here (I. to r., Altee, Pilot, Leak, Harman-Kardoll and Knight) range ill power OlltPllt trom 15 to 40 watts. MARen 1959 45 PRICE ' 99.501 270.00 79.952 99.95 74.50 69.503 189.00 129.50 106 .~0

• Power per Channel 18 WATTS 40 WATTS 30 WATTS 25 WATTS 15 WATTS 18 WATTS 25 WATTS 30 WATTS 17 WAITS

Height 5%" 6%'1. 6" 6%" 6" 5%" 6%" 6%" 5%" • Size Width 10" 16 112" 15%" 15" 13%" 13%" 13%" 15 %" 14%" Depth 7" 12 %" 8" 7%" 9%" 10 9116" 10 %" 71f4 " 8%"

• Net Weight (lbs.) 18 38 26 26 19 20 27 32 20

• Output Tubes El84 6CA7/El34 616 6l6GB El84 7189 KT-66 6CA7/El34 7189 • Level Controls YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO YES

• Bias Ba lance Control YES YES4 YES YES NO NO YES YES NO

• Damping Factor 20 16 8 10 15 23 4 ,5 10

• Output Taps-Ohms 5 (per channel) 4-8-16-32 8-16 4-8-16 4-8-16-32 4-8-16-32 4-8-16-32 4-8-16 8-16 4-8-16

• fusing YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES • Paralleling Switch YES YES6 N0 7 YES YES YES NO NO NO

• Convenience Outlets . NONt 2 2 NONE 2 2

• Power Tapoff YES NO YES NO , NO NO YES YES YES

• Channel Reversing NO NO NO NO NO YES NO NO NO ...t:C • On-Off Switch YES YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO ...'fj := l"l . 1. Available as kit. price $69:50. 5. Plus "phantom" or third speaker takeoff. <... 2 . Available as kitSPA.55. pr i~e $64.95 . 6. Switches ?utputs into parallel "as well as inputs. Also changes output impedances .automatically. l"l 3. Available as kit KT.310. price $47.50. 7. Inputs can be put in parallel by jumper across duplicate input jacks. ~ 4." Voltoge adjustment only. the control is probably a dupl~cation. As such, it unneces­ sarily . adds inconvenience, complexity, expense and an in­ creased possibility of breakdown. Because the power amplifier is usually hidden away and not readily accessible, any control located on it is incon­ venient, so it should be necessary. In this necessary class, we can think of only three controls: bias balance, paralleling and level.. The bias balance control adjusts the electrical relationships around the output tubes so that hum and distor­ tion in this part of the circuit are at a minimum. Paralleling permits the utilization of the sum wattage of both channels in monophonic listening. The level controls make it possible to adjust the inputs of the dual amplifiers so that equal volume comes out of both spe'akers when the preamp stereo balance control is at zero (center) position. They also can be used to limit the output of the amplifiers, so that when the volume is turned on full at the preamp, the loudspeakers are not overloaded. Without level controls, care must be taken to acquire speakers capable of accepting the full out­ put or that the system's volume control is never raised beyond the danger point. SARGENT-RAY­ The balance control-or controls-obviously should be on MENT (above) features level each high wattage (20 watts or more) power amplifier. Once controls that set, they rarely require further adjustment until either chan­ lock down with nel begins to exhibit signs of wear. The same is true of the a, holding nut. level controls. Chassis is white Switching the inputs of the power amplifiers into a parallel enamel set off relationship can be done readily enough by the preamp. By by contrasting itself, this permits a monophonic signal to be amplified by metal cage. both channels and heard through both speakers simultane­ ously. By strapping outputs, the total wattage of both ampli­ fiers can be heard through one preselected speaker. This LAFAYETTE cannot be effected by the preamp controls; it must be ac­ dual stereo complished in the power amplifier. Only the Altec Lansing amplifier is achieves this with the flip of a switch; the others require re­ 70% printed wiring of the speaker connections. circuit, making Of the fourteen stereo preamps ,we have surveyed, only it easy to wire from a kit. three did not include a stereo reverse. Hence, only the owners of these and the user of two monophonic preamps who ob­ durately refuses to link them with a stereo adapter would need a channel reverse switch on ·the power amplifier. The value of the on-off switch that appears on some of amplifiers (see HiFi-ndings, p. 53), has not been included these dual amplifiers eludes us. As the preamp is the con­ in any of the stereo amplifiers examined. Instead, they eac;h trol center of the system, it invariably includes the on-off have a preset factor which shQuld be given consideration if a function. Of what use, then, is this switch on the power critical speaker systeIIJ. is to be employ~d·. . amplifier? The system cannot function with the power am­ For example; the good sounding Eico HFS-2 speaker sys­ plifier off, so the switch must always be at the "on" position. , tem which incidentally needs a high wattage power amplifier If, through some quirk, the power amplifier is plugged di· 'alsQ needs an amplifier . with a very high damping factor. rectly into the house 117·volt a.c. outlet 'for independent co~­ Hence the powerful Altec Lansing would be an excellent trol, the system's owner certainly has confidence in the choice' exce~t for the fact that it would not give as good a infallibility of his memory. He also does not worry much transient response as the less powerful Leak-with its higher about inconvenience. damping factor-used with the same speaker. The Altec Lansing, Arkay, Harman-Kardon, Leak and All of these units perform very satisfactorily. Not one of Pilot will drive any speakers on the market. The other am­ them reaches distortion levels that are unreasonable at nor­ ]Jlifiers cannot be used to peak effectiveness with very in­ mal listeni'qg levels. , It is worth noting that in no instance efficient speaker systems. This must be borne in mind when are the output tubes over driven. The new RCA 7189 tube, buying either speakers or amplifier. Also, it is wise to match which is rated somewhat higher than the EL84, may be used the recommended damping factors of these components as instead of the EL84, but the reverse is not always possible. closely as possible, although some leeway is permissible Whetl~er your stereo system or your purse finds more com­ without ill effect. Impedances should also be matched. It is patibility with ~he efficient lightweight Acrosound, the eco­ .somewhat s,urprising to note that neither the Altec Lansing nomical L~fayette or Knight, the professionally-style Altec nor the Pilot has 4·ohm speaker taps ; some very good speak­ Lansing, or a;y' other of these d'ual amplifiers, you will have ers are rated at this impedance figure. a durable instrument that does its allotte9 task well. - Variable damping factor, prevalent in monophonic power -Warren DeMotte

MARCH 1959 47 Upbeat on Two Counts today"s mass audience simply because there is now a larger proportion of young people among the listening public of (Continued from page 37) the electronic media. more suited to the home listening situation in moderately­ The danger lies in catering predominantly to this majority sized rooms. audience and thereby removing from the environment the timulants for esthetic growth. Of course, you can't blame As long as the result is musically valid-that is, as long the yo ungsters for not buying what doesn't appeal to them. as it does not falsify the meaning of the music-I have no But at the same time they discourage richer types of musi­ objection. But there is no sense in pretending that the type cal expression in the popular fi eld. The problem becomes of sound we now deliberately create on recordings is the one of policy in radio and TV broadcasting and in music pub­ replica of what we hear in the concert hall. It isn't, and we Ii hing. don't want it to be. "Concert hall r ealism" has been tech­ A new song is plugged so hard on radio and TV that it nically superseded. We have a new sound-ideal to which we is played to death within a few weeks. Great songs with are becoming accustomed through our phonographs. ge nuine lyric and melodic content just don't lend them­ For better or worse, this may lead to a rather absurd situa­ selves to that kind of saturation marketing and fast turnover tion. I often wonder what will happen in a few years when typical of radio and TV. Therefore the publishers seek and a younger generation of conductors takes over the podium. push simple tunes, elemental and aggressive in their ap­ I now see these future orchestra-builders as music students proach. In other words a sort of " musical tabloid"-disposa­ listening to records a great deal. Of co urse, r ecords are ble after short use. wonderful study material and no previous generation of mu­ These external factors acting against the genuinely talented sicians enjoyed the advantage of having such a wide reper­ songwriter today are one of the reasons why I believe that tory available to them in recorded form. But in the process talent in the song-writing field has not deteriorated. It is of listening, these youngsters may get sonically conditioned merely out houted and can't get a song in edgewise. by hi-fi. As conductors of the future, they will expect from This, of course, is profoundly discouraging to individual the orchestra the kind of sound they get from their phono­ composers. But I am not discouraged about the future of graphs-which puts a reverse twist on high fid elity. popular music. I believe it is talent rather than economic or The idea of "live" music imitating the sound of recordings technical circumstance that ultimately shapes the develop­ is an odd turnabout of means and ends-a sort of tail-chasing­ ment of music. I still believe that an individual composer dog situation. in any province of music, given time and stamina, can tran­ Such circular speculation naturally gets us nowhere and scend the prevailing climate. all we can do is wait the turn of events. Meanwhile I would Considering the sheer mass of musical infantilism and like to shift our attention to another aspect of musical de­ bunkum lyrics on the air, I admit that it is sometimes a little velopments in our time that concerns the lighter side of my difficult to maintain this optimism. But perhaps we can look musical two-way street. I am often asked why I draw my at the situation this way: An art, like any other growth, musical material chiefly from the great songs of the '30s. needs manure at its roots. Since we are providing that in The implication is that present-day songwriting is 110t up to quantity, perhaps we can eventually expect a good musical par and that our collective musical imagination has faltered harvest. But let's not substitute the fertilizer for the crop. since the days of Gershwin, Kern, Youmans, Rodgers, Schwartz and Porter in their heyday. THE BEST GOULD ON RECORDS I rely on the songs of the '30s and early '40s mainly be­ As Serious Composer cause many of the perennial favorites happen to have been written at that time. But I disagree with the premise that Concertette for Viola and Band. MGM E 3714 $3.98 Em anuel Vardi with MGM Orchestra, Arthur Winograd condo the art of songwriting has withered since then. I believe that Dance Variations. RCA Victor LM 1858 $4.98 talent is the attribute of an individual; not of an era. It is W hittemore & Lowe (duo-pianists) with the San Francisco Sym· phony Orchestra, Leopold Stokows ki con do true that there was an amazing lot of talent around in what Declaration Suite; Jekyll RCA Victor LM 2264 $4.98 is now getting to be known as "the Gershwin era." But for and Hyde Variations. (available in stereo) all I know, some all-time great songs might be written right National Symphony Orchestra, Howard Mitchell condo Fall River Legend-Ballet. Capitol P-8320 $4.98 now. The trouble is that they would have a hard time com­ Ba llet Theater Orchestra, J oseph Levi ne con d o ing to the surface and gaining public recognition. Interplay-Ballet (American Epic LC 3021 $3.98 Concertette No.2) . HE real cause of the apparent paucity of great songs to­ Cor de Groot (piano ) with the Hague Phi lharmonic Orchestra , Willem van OHerioo co ndo Tday lies not in lack of musical imagination but in the Spirituals for Everest 6002 $3.98 pattern of musical marketing. The music business today is String Choir and Orchestra. (available in stereo) geared to a different audience. It is no longer the relatively Lon don Sym phony Orchestra, Walter Susski nd condo sophisticated Broadway public to which the major part of the As Light Composer mu sical output addresses itself. Instead, it is the youngsters Battle Hymn ; American Youth; RCA Victor LM 2080 $4.98 Fourth of July; Parade for Percussion. (available in stereo) with their TV sets and juke boxes. It is difficult to project Morton Gould Orchestra. a great lyric tune to this audience. They don't want a melodic Rhapsodies on Familiar Themes; Columbia ML 4657 $4.98 revelation; they just want a charge. They want to be jolted. Rhapsodies for Piano and Orchestra. Rochest e r Pops Orchestra, Morton G ould (pianist and conductor). Take my own four children. They go for rock-and-roll Windjammer- RCA Victor LM 2232 $3.98 and say, "Daddy, why don't you write music like that?" Of Music for the Film-excerpts. {available in stereol Morton G ould Orchestra. course, at their age the simple rhythmic appeal of such music As Conductor is a valid experience. But they will eventually outgrow it COPLAND : Billy if their environment also contains elements to stimulate a RCA Victor Ltv! 2195 $4.98 the Kid; Rodeo-Ballets. (available in stereo ) natural maturation of taste. Just the same, they represent Morton G oul d Orchestra. 48 Martin Bookspan RATES THE BASIC REPERTOIRE

Item 5 of the "First Fifty"

Beethoven's "Eroica"

A shocker in 1805, still ahead oj its time, a challenge to every conductor

"ONE of the most incomprehensible deeds in arts and ANGEL-Klemperer brings letters, the greatest single step made by an individual nobility, grandeur, and composer in the history of the symphony and in the history rich sonic detail of music in general," is the way Paul Henry Lang (in Music in Western Civilization) describes the work which sprang into Ludwig Van Beethoven's consciousness and which occupied him through all of 1803 and into the following year. This, the mighty Eroica Symphony, is perhaps the most personal and characteristic work that Beethoven ever composed. For the source of such a creative outburst, we mu st recall the spring of 1802, when a Dr. Schmidt suggested to the then 32-year-old Beethoven that he take up lodgings in a Cjuiet place where his failing hearing might be spared. The di s­ tl'aught co mposer thereupon rented a small peasant house in Heiligenstadt, a peaceful suburb of Vienna. Here was an idea l location; for in the mornings he could take long walks in th e woods and meadows of the surrounding countryside an d re­ turn refreshed to his music sketchbooks. He was alive with music that summer as never before. To a friend he wrote "1 live only in my notes and when one composition is scarcely RCA VICTOR-ToscClnini's ended, another is aheady begun. As 1 work at present I am reading, a model for many, frequently occupied with three or four compositions at the a mOl1l1tnent for a/l same time." To his friends Beethoven presented an outward appearance now high-spirited, now sullen; none knew, however, of the ., calamitous battle he was waging within himself: he had be­ O ECCA come aware that his deafness was a progressive and incurable UI-:I-:'''''' 1\",: \ affliction, that he was doomed to a life apart from his fellow men. Among the papers found after his death there was a tloorl\<,t:..""*'-_ ...... -l¥lI large, folded sheet dated Heiligenstadt, October 10, 1802 and 1-'"...... ),.-... · _1...... addressed to his two brothers, Carl and Johann, "to be read and execuled after my death." This, the so ul-baring Heiligen­ DECCA-Jochll/1/ javors stadt Testament, tells of the composer's tortured state of th e broad approach, backed mind. Near the end of the document is this significant sen­ by IIltra-spaciolis sOllnd tence: "I almost reached the point of putting an end to my life-only art it was that held me back, ah, it seemed im­ possible to leave the world until I had brought forth all that I felt called upon to produce." By Beethoven's own admission, then, it was the irresistible, Herculean drive to compose that saved him from sui cide. Notebooks from that summer are full of sketches for much piano music, violin sonatas, and most important of all, the Second Symphony, which was completed at Heiligenstadt. Indeed, this work may have served as a catharsis for Beethoven, giving him an inner peace which allowed him "to take a new road." The Eroica Symphony was to be its mo st monumental milestone. EPIC-Szell is the best One can sympathize with the listener at the Symphony's of the stereos ill a thrill­ fir st llllblic performance in Allril, 1805, who is said to have packed Tosc(lIIilli styling 4·9 shouted : " I'd give another kreutzer if the thing wo uld only kind of noble, exalted grandeur. Rather, it is a mellow, stop !" In length (the "Eroica" runs about twice as long as leisurely kind of approach, secure and confident in its con­ the average Haydn or Mozart Symphony), in formal design, viction. From the standpoint of playing time this is proba· in complexity, and in harmonic daring, the "Eroica" marks a bly the longest of the available r ecorded "Eraicas"-50 complete break with the musical past. Much has been said minutes and 18 seconds, more than a minute longer than and written about Beethoven's original dedication of the Klemperer's 48:59. At press time I had heard only the Symphony to Napoleon Bonaparte, a dedication which was monophonic edition, which had a sound of great richness angrily withdrawn when th e full im Ract of the fanatic per­ and detailed clarity. Certainly if the stereo sound turns out sonal ambition of the then First Consul impressed itself upon as good as on Walter's r ecently r eleased Beethoven "Pas­ the composer. ow, more than 150 years after the events and toral", we shall have something to look forward to. , I circumstances surrounding its creation, the "Eroica" is seen to In the same tradition as the Klemperer and Walter per· look far beyond Napoleon. Even the published dedicati on­ formances, if lacking somewhat in the ultimate authority "Heroic Symphony to celebrate the memory of a great man" which both of them bring to the music, is the version by - imposes a temporal and personal significance which the Eugen J ochum and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra music itself far transcends. The "Eroica" is about the heroic, (Decca DL-9865). This is a carefully-prepared, beautifully­ about how it can liberate mankind from inward and out­ played performance with recorded sound of solid fullness and ward oppression. This is the message of the Symphony­ depth. Anyone looking for an "Eroica" that presents the and of Beethoven. It is a message which sounds as a pedal music clearly and allows it to speak for itself without the point sustained throughout his entire output, whether the intrusion of the conductor's "personality" should investigate works be Fidelia, the Egm9nt music, or the Ninth Symphony. this version. The one conductor who in this writer's opinion has come Now we come to the "Toscanini performances"-and there close to an ideal recorded statement of all that is in the are many of them. The late Maestro recorded the "Eroica" "Eroica" is Otto Klemperer. He has given us an "Eroica" himself twice. The first version, a cough-punctuated, wretched that has a grandeur and a nobility, a personal warmth and r eproduction of an actual concert performance in NBC's old an objective rightness. H is recorded performance for Angel Studio 8-H in October, 1939. The other was the product of re­ offers the listener a mesmeric fascination in the wayan cording sessions in Carnegie Hall exactly ten years later. interpreter can display unerring response to the ebb and flow But the Toscanini style-fast tempi; nervous, restless energy, of the music. Yet there is nothing very mysterious about and hard-driving propulsion- has infected almost every other Klemperer's uncanny success : it stems straight from the conductor who has recorded this music. I would class as "Tos­ printed score. By adopting tempi which are just a shade canini performances" those by Szell, Reiner (RCA Victor) , slower than almost everybody else in this music (but which Dorati (Mercu}"y) and Munch (RCA Victor) , in addition to seem absolutely ideally chosen) , and by carefully paying Toscanini's own, of course. Of these hell-for-leather readings, attention to all of Beethoven's accents and dynamic mark· I would unhesitatingly put Szell's at the head. For sheer visceral excitement the Szell recording (Epic LC-3385 ) packs ings, Klemperer's performance communicates a unique and even ,a greater wallop than the original Toscanini model. And unmistakable sense of conviction and identification. The Phil­ no't the least element of the fascination of Szell's performance harmonia Orchestra plays magnificently for him and the is its awesome display of orchestral discipline. These Cleve­ British engineers have captured a rich, cleanly.balanced and land musicians play if \ ;ery lives depended upon in­ full· throated so und. Presumably .the performance was also ~s th ~j r stantaneous response to the demands of their conductor. recorded stereo phonically, so we may expect the eventual One other performance remains worthy of mention before release of a stereo disc, but the available monophonic version we turn to the available stereo versions. This is Capitol's (Angel 35328) is a glory of recorded literature. performance by Steinberg and the Pittsburgh Symphony Several conductors, during the course of long recording Orchestra (P·8334) , which falls somewher e in the middle careers, -have been given the opportunity to record the between the generally uncomplicated ease and freedom of "Eroica" more than once; Koussevitzky and Toscanini, with Walter and Jochum, and the kinetic energy of those I have two r ecordings each, are the most notable examples. One classed as " Toscanini" performances. It assumes this middle­ who has had the rare privilege of recording this colossal score ground approach handsomely and is richly recorded. three times is Bruno Walter, whose most recent recording Stereo? There are already six versions of the "Eroica" has been released by Columbia (ML-5320) just as we go to listed in the catalogs. Three of these (Szell, Munch and press. The two previous Walter recordings were both with Dorati) have been mentioned in the discussion of the mono­ the New York Philllarmonic; the first, which marked Walter's phonic versions; the other three are by Boult (Vanguard), initial recording activity in this country, was made in Feb­ Horenstein (Vox) and Scherchen (Westminster) . The last ruary, 1941, very soon after he arrived on these shores fol­ named I have not heard; but Boult's is a curiously weak, lowing a flight from war-ravaged Europe. For about a half undistinguished reading, Horenstein's, rather shapeless. As dozen years this reigned as the most generally preferred of the moment, then, the stereophonic palm goes to Epic's recording of the music-a broad, sturdy performance and version of Szell's exciting r eading (BC-IOOl), which is fur­ good-sounding reproduction. _ ther distinguished by fil'm, well-spaced sound. Indeed, no Then, in the late 1940's, Columbia re-recor.ded the "Eroica" conductor who has r ecorded the "Eroica" generates the with Walter and the same orchestra. This one, ML-4228, is dynamism which Szell gives to the coda of the Finale. Let still in the current Columbia catalog and has basically the Szell be your choice, monophonically or on stereo, if un­ same qualities as the earlier one, but with fuller sound. The leashed fury is what you want out of your "Eroica". Take most recent Walter recording is a product of sessions held Klemperer, monophonically now but with a stereo version on the West Coast last year which eventually will yield all almost sure to follQw soon, for an exaltation and a dignity, nine Beethoven Symphonies. This is no fi st.shaking, heaven­ a grandeur and a nobility which are indeed heroic. storming performance, nor is it endowed with the Klemperer -M~lI't i n Bookspan 50 The Wen-Tampered Claviers

.-/ ~ ~ . J " " ' " " ...... "." ...... ,

... ~./' , , "

Tricked-up sound in multitrack recording revamps two-piano trade

By HANS H. FANTEL Illustrations by Bob Weber

AMPERING with the entrails of a piano is a compulsion classical two-piano team. R ehearsing Ravel's Bolero they · Tcommon among mechanically-minded small fry_ It re­ were trying to set off the one insistent note that taps the mained for duo-pianists F errante and Teicher to develop such rhythm throughout the piece, so that the ear could easily urges into a notably strenuous and profitable art form. pick it out. But no trick of touch or pedaling kept Ravel's "There are many ways of playing the piano without even hypnotic rhythm of the r epeated G from being drowned in the touching the keys," says Arthur F errante and promptly pro­ tonal torrents. At last, near desperation, Teicher jammed his ceeds to demonstrate by tapping the strings inside the ·piano pencil eraser between the strings. That did it. Now the G with a pencil eraser or stroking them with a soft brush while sounded like a tight, muffled drum, ominously beating against holding down the sustaining pedaL A delicate, shimmering the rest of the music. sound welled up. Still holding down the pedal, he then hit That moment of exasperated inspiration established the the sound board from underneath with the heel of his hand. ,principle and technique of Ferrante and Teicher's unique An iridescent boom came from the instrument. brand of pianism. "The sounding board is a unique drum" explains Fer­ The intrepid experimenters then proceeded to modify the rante, "capable of beautiful percussive so unds. And don't piano sound by scattering nuts and bolts on the strings, vary­ think percussion is just crash, bang and bump_ You can get ing the effect by replacing the nuts with chains, tinsel, and wonderfully delicate effects. Or, yo u can pluck the strings they call "an occasional plateful of silver macaroni." .. Later like a mandolin. Don't forget that the piano still contains they undertook the construction of highly elaborate devices its ancestors-harp, lute, dulcimer, zither, clavichord, harp­ known respectively as bones, bongs, .pings, 'strums, plucks, sic1lOrd-it's a whole museum of sounds." and clucks_ A whole orchestra of sound variants soon in­ The "museum" of non-pianistic piano sounds was first habited their pianos. opened to the public in a ,big way by John Cage, an American As so many other areas of experimentation, this, too, has composer who "prepared" his piano with nuts and bolts and its clandestine side. Like "Mack the Knife" of Weill's famed other paraphernalia strewn on the strings for the playing of ballad, Ferrante and Teicher keep the tools of their trade his own music. Teicher and Ferrante have refined these tech­ strictly out of sight. Not that they are natmally fmtive, but niques and now apply them to playing popular favorites, show so far the U. S. Patent office has failed to acknowledge the tunes and the like. In effect, they "orchestrate" the songs originality and exclusiveness of their assorted bongs and with their sonic experiments. clucks; and while imitation may be the sincerest form of These sonic byways first appeared to Ferrante and Teicher flattery, it can also ruin a business. No one is permitted on merely as a detour from their regular routine as a strictly stage at their concerts. The gadgets remain under cover until ~ 51 they are slipped speedily inside the duo-piano r ecitals in droves exposed themselves to assault by Steinways. At recording sessions, en­ sounds sans pareil. The magnet, incidentally, had two poles. gineers must have a special " security One drew the audience; the other acted on the pianists them­ clearance" before being admitted any­ selves. It pulled them away from the classical repertory where near the clonking parapher· into areas more inherently hospitable to expel'iment_ They nalia. turned toward the tunes tha t traditionally serve jazzmen as Organists have it easy by com· springb9ards for improvization. Popular and Broadway songs parison. If they want to change th e are now the chief foundation of their sonic edifice. But the tone color of their instrument, all they solid pianistic craftsmanship of their classical training was have to do is pull a "stop." Yet Fer­ never compromised. It is still clearly in evidence in even rante and Teicher must jump up in th eir wildest experiments, lending to what sounds strictly the middle of a piece, jam their gad· "way out" an astonishing flavor of disciplined musicianship. gets into the grands, and back down This musicianship was nurtured at New York J uilliard to the keyboard in time for their nex t School of Music, where the team was formed when each note. An allegro can brio played in partner had reached the ripe age of six. Ferrante, a native this fashion literally keeps them hop­ New Yorker, and Teicher, a prodigy from Wilke5-Bau e, P a. ping. Mapping their musical arrange­ ments, they constantly ask themselves " Is it feasible from an athleti c vi ew­ point?" Translated into practical s,itu· ations, this means "Can I reach high C with a bong inside the piano while holding a chord in the bass?" or "Can I get back in time for that left hand run after pulling the zizzer across the upper string ?" Without meaning to imply other similarities, a physiolo­ gist once reported that wood chopping and piano playing are the two most strenuous forms of work. The statement was based on calories of energy expended per wlit time. With "heir own brand of "athletics" added to the usual "keyboard exer cises" F errante and Teicher probably do th e most phys­ ically demanding job in the whole hi story of musical per­ formance. JOHN CAGE played a "prepar ed" piallo. Compared to the fast-paced workout at a li ve concert, their recording sessions seem like a breather. Each so und effect had been enrolled at J umiard's Preparatory Division after i prepared at leisure and the various "takes" spliced to­ each alarmed his parents by picking out tunes at the age of gether afterwards. But the final product sparks with un­ two. By sheer circumstance of " being there" the two tots paralleled sonic frenzy. The studio permits pianists and were harnessed together for two-piano work. From the start, engineers to throw together their respective bags of tricks it was a winning combination. Together they progressed to into a big clangorous pile. The pianisti c arsenal of effects is more advanced stages of training, sharing the same teachers, reinforced by virtuoso engineering. No less than seventeen and after completing graduate work in piano, composition mikes were used at a recent session, feeding fiv c recording and orchestration, they joined the .J uilliard faculty. tracks gimmicked with different filter s, variable speed con­ Over the years, Ferrante and T eicher grew into a sort of trols, and loo p-type reverberators. The tracks are then cross­ Siamese twins joined by two pianos. Even marriage and dubbed and superimposed upon each other until the sonic growing families in both the T eicher and F errante households witches' brew attains its ultimate potency. A recent stereo did not budge their musical partnership. release even resorted to such legerdemain as blending rever­ This life-long association i the key to their freewheeling beration from the left channel over to the right channel and arrangements of popular son g and show tunes. Their kind vice versa. The result might be t be diagno sed as a kine! of of pianistic hi-jinks have so much spontaneity that they are acoustic schizophrenia. almost unwritable. This raises the question how one knows Tonal gimmickry_ recorded or live, proved a potent mag­ what the other is going to do next. nN. Va ~ L aud iences th at wOl.dd have passed lip conventional "We read each other's minds," is the simple answer. "We don't have to spell it out. We feel ideas right in ouI' fin gertips." "But can you mind-read fin gertips?" "When you've been playing piano together since the age of six- you can!" As for the popular acclaim of their sonic experiments, the pianists modestly disclaim their own originality and credit th eir Sllccess to the temper of the times. "The public has been sensitized to so und. The interest in 11igh fidelity sO llnd reproduction has made peo ple responsive to the element of tonal color-so they are receptive to our ideas. You might say we're riding the crest of the electronic wave." A THLETICS fllld lIIilld-read fillgcrti/Js. - Hans H. Fantcl 52 Knight KN-1260K Ducted-Port Enclosure Kit of S73.45. The KN-800 is a three- way speaker consJstJng of a 2000 cycle mechanical crossover and a 4000 cycle transition to Manufacturers Data: A ducted-port enclosure kit for 12- a horn-load ed, compression-type tweeter- inch full-range loudspeakers_ May be modified to accommmodate The assembled speaker system is surprisingly rigid and the use horn-type mid-range speaker or separate tweeter- Enclosure is of a ducted-port smooths out the bass region as far down as 50 32" IL x 17%" w. x 15" d. Wood surfaces prefinished, grille cloth cycles. The tweeter is not excessively efficient and the constructor affix ed, and connecting wires sold ered to terminal strip. Available does not find it necessary to back off on the tweeter level contl"Ol in mahogany, limed oak or walnut fini shes. Price $36.50. (Allied to be sure that the bass and mid-ranges are not being overpowered. Radio Corp., 100 N. Wes tern Ave., Chicago 80, Ill.) All in all, the system sounds smooth and suitable for use in model" ate to moderately large living rooms for "along-the-wall" installa­ With all due respect to the late Dr- Lindner, the manufacturer of tions. this enclosure missed a good bet in not calling it the "50-Minute Kit." This is exactly how long it took us to assemble the seven Acrosound Ultra-Linear II Power Amplifier pieces, attach the four legs, bolt down a three-way KN-800 speaker, and connect it up to an amplifier. \Ve were not oU,t to break any Manufacturers Data: Power amplifier for monophonic use records so it would not be too surprising to hear of the KN-1260K rated at 60 watts, 120 watt peaks. 1M distortion less than 0.5% being assembled in just over a half hour- The beauty of the whole at 50 watts, or less than 1.0% at 60 watts. Harmoni c distortion operation is that it could just as well have been assembled by a Jess than 1.0% within ± l.0 db. (60 watts) from 20-20,000 cycles. novi ce do-it-yourself fan- it would have looked and worked just Frequency response at l.0 watt is ± l.0 db. from 5-85,000 cycles, as well! or at 60 watts ± l.0 db. from 18-30,000 cycles. Variable damping The KN-1260K is a sign of things to come in th e kit fi eld. While factor control range 0.5 to 10 (or fix ed at 15 ). EL34/6CA7 output th ere is a hard determined core of wood fini shers and polishers, tubes wi th possible substitution of 6550's or KT-88's. Fused. 1.6 there is a much bigger mal'ket for prefinished enclosures and equip­ volts 1'Ins input for 60 watts output. Price $109.50 wired or $79.50 as a kit. (Acro Products, 369 Shurs Lane, Philadelphia 28, Pa.) ment cabinet. By prefini shing, we mean that all exposed surfaces are stained or veneered, sealed and polished. The constructor slips The ,staff of HIFI REVI EW was hard put to decide two things the necessary panels together and holds th em in place with screws about the Ultra-Linear II: Can we really call the lower priced ver­ and glue. Most prefinished- and the KN-1260K is a good example sion a "kit" for the do-it-yourself fan, and if it is, why would - have cal'efully mitered or tongue-and-groove joints so that once anyone spend au extra $30.00 for a wired model? Since the inter­ assembled it is difficult to distingui sh the kit from a factory-finished pretation of a "kit" is fairly liberal, you can look at it from the product. angle that the manufacturer thinks your services are worth $15.00 We mounted a Knight KN-800 12-inch speaker in our test enclo­ an bour. That's right, it takes just two hours on the nose to open sure. This speaker sells for $44.95 or is made available at the time the boxes, bolt th e chassis together, mount the transformers, mount of the purchase of the enclosure kit at an $8.00 saving, at a total the circuit boa rd, solder the fe w wires and affix Ih e cage over th e

DUCTED-PORT ENCLOSURE kit sold by Allied Radio features pre­ finish ed top and sides with the plastic grille cloth attached to the fron.t pan.el. Tunnel for the duct ed­ port is visible ill right halld photo below speaker. Fiberglas bat- ting was affixed to enclosure by the manufacturer. Wire leads from KN-BOO speaker go to the treble level control (top) and to the speaker input termillals (bottom). These are all soldered ill place prior to shipment. Constructor lIeeds only screwdriver to assemble the enclosure. Amplifier atop ell­ closure is a 25-watt Knight-Kit.

53

in a monop omc or s ereop ome. Music

Edward S. Miller General Manager

MARCH 1959 55 tubes. In all honesty, even the most fumble·thumbed could put rings and cover plates, 5 Press-On plugs, 12 twin-lead insulators, this one together-we've seen more difficult toys for 6·year·olds. 100 feet twin·lead cable, terminating resistor, necessary hardware The gigantic saving in time is due to the use of a printed and instruction booklet. List price, $67.75. (Jerrold Electronics circuit board-which in this case already has the tube sockets, Corp., The Jerrold Building, 15th and Lehigh, Philadelphia 32, Pa.) resistors, capacitors and bias rectifier mounted and soldered in place. If the constructor had to do 'this himself the time expendi- . . 1 __ .. 1 _____ t ~ .. _ 1-." ....'" The modern hom e with one or two FM receivers and one or two

As hi-fi listeners we were interested primarily in the FM capa­ bilities of this tuner. As claimed by the manufacturer, the tuner is exceptionally sensitive. In the heart of New York City under the most adverse receiving conditions possible-without an an­ tenna-most of the local FM stations could be heard with a vir­ tually silent background. These excellent characteristics are due partially to the r.f. cascode front end and partially to the unusual noise clipping limiter stage ahead of the ratio detector. Employing a dual diode using a principle seen frequently in short-wave COIll­ munications receivers, the output of the ratio detector is uncom­ monly clean and with a wide linear slope of 350 kc. Stability, the u'ick of holding the station once it is tuned in, was handled with relative ease by the SR-440. Proof of tbe pudding is, of course, the stability without the a.Lc. switched into the circuit. W e let the tuner cool off all through a very cool winter night. Next morning, we turned it back on and the station was at the identi· cal spot on the dial. In our informal home testing procedures, we do not attempt to JERROLD MASTER ANTENNA SYSTEM was desiglled for state the distortion fi gures and percentages. Rather, we attempt the suburban home. A typical illstallation would Pllt to judge performance from a listener's chairside perspective. P er­ the broad-band FM-TV amplifier ill the garage fed haps we can best sum up the aural impression made by the SR-440 from the antenna 011 the roof. II! some locales, the by saying that its FM sound from a station broadcasting a record alltellna works as well in th e attic. Output of the was comparahle to the sound of the same record played on our amplifie r feeds 300-0/lln lead and a series of outlet own turntable with a topnotch caru·id ge. jacks. Lead may be stapled to baseboard or strung For those living remote from the benefit s of FM and who may across joists in the cel/ar. K it described in this review find it necessary to rely on standard AM broadcasts, we can report is sold complete with five outlets and J OO-feet oj lead. that they, too, will be well served by this tuner. The AM refin e­ List price showlI is subject to variation jrom store to ments include a tuned r.f. stage for additional sensitivity with a store with som e discollnt usually allowed. special "Local·Distant" switch. Thi prevents over·loading on strong nearby stations while permitting maximnm r.f. gain for (Continued from page 54) high quality long distance AM l·eception. The variable bandwidth At. convenient locations, outlet boxes tap off the signals from the 300·ohm lead and feed them to the FM or TV r eceivers. The kit contains outlets which permit easy installation and eliminate the need for soldering or stripping the 300·ohm twin-lead cable. As tested iu the Connecticut hills, reception was checked par­ ticularly for number and quality of stations in the FM band. Before installation, some 20 FM stations could be received with quality ranging from poor to fairly good. Installing the mastel' home system resulted in greatly improved quality hom all of the FM stations, and in addition, brought in five more stations that co uld not be heard without a broad-band amplifier. The addition of a table model AM-FM receiver further along the 300-ohm line did not have tbe slightest effect on reception through the hi·fi FM t.uner-either in loss of signal strength or distortion from line rcAections. TV reception was similarly improved and, here again, coupling in another receiver had no effect on FM reception. STROMBERG-CARLSON AM/FM TUNER is shown here New home owners will be pleased to note that the HSK·3000 without th e mounting case. Tuning indicator (type system permits the use of a hidden attic antenna which ordinarily EM84 with variable length horizontal bars) is mounted would have provided considerably weaker reception than a roof-top in the center of the tllning dial. Switches 011 right side antenna. of pall el control AM selectivity, AM sensitivity, AFC for FM, and AM/ FM OlitputtO amplifier. Knobs are Stromberg-Carlson SR-440 AM-FM Tuner for tlllling and for Ollt put volume level. Unit is fitted with a push-pull off-on switch (on the level cOlltrol).

Manu facturers Data: Ni ne-tube (plus tuning indicator s~ l ec tor on the AM band permits th e listener to choose sharp and rectifier) AM and FM tuner. Two-position AM selectivity: 15 selectivity (to isolate a weak station from its stronger neighbors) kc. (broad) and 8 kc. (sharp). FM sensitivity is 1.8 microvolts or broad frequency range for improved tonal quality. Excellent AM for 20 db. quieting with 300·ohm antenna input. Frequency re­ reception results from the use of the built-in loopstick antenna. sponse: AM-20-7000 cycles in the "broad" position. FM- 20- There are two possible output connections from this tuner. A 20,000 cycles. Dimensions: 131f2/1 w. x 4%/1 h. X 9%/1 d. Low­ high impedance taken directly from the detector and a low im­ impedance catllOde follower output controlled by tuner volume pedance from a cathode follower. The latter has its output gov­ contro!' Price $159.95. (Stromberg-Carlson, 1400 N. Goodman St. , Rochester 3, N. Y.) erned by a panel volume contro!' Multiplex provisions are also provided in the FM tuner section. The old maxim against judging by appearances is given the lie The tuning indicator on the SR-440 has been connected to a by this handsom e example of Stromberg-Carlson's new styling. new type of feedback circuit which makes the visual indicators Just in case you haven't noticed, the basic lines are simple but uncommonly fast, sensitive and accurate. highly complemented through the knowledgeable use of gold and In summary, the SR-440 is a handsome, well-made, sensitive white trim striking a note of elegant opulence. Pulling ourselves AM-FM tuner that would complement any hi·fi installation. It is away from its handsome decor, we found after a prolonged and sensitive and clean in circuit design with such r efin ements that critical listening test that we could easily agree that this tuner put it in a class by itself. so und s a well as it looks. (Continued on page 58) 56 HIFI REVIEW ..

"

Less D1ass, higher cOD1pliance 'W'ith G.E.'s "Golden Classic" stereo-D1agnetic cartridge

The more moving ports, the more resistance to groove motion. +IS TEST R'CORDi, • t. ISKC WESTRJ STE~EO lA_ General Electric's "Golden Classic" has only one moving part­ 15KC to 20Ke RCA MONAURAL 12·.5-67 the stylus - which "Aoats" freely in special-formula damping +10 cushions. This means freer motion in the record groove. You get +5 ,...... less wear on records and stylus, and superior sound at all DB. • - -= frequencies. Hear the "Golden Classic" GC-5 or GC-7 soon. -5 You'll agree they are a fitting cl imax to the famous General ·1. 1. Electric cartridge tradition. -IS ~ liJ2 ' !1!IH~1 11 , /' • Plays both stereo and monaural records. Frequency response, ~ I , 20 through 20,000 cycles • Output 8 mv • Effective mass of ...., / 6 I stylus about 2 milligrams. Lateral compliance 4 x 10- cm / dyne; 100 lKC lOKe 10KC vertical compliance 2.5 x 10-6 cm/ dyne • Recommended track­ C/5 ing force with professional-type tone arm 2 to 4 grams. (Specifi­ cations for Model GC-5.) Smooth response oh both stereo and mon­ Model GC-5 (shown) with .5 mil diamond sty lu s, $26.95. aural records. Consistently high channel Model GC-7 with .7 mil diamond stylu s, $23.95. Model CL-7 separation, because the stylus is magnetically with .7 mil synthetic sapphire stylus $16.95 (Manufacturer's sug­ linked to the coils. gested resale prices).

TM-2G "Stereo Classic" tone arD1

A professional-type tone arm designed for use with G-E stereo . cartridges as an integrated pickup system. Unusual two-step ad­ justment permits precise setting of tracking for ce from 0 to 6 grams. Lightweight, brushed aluminum construction minimizes inertia. Statically balanced for minimum friction, reduced stylus and record wear $29.95 (Manufacturer's suggested resale price).

See and hear the G-E "Stereo Classic" cartridges and tone arm at your Hi-Fi dealer's now. For more information and the name of your nearest dealer, write General GENERAL fj ELECTRIC Electric Company, Specialty Electronic Components Dept., 44E3, W. Genesee St., Auburn, New York.

MARCH 1959 57 (Continued from page S6) results show a substantially smooth curve slightly tapering off below 4S cycles. The free-air resonance of the speaker is appar­ Stephens Trusonic B-100 Speaker System ently below 3S cycles. The enclosure itself is smart looking, primarily obtained through the successful execution of the subtle Manufacturers Data: Ducted-port r eflex baffie utilizing design ideas. One, an outwardly canted front with a two-inch lS0CX coaxial speaker. May also be used as a 1-, 2-, or 3-way peak and secondly, a modernistic top which to outward appear­ system through addition of tweeter or mid-range speakers_ Dimen­ ances is I1h inches thick. The absence of brass trim and plastic sions, 331~," h_ x 3114 " w. x 18lh" d. Soft grille cloth wrap-around grille cloth is a pleasant relief from the recent excessive trend in on three sides. Solid top walnut or mahogany fini sh. Price $219.00. that direction. (Stephens Trusonic, Inc., 8S39 Warner Dr., Culver City, CaliL) Since the first moment this system was connected to an ampli­ fi er, it has consistently won the accolade of being "easy to listen Bell 6060 Carillon Stereo Preamp/amplifier to." To our way of thinking, this can only be given to a speaker system that possesses an imposing array of negatives : it is not boomy, it is not vibrant or unduly colorful, and it is not fatiguing Manufacturers Data: Integrated stereo preamp/ amplifier to the ear. By having just the opposite of speaker undesirables, rated at 30 watts per channel, 60 watts peak per channel, 120 the B-I00 system emanates a smooth, clean sound. watts total peak. Frequency response lS-30,000 c'ycles ± 1 db. Harmonic distortion less than 10/0 at 30 watts at 1000 cps. Hum The B-I00 is available with a pre-mounted lS0CX coaxial speaker. level 71 db. below rated output. Inputs (dual): microphone, The lS0CX consists of a "free-cone" suspension IS-inch woofer ARTB tape head, magnetic phono, ceramic phono, tape recorder, and mid-range speaker and a coaxially mounted SKT toroid tweeter auxiliary. Controls: selector, left channel bass, left channel treble, crossing at SOOO cycles. An 80-M speaker is now available to those balance control, continuously variable loudness control, right chan­ wanting more mid-range (though we don't know what for) with nel bass, right channel treble, level control, on-off switch, lo-filter, crossover provisions at SOO cycles. This should make a superb hi-filter, function, stereo speaker selector. Rear chassis controls : three-way system for those finding it necessary to exercise -control level set controls for tuner inputs and tape recorder inputs. Two over the different speakers-or those faced with unusual room a.c. convenience outlets controlled by power switch. Outputs acoustic problems. (dual) : speakers, 4, 8 and 16 ohms left and right; high impedance The B-I00 is a ducted-port with the port exhaust.in g out the to feed tape recorder. Power consumption 230 watts at 117 volts, 60 cycle. Tubes (11) : 4-EL34/6CA7; 6-ECC83/ 12AX7; 1-5V3. front of the enclosure. The duct is an 8-inch long tunnel, espe­ Size and weight: 6lh" h. x 16" w. x 11 lh" d. ; 40 Ibs. gross. Price cially engineered to provide the proper acoustic resistance to give 219.95. (Bell Sound Division, Thompson Ramo Woolridge, Inc., optimum damping to the speaker. This was verified in our tests Columbus 7, Ohio.) with several frequency runs in the range of 20-300 cycles. The This amplifier is going to be one of the great ones. It is a second-generation integrated stereo amplifier that exhibits the effects of careful breeding. F ortunately for the consumer" Bell Sound had been working with the design of integrated stereo am­ plifiers long before the appearance of the stereo disc. The fa ct that th ey have been able to produce several brand new products within the past year is undoubtedly due in no small part to their early faith in the eventual evolution of stereo. The Carillon is rated at 30 watts output per channel, making it one of the most powerful integrated stereo amplifiers on th e market. Each channel is capable of driving a low effi ciency speaker without strain. The power output circuit uses tubes that are practically loafing at maximum room volume. There are numerous l'efinements in the Carillon. In our original stereo integnted am­ plifier survey (August 1958, page 30) we examined the Bell Model 3030 and at that 'time expressed a preference for individual chan· nel tone controls over ganged tone controls. It is pleasing to see that th e Carillon has followed this thinking, and in fact, has gone one step further. Not only does it have individual challJlel tOil e controls, but the bass and treble controls for each channel are logically mounted on the same concentric shaft. This is in co ntrast to th e usual individual tone conu'ol mountings wherein the bass controls are on one side of the instrument and the treble controls on the other. In the Carillon, the left channel controls are on the left side and the right channel controls are on the righ t side-no pun intended. The Carillon continues to use the handy on-off switch as a part of the volume (level) control. Pull the knob out; the amplifier is on. Push it back in; the amplifier goes 01I. This push-pull arrange­ ment, common to TV sets but too infrequently seen in hi-fi equip­ ment, al lows the volume control to remain at a room setting with­ out co ntinuous adjustment whenever the system is turned on. The Carillon does not include the balancing and channel reversing method used in the Model 3030. The latter, although admittedly exceptionally handy when mastered, certainly caused some per­ plexed head-scratching until the mystery of the three interlock­ LATEST TRUSONIC SPEAKER SYSTEM from Stephens ing control functions became apparent. In the Carill9n, a con­ [{ses a bass-ref/ex dllcted-port enclosure. Our reviewers tinuously variable loudness control is mounted concentrically on fOllnd it to be exceptionally "easy to listen to." T he the same shaft as the stereo balance control. Thus, tIle two most speaker was a I5-inch coaxial Stephens Model I50CX. (Continned on page 60 ) 58 RIFI REVIEW G- E "Stereo Clossie" Ampl ifi er Model MS -4 000 40 'W'atts o:f balanced stereo po'W'er .. . only $17995

HARMONIC DISTORTION SINGLE CHANNEL RATED General Electric's MS-4000 40-watt Amplifier gives you power to spare for clean stereo reproduction, with less than 1 % distortion. It offers 40 db or I I Elli1 2 5 10 18 20 22 25 higher channel separation, a rumble filter effec­ IIQ tive on all inputs, and maximum output stability MIOFREQUENCY POWER IWATIS) BALANCE CONTROL at 011 frequencies_ - tOO - RANGE OF FULL BAlANCE CONTROL_ 90 I I For top stereo performance at a sensible price, FADING TO AMP " B" I-"'" ...... FADING TO AMP "A" hear GE's "Stereo Classic" Amplifier soon_ 80 70 / "\.. V , 60 OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE FEATURES ,.. / I'\.. -_ 50 Ij '{- '0 t c,. i3' "'1< • Full, balanced 20-watt output from each channel 30 f-- -::y ~-f-- (28 watts per channel mlJsic power) • Flat re­ 20 to / \ sponse within 0.5 db from 20 to 20,000 cycles • ./ ~ Extremely low hum and noise level • Single-knob 10 20 30 AO 50 60 70 80 90 100 controls for easy adjustment of both stereo chan­ "I. CONTROL ROTATION nels at same time • Contour control provides ~ FREQUENCY RESP,?NSE smooth,gradual bass boost without apparent change in sound intensity_ Only $179.95* FII--~=l===~--+----=I==j >_,L______~~--~----~~------~~~ I I MS-2000 (28-watt Amplifier) $139.95* 100 1000 10,000 20,000 i 20 fREOUENCY CPS

N e'W' G-E Ren1.ote FM-AM Control RG-l000 TunerFA-12

Now you can change the stereo perspe~tive without moving Receives even weak signals with unusually low distortion, from your chair! Two knobs permit adjustment of channel hum and noise level. No audible drift_ Vi sual meter provides balance and volume up to 3D feet from the amplifier_ center channel tuning of FM and maximum AM signal. RF Especially useful in stereo because of individual preferences ampl ifier _stQge in both FM and AM increases s_ensitivity - FM for channel balance and variations in room acoustics_ May multiplex jock for stereo adaptor_ Built-in AM antenna; also be used as volume control with monaural amplifier_ folded FM dipole included_ $129.95 * 3D-foot cord included_$14.95 *. ' Manufacturer's suggested resole prices_

See and hear the G-E " Stereo Classic" amplifier ond tuner ot your Hi-Fi deoler's now_ For more informotion and the name of your nearest deoler, write Generol Electric Company, Specialty Eleetr.onic Components Dept.,46E3, W_ Genesee St_, Auburn, N_Y. GENERAL. ELECTRIC

MARCH 1959 59 (Continued jrollt page 58)

CARl LLON integrated stereo amplifi er is the first of a new breed featuring flexibility with higher output wattage. D esign of the chassis and frollt panel makes it appear as though the unit is very slim. A ctually the panel over­ hangs the main chassis and a perfo­ rated cage at the rear enclosing the tubes add to the height. All controls are clearly m arked on both the front and rear panels. Our reviewers rank the Carillon the most flexible (among those tested in th e last eight m onths) in all categories in its power rating.

Corning In the April Issue Bonus 16 Page Insert .; A Panorarnic · ~~, Hi . $.ory of .Jazz

By "ohn S. Wilson

(plus all the usual features)

60 l lIFI R E VIEW Get big-speaker perf'orD1.ance in a "stereo-co:anpact" enclosure

General Electric's LH-12 "Stereo Classic" Speaker System com­ OUTSTANDING NEW bines enclosure compactness with full, smooth response over BASS PERFORMANCE Th e woofers high excursion cone the entire audio frequency range. The complete unit - with and long voice coil quadruple Woofer woofer, tweeter and crossover network - occupies only two power·handling ability. Treated cubic feet of space. cloth cone suspension- increases But small size is gained through no sacrifice in sound. G.E.'s compliance . Aluminum base voice coil for fast, effici ent heat four times new Extended Bass design puts out as much power di ssipation. AII·steel we lded (+ 6db) at low frequencies as standard 12" speakers in the construction. same enclosure. For superb stereo sound, we invite you to compare this system with all others, regardless of size. Complete LH-12 Speaker System in four most wanted fin­ ishes at $129.95*. LC-12 and LK-12 Speakers available for separate mounting at $89.95 *. Crossover network

LH-6 Bookshelf Speaker SysteJ11. Only 9" high, 17%" wide and 8%" deep, yet provides better low-frequency response than speakers tested in en­ closures up to twice the size. Perfect solution to problem of getting high quality performance in a limited space. May be positioned on side or end, as shown at right. Also offered as kit without enclosure. From $49.95 to $57.50* (Kit form, $29.95). New EN-50S-cu. ft. enclosure for 12" speakers avail able in four finishes. $69.95* There's a full line of General Electric speakers at your High Fidelity dealer's. Finest performance-sensibly priced.

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See and hear all the new G·E "Sterea Classic" components at your Hi·Fi dealer's now. For more information and the name of your nearest dealer, write General Electric Company, Specialty Electronic GENE RA ELEe T RIC Components Dept., 45E3, W. Genesee St., Auburn, New York. L/.

MARCH 1959 61 ...... ",::m z. llAPHNIS

Manuel Rosenthal on WESTM I NSTER conducts French music with all the insight and feeling of the composers themselves. A great conductor, a close associate of RaveJ, Rosenthal's performances are charged with drama, imagination, and undeniable greatness.

Manuel Rosenthal Conducts the Orchestre du Theatre National de l'Opera de Paris on the following Westminster recordings: STEREO AND MONOPHONIC RAVEL: BoHiro; Pavane Pour Une Infan te Detunte; (Also available singly) Rapsodie Espagnole. (WST 14023) RAVEL: La Valse; Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales; Ma DEBUSSY: La Mer; Iberia. (XWN 18770 Il)onophonic) RAVEL: Daphnis and Chloe Suite No.2, with the Mere L'Oye (Complete Ballet). (XWN 18751) (WST 14020 stereo) Chorus of Radiod iffusion Fran9aise; Alborada Del RAVEL: Bolero; Le Tombeau De Couperin ; Rapsodie ALBENIZ: Iberia (Arb6s Orchestration) Gracioso; Le Tombeau De Couperin. (WST 14024) Espagnole; Alborada Del Gracioso; Menuet Antique; FALLA: The Three-Cornered Hat (Suite No.2) (XWN Pavane Pour Une Infante Detunte. (XWN 18752) 18798 monophonic) (WST 14028 stereo) RAVEL: Daphnis and Chloe (Complete Ballet) with the FALLA: EI Amor Brujo (with Amparito Peris de MONOPHONIC Chorus of Radiodiffusion Fran9a ise. (XWN 18753) Pruliere. Mezzo-Soprano); Nights In The Gardens of DEBUSSY: Pr elude A L'Apres-Midi D'Un Faune; Jeux; Spain. Yvonne Loriod. piano. (XWN 18803 mono­ Nocturnes: Nuages. Fetes. (XWN 18771) phonic) (WST 14021 stereo) RAVEL: The Orchestral Ravel (Complete-La Val se; STEREO Val ses Nobles Et Sentimentales; Bolero; Ma Mere ...... ~. L'Oye ·(Complete Ballet); Le Tombeau De Couperin ; RAVEL: Daphnis and Chloe (Complete Ballet) with Rapsodie Espagnole; Alborada Del Gracioso ; Menuet the Chorus of Radiodiffusion Fran9aise; Alborada Del Antique; Pavane Pour Une Infante Dlifunte; .Daphnis ~hnJnJ~ Grac ioso; Le Tombeau De Couperin. (WST 204) and Chloe (Complete Ballet). (XWN 3309). ~H·I-fl~ For complete Westminster catalqg. write: Dept. MR-3. Westminster, 275 7th Ave., New York, N. Y. 62 i HIFI REvmw .' . .... your concert Reviewed by BEST OF THE MONTH MARTIN BOOKSPAN • Warner Brothers scores a bulls-eye with Robert Prince's Ballets U_S_A. DAVID HAll and the dance sequences from Bernstein's West Side Story-" I can­ GEORGE JElLiNEK not recall when I have heard percussion recorded with such true skin DAVID RANDOlPH tone." (see below) JOHN THORNTON .• Everest has come through with a long needed new disc of the lyrical Shostakovich Sixth Symphony with Sir Adrian Boult and the london ALBINONI: Concerto a cinque (see COL­ Philharmonic-"an intense and sympathetic reading aided by absolutely LECTIONS) magnificent engineering." (see p . 70)

BACH: Courante (see COLLECTIONS) • Angel's Kletzki-Philharmonic Orchestra version of 1812 Overture-with • BACH: Overture No. 2 in B Minor, for Tchaikovsky's Marche Slave and Francesca da Rimini-is a real winner Flut e and Strings; Overture No. 3 in D complete with cannons-"You will be completely exhausted, for Mr. Major. G ust av Scheck (ba roque German flute ), wi th the Kammer-musikk reis Scheck ; Kletzki pulls out all the stopS." (see p. 72) Soloist Ensemble of the Bach Festiva l, Aus­ bach , Fritz Ri eger condo Archive ARC 311 4 • RCA Victor adds luster to the recorded Wagner repertoire with Eileen $5.95 Fa rrell and the Boston Symphony under Munch in the Immolation Scene Musical Interest: Unquestioned Perform a nce : Idiomatic from Die Gotterdammerung-lithe voice. . is produced with an ease Recording: Limited and an accuracy that are thrilling. Munch . turns in a fiery orchestral 111ese works are perhaps better known to backing .. ." (see p . 76) many of us as the "Suites" Nos. 2 and 3 respectively. The title " Overture" is actual­ ly the one used in Bach's day, and does not York in the fall of 1957, Gian-Carlo Me­ middle of the most frenetic passages, have its present-day signifi cance of a single notti asked Jerome Robbin s to create an rhythms are so clear cut and well spelled movement prelude. The Overture No. 3 American ball et for the Festival of Two that even on first listening you hear razor­ contains the authentic version of the famil­ World's at Spoleto. Choreographer Robbins sharp articulation in the midst of percussive iar "Air for the G String." asked a young unknown, Robert Prince, to brass and wind jazz cacophony. Both performances are idiomatic, and the write the score, N. y, Export; Op. Jazz. Af­ I cannot recall when I have heard percus­ ornamentation in the opening movement of ter opening night, Mr. Prince was unknown sion recorded with such true skin tone. Even the "Overtur'e No.2" is meticulously played. no longer, fo r his music took E urope by if yo u don't like jazz yo u should listen to T hat side of the recording, however, would storm. The next step on the ladder was the and buy this record, for it is exceptional all have benefited from more open acoustics. Brussels World's Fair, and here, too, Prince's the way. An invigorating coupling of two The sound is rather dry. D. R. music with Robbins's choreography created gre.at modern theater ballets. J. T . a sensation. After listening to this new Warner Bros. I'elease, one can well under­ BIZET: Carme n-Love Duet (see COLLEC- BEETHOVEN: Ah! Perfido & Fidelio-Ab- TIONS) scheulicher (see COLLECTIONS) stand why the crowds at Brussels and Spoleto were so enthused. The art of jazz BOCCHERINI: Cello Concerto (see COL­ • BERNSTEiN: Ball et Music from "West is represented here magnificently, and the LECTIONS) Side St ory"; PRINCE: N. Y. Exports: Op. most remarkable thing is tha t even in the Jazz from " Ballets U.S.A." Conducted by BOCCHERINI: Minuet (see COLLEC- Robert Prince. Warner Bro s. B 1240 $4.98 TIONS)

Mu sica l Interest: For all hep cats, hi fj • BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 7 in E Ma­ fans, and their ii'k jor. Southwest German Rad io Orchestra, Perform a nce: Ro using! Hans Rosbaud condo Vox PL-10750 $4.98 Reco rding: Top job Warner Brothers should be co ngratulated M us ica l Interest: An acquired taste, but for producing such a necessary recording. you're hooked once you have it Performance : Transparent and airy­ Not just for releasing it, but also for wise­ dead wrong for Bruckner! ly recording it with the right co nductor and Recording: Lacking in bottom orchestra and for incl uding, on Side 1, Robert Prince's N. Y . Exports,; Op. Jazz Bruckner, remember, grew up in this or­ hom Ballets U. S. A. No doubt about it, gan loft and the massive sonorities of this the music contained on these microgrooves noble instrument shaped his conception of ''represents some exciting crea tive thinking, sound. Despite the well-intentioned efforts combined wi th a knowledgeable sense o[ of editors like Loewe an'd Schalk who re­ music making. orchestrated the Bruckner symphonies, When West Side Story opened in New so ftening some of the harmon ies and sand- MARCH 1959 63 papering some of the rough edges of the dazz:ingly played by the Royal Philhar­ weaving voices in 0 Domine Jesu Christe. instrumentation, it is now pretty well agreed monic Orchestra and conducted with great This is music to cherish. that Bruckner knew exactly what he was style by !r.ving. Veteran record collectors Tlie performances were obviously a labor doing: he wanted his music to have the will remember the Debussy-Ravel Danse of love, and we can only be grateful to the imposing grandeur of organ sonority. That from its use as a filler in the old Kousse­ musicians and to Vanguard and their en­ is why most knowing conductors today will vitzky recording of Moussorgsky's Pictures gineers for this fine disc. D. R. perform the Bruckner symphonies only in at an Exhibition. Irving captures its salon­ the original versions. Rosbaud accomplishes like charm effectively. • • • STEREO-Bach Guild BGS 5004 what heretofore I would have said was im· The Tmina pieces glow with a warm $5.98 possible to do: he uses the original text of and penetrating raptme and all four works this, the most accessible of all Bruckner's benefit from vivid recording. A most suc­ Stereo Directionalit y: Good enough symphonies, but applies the many colors in cessful release. M. B . Stereo De pth: Fine and dandy Bruckner's orchestral p-alette with such a Written in the late 16th century for the light hand that there is little resemblance • , DVORAK: Symphonic Variations, Op. vast spaces and double naves of St. Mark's between the sound Rosbaud elicits and the 78 ; TCHAIKOVSKY: Suit e No. 3 in G , Op_ Basilica in Venice, this gorgeously colored sound Bruckner intended. 55-Theme a nd Variations. Philharmonia Or­ chestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent condo Capitol music needs not merely stereo but radial If there is anybody around who prefers EMI G 7131 $4_98 sound for ideal home reproduction_ A sec­ a K·ration to a full course meal, this per· ond set of stereo speakers-one for each formance ought to appeal mightily. All Mu sical Interest: Pl easant, easy list e ning channel- placed to the rear of the optimum others are advised to make for either Performance: Good listening area should do the job splendidly. Jochum's Decca recording of this symphony Recording: Good Only in this way can you approximate the or van Beinum's on London, in either of What a good idea to have these two easy­ overwhelming grandeUl' of pieces like the which the brasses growl, the percussion going scores in back-to-back performances! Nunc dimittis and the Exaudi Deus. roars and the strings-especially cellos and And Sargent does very well by them, with Heard on conventional stereo equipment, basses-throb with passionate intensity. no tricks, just solid and devo ted care. Play­ this disc still adds up to a thrilling as well M.B. ing and recording are al·so a pleasure to the as genuinely moving musical and aural ex­ ear. M. B . perience. A must for stereophiles ! D. H. • BUXTEHUDE: Four Spiritual Choral Works-Fiirwahrl Er t rug unsere Krankheit; • GABRIELI: Processional and C eremo­ Nimm von uns, H err, du tre uer Gott; Herz­ • GOULD: Suite f rom Declaration; J ekyll nial Mu si c-Sancta et immaculata Virgini­ and Hyde Va riations. National Sym phony lich li e b hab ich dich, 0 Herr; Magnificat tas; 0 magnum Mysterium ; Nunc dimittis; anima mea. Horst Gunter, baritone; Nord­ Orchestra, Howard Mitchell cond o RCA Vic­ Angelus ad pastores; Exaudi Deus; I-Iodie t or lM-2264 $4.98 deutscher Singkreis; Gottfried Wolters condo completi sunt; 0 Domine J esu Christe; Can­ Archive ARC 3108 $5.95 zona quarti toni a 15; Incl ine Domine. C hoi r Musical Interest: All is not g ood Gould Mu sical Interest: Rare and beautiful an d Orchestra of the Gabrieli Festival. Ed­ t hat glitters Performance: Id iomatic mon d Appia, condo with Franz Eibner, Her­ Performance: Good Recording: Good bert Tachezi, Rene Cle me ncic, Anton Heile r Recording : Good (organists). Ba ch G ui ld BG-581 $4.98 These are a welcome addition to the rep­ Morton Gould, it seems, has been around ertoire of pre-Bach choral music. They are Musica l Interest: little kno wn, but mag­ a long time, but yet he still is a young nifi cent beautiful works in themselves, aside from man in his mid-forties. He has probably Performance: Con amore orchesu'ated more successful music than their genuine historic interest. Recordi ng: Spacious The baritone soloist is especially admira­ any ot.her composer of the day, and there is ble, both from the standpoint of style and This is indeed a welcome addition to the no doubt about his great ability. Declara­ tone. In matters of choral tone, however, ' recorded repertoire of early choral music. tion Suite is a kind of symphonic narrative, the listener should be warned not to expect Giovanni Gabrieli (1557-1612) was organ­ calling originally for solo speakers and a the "slick" quality of the professional ist at St. Mark's in Venice. Taking advan­ speaking chorus. Gould himself says of it, chorus. There is an easy, almost "naive" tage of the spaciousness and double nave "The intent of the work is an evocation of quality to the vocalism employed by this architecture of the cathedral, he composed t.he drama and atmosphere of that particu­ group, which is not at all out of place, in works for separated double and triple lar period in our history." The work is in view of the nature of the music. A word choruses with inst.ruments. The effects are five sections : Liberty Bell, Midnight Ride, should be said for the fine tone qualities most impressive. Concord Bridge, Summer '76, and a chorale­ imparted to the performances by the viola One is struck not only by th e magnifi­ fugue entitled Celebration. It is all very da gamba. Performances and recordings cence of the so unds of these 8- to 14-part clever but by no means the best of Gould. this fin e argue eloquently for the use of double and triple choruses, but also by their The Jekyll and Hyde Va riations are authentic instruments in the rendition of expressive possibilities. There is for exam­ meatier s tuff, and there is supposed to be early music. D. R. pl e, the sweetness and serenity of 0 J esu something psychological and psychiatric in !VIi Dulcissime, the richness of the male the meaning of the music. Although Gould CORELLI: Sarabande, G iga, Badinerie (s ee voices in Exaudi Deus, and tlle excitement writes brilliantly, one is always too aware COllECTIONS) of the staccato chords in H odie Completi of variations within variations, and the com­ Sunt, as well as the richness of the inter- position gets bogged down in the web of • DEBUSSY: Printemps, Symphon ic Suite; its own making. I could never stop think­ Danse (orch. Ravel); TURINA: Da nzas Fan­ ing that other composers would enjoy read­ tasticas; la Procesion del Rocio. Roya l Ph il­ ing Gould's score. It is sort of like a grand harmonic Orchestra. Robert Irvi ng condo exercise in composition by a mast.er orches· Capitol EM I G 7130 $4.98 trater, but it doesn't say anything new or Musical Interest: Color and excitement startling, or even say anything new in the Performance: Vi vid old fashion. It just sort of goes. And I'm Record ing: Th e same afraid it is dull. J. T. Printemps was Debussy's first pmely or­ cbestral score; he wrote it in 1887, at the GOUNOD: Faust-love Duet (see COL­ lECTIONS) age of 25, while he was in Rome as a win­ ner of the Prix de Rome. Not until 26 years • HANDEL: later, in 1913, was Printemps finally per­ Organ Concerti- No. II in G Minor, Op. 7, No_ 5; No. 2 in B-Flat, Op. formed for th.e first time! Though unmis­ 4, No.2; No.7 in B-Flat, Op. 7, No_ I: No_ 5 takably the work of a young composer, it is in F Ma jor, Op. 4, No. 5_ lawrence Moe also unmistakably the work of Claude De­ with Un icorn Concert Orchestra, Klaus Liep­ bussy, with his own particular and personal mann condo Kapp KCl-9018 $3 .98 harmonic and instrumental stamp. It is M usica I Interest : First rate 64 HIFI REVIEW DR330 Dynamic Cardioid and Ribbon oR332 Dynamic and Ribbon Cardioid R331 Ribbon -Bi-Directional TRC Series __ • Push Button Styles Low or high Variable low-medium impedance, wide Variable impedance Variable impedance response. For impedance and polar '" low, medium, high. , . . low, medium, high. pattern. Frequency recording, Unidirectional polar Bi-directional for P.A. conference, P.A. response 40 to 15,000 pattern. Frequency and recording. cps. Ideal for radio response 50 to 10,000 Frequency response 0204 Dynamic Types: and TV, cps. For P.A. and 40 to 10,000 cps. 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MARCH 1959 phony. Cundari and Forrester are recorded Performance: Excellent tration who is not ashamed to say new Recording: Resonant things in the old forms. with more opulen't "'tone than Coertse and Khachaturian's gift for melody and his West. From the standpoint of orchestral The jacket of this disc-reissued by Kapp feeling for dynamic rhythms are the im­ pickup, the Westminster sound is "dry" and from masters of the now defunct Unicorn mediately obvious things you hear at fir st; sometimes harsh in fortes, whereas with label-bears the legend "Music at M.I.T.", but after several playings, new things keep Walter and the New York Philharmonic, and the notes contain details about the con· cropping up for attention on this recording, sound is warm, full, and resonant, without struction of the Kresge Auditorium, where which is by far tlie best transfer of a Rus· the icy definition of the Scherchen release. tbe recording was made. Whatever efforts sian tape I have ever heard. Russian audio If you like to follow recordings with have gone into both the auditorium and the engineering has never been noted for excep­ score and are parti cularly interested in fol­ recording seem to be more than justified tional work, but if this release is any ex­ lowing all of the instruments, ilie West· by the results. The recording is superb. So, ample, bigger and better recordings are minster recording will be an irresistible too, is the playing. surely on the way. choice, because of its clarity and because The organ is ideal for Handel's music, The 'suite is based · on the familiar story Scherchen takes this vast musical canvas I and the organist has an obvious affinity for of the Thracian gladiator who led his and conducts it with transparency. Walter, the music. The accompanis ts are expertly poorly equipped slave army against the on the other hand, imparts a warnl glow, played. Handel, too, may be credited with Romans in 73 B.C. Spartacus has been ar· a touching a.flection, and a love that com· an assist, since his concertos make delight­ ranged into eight scenes, the first four being bine to make one of the most memorable ful listening. played without pause. Alexander Gauk albums ever issued. In short, this disc can be recommended exacts beautifully disciplined playing from There is plenty of fire and dramatic in· without reservation. D. R. the State Orches tra of the USSR. The tensity in both versions, but Wa~t er's light· principal melody from Scene and Adagio 0/ ning is the kind to illuminate the mountain, HANSON: Merry Mount-Suite (see p. 80) Aegina and Harmodius and the thrilling while Schercben's pyrotechnics give off a melodic contour of the last scene between cold light. In tile Wild heraus/ahrend epi· HAYDN: Cello Concerto (see p. 76; also Spartacus and Phrygia rival in every way sode, Scherchen gives us the greatest mo­ COLLECTIONS) the melodies we know in Khachaturian's ments with the Vienna Academy Chorus more familiar works. I would 'say it is a and is in this instance superior to his il­ • HAYDN: Symphony No. 100 in G superior score. ' J. T. lustrious competitor. ("Military"); Symphony No. I 02 in B-Flat. Actually, the two performances are both Ba mberg Symphony Orchestra. Ferdinand • MAHLER: Symphony No.2 in C Minor distinctive and outstanding. You pays your Lei tner con do Decca DL 9989 $3.98 ("Resurrection" ). Mimi C oertse, soprano, money and you takes your choice. Mine is Musical Interest: Haydn at his best Luc retia West, alto, and t he Vienna Academy Walter's. But Scherchen has many fine Performance: At least one is good Chorus. Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Her· moments, too. J. T. Record ing : Good and bad mann Scherch en condo Westminster XWN 22292 12" $9.96 Decca, whose surfaces have never been • • • STEREO-Westminster WST 206 2 too good, seems to have outdone itself here, Musical Interest: Considerable 12" $11.96 a t least in my review copy. The Symphony Perfo rmance: Clean cut, sympathetic Recording: Excellent, slightly harsh Stereo Directionality: Good No. 100 is covered over with such an amount Ste reo ,Depth : A little hars h of surface noise as to make it impossible Were it not for the obvious fact that to review the performance. This is all the Columbia has only recently issued a tl'e· Westminster's stereo release of the Res· more tile pity, since the Symphony No. 102 mendous performance of the Maltier C urrection Symphony even more readily reo is well·performed. Minor Sym phony directed by Bruno Walter, veals transparent handling. Comparison The orchestra seems to be a fairly large this similar Westminster release wo uld be with the Columbia stereo shows that the one, and it is recorded at some distance, one of the most outstanding in its consider· latter has more dramatic appeal, and, sur· giving a nice over·all sheen to the sound. able catalog of superior recordings Scher· prisingly enough, articulation in tlle Wal­ D.R. chen gives us a reading that is sensitive, ter spatial issue competes readily with bold, and dynamic. His sympathy with Scherchen's effort. In tllis case, the de­ HAYDN: Trumpet Concerto (see COLLEC­ Mahler's music is very evident. Scherchen cision for Walter would be even more pro· TIONS) is frequently an ex tremist, a rugged indio nounced, except that Westminster',s bass vidualist of the baton. He often is by turns line is better defin ed. But at the risk of be­ IVANOV·KRAMSKOY: Variations on Rus­ ing redundant, let's repeat that both re­ sian Themes; Prelude (see COLLEC­ cordings provide great contributions to the TIONS) . ') catalog. J. T . ~. ( :M t U l" • KHACHATURIAN: Spartacus - Ballet MALATS: Spanish Serenade (see COLLEC­ Suite. State Radio Orchestra of the USSR. TIONS) Al exander Gauk cond o Monitor MC 2025 $4.98 MASCAGNI: Iris-O come al tuo sottile Mu sica l Interest: Magnificent (see COLLECTIONS) Pe rfo rmance: Far above average Recording: Amazingly good for a Russian • MENDELSSOHN: A Midsummer Night's tape Dream: Overture, Scherzo, Nocturne and Wedding March; Symphony No. 5 in D How long does it seem ,since the Ameri· Minor, "Reformatio·n." Detroit Symphony can public was made so dramatically aware Orchestra, Paul Paray condo Mercury MG- of Aram Khachaturian? How many yeal'S 50174 $3 .98 ago was it that the Sabre Dance took the country by storm, appearing even on juke Musical Interest: MND-You bet; Ref. boxes? The Masquerade and Carne suites ormation-T urgid have become staple items by now, and it Performance: Ordinary Recording: Good has been altogether too long a time since very, very good and disappointingly bad. fresh music has arrived from the pen of In this reading of Maltier's great score he This disc has to stand against some very this remarkable composer on discs. His is at his best. stiff recent competition: Szell and tbe Con­ ballet, Spartacus, w4ich was premiered in If articulation is what you desire, then certgebouw Orchestra in the music for A Leningrad by the Kirov Theater of Opera the Westminster recording would be found i\llidsummer Night's Dream, Munch and the and Ballet in 1954, is recorded by Monitor in some ways superior to Walter's magnifi· Boston Symphony Orchestra in the Re/or. for the first time. Here is a work abound· cent release. The Vienna Academy Chorus mation Symphony. Paray's performances ing with ravishing melody. It is refreshing appears much more concerned with the are respectable eno\lgh, witllOut the fan ci ful to hear music written by a master of orches· spirit.ual quality of the Resurrection Sym· lightness and hair.ll'igger precision of Szel1 66 HIFI REVIEW ~ANNOUNCING ... TIlE NE AUDIO I FIDELITY ST COMPONENT ~1!i!!!~S~T~EREO SERIES' STATEMENT OF POLICY PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Axiom: The first an.d most important' component of a High Fidelity Stereophonic phonograph system is the ,phonograph record. It is a little known fact that until now the dynamic range of phonograph records has been restricted by the inade­ quacies of certain cartridges and pick-up arms. Since this new series was successfully recorded with tremendously increased dynamic range and since A.udio Fidelity does not wish to compromise the full potential of this record­ ing project to accommodate inadequate equipment, we announce with great pleasure and infinite satisfaction the new Audio Fidelity First Component Series*. Since Audio Fidelity desires to raise still further the high .. quality standards of its product and to maintain the Highest Standard of High Fidelity in this industry, we de­ cided to.increase the dynamic and frequency range, and level of sound of the records in this new series-and state therefore that we can certify only the highe'st quality cartridges and arms to track the First Component Series. We do not recommend that you buy these records unless your equipment is of the first rank. If you are in doubt, the Audio Fidelity First Component Stereo Test Record (FCS 50,000) provides a ready means of determining the tracking ability 6f your high fidelity stereo equipment. , The following arms and cartridges have been found by Audio Fidelity to be capable of tracking its First Com­ ponent Series records: ARMS: Audax-KTl6 ; Elac ESL-3IOS, P-I 00 ;'Fairchild- 282; Garrard-TPA/ 12; G. E.-TM-2G; Gntdo; Gray 212; Pickering 140; Rekokut: S-120, S: 160; Shure Dynetk MAGNETIC CARTRIDGES: D ynaco B & 0 Stereodyne; ESL Gyro/ Jewel; Fairchild-XP-4; General Electric. GC-5" GC-7, CL-7; Grado; Pickering 371; Scott-London 1000 matched arm and cartridge; Shure M3D Professional " Dynetic"; Stereotwin (Elac) 200; Weathers FM Stereo Cartridge and matched tone arm. NOTICE TO INDUSTRY: The First Component Series is original and unique. Any attempt ,at infringement or plagiarism will result in prompt and vigorous prosecution. f FREE: WRITE FOR CLASSICAL BROCHURE & TECHNICAL DATA AUDIO FIDELITY. INC. 770 Eleventh Ave.,New York 19, N.V; ~AUDIO FIDEL1TY. IN.!=,. 1959., 'REG . APPD FOR I MARCH 1959 67 in the one case, or the overwhelming emo· sional mannered "scooping" is cOlllpletely • PUCCINI: Madama Butterfly (com­ tional drive of Munch in the other. out of keeping with the clean articulation plete, with minor cuts). Victoria de Los An­ geles (sopranol-Madama Butterfly; Giu­ The recorded sound is fine. M. B. of the other singers. How does Mr. Deller reconcile his "pure" tone on the one hand, seppe di Stefano (tenorl-Pinkerton; Tito Gobbi (baritonel-Sharpless;Anna Maria • MORLEY: Madrigals - Now Is The with his coy scooping on the other; certain· Canali (mezzo-soprano I-Suzuki; Renato Er­ Month Of Maying: In Dew Of Roses: Shoot, ly, the latter practice is more suited to colani (tenorl-Goro; Bruno Sbalchiero False Love, I Care Not: Miraculous Love's romantic music than to the Elizabethan (bassI-The Bonze & others with the Orches­ Wounding!: Hark, Alleluia, Cheerly: Arise, Madrigal. D. R. tra and Chorus of the Opera House, Rome, Get Up, My Dear: Leave This Tormenting: I Gianandrea Gavazzeni condo Capitol-EM I Go Before, My Darling: Say, Gentle Nymphs: • • • Bach Guild BGS 5002 $5.98 CGR 7137 $14.94 Good Morrow, Fair ladies: April Is In My Bach Guild BGS 5003 $5.98 Mistress' Face: Though Philomela Lost Her Musical Interest: Tops Lobe: Hard By A Crystal Fountain: Whither Stereo Directionality: Sufficient Performance: Very good Away So Fast: I Follow, Lor, The Footing: Stereo Depth: Adequate Recording: Fair o Grief!: When, Lo, By Break Of Morning: The lyrical Wilbye and the lively, light­ Besides A Fountain: Fire! Fire! My Heart! With two brand new "Butterflys" ush­ The Deller Consort. Bach Guild BG 577 $4.98 weight Morley could stand more passion ered in by London and RCA Victor respec­ than they are endowed in these perform· tively at the end of the splendiferous Puc­ • WILBYE: Madrigals - Thus Saith My ances; but it is good to have such a compre­ cini centennial year, some realignment in Cloris: Happy, 0 Happy He: Ye That Do hensive representation. preferences will no doubt be inevitable. live In Pleasures: Ah, Cannot Sighs: Stay, The advantages of stereo here are not But it is safe to assume that this set-first Corydon: Draw On, Sweet Night: lady, Your spectacular, but the two channels serve one introduced in 1955 by RCA Victor and now Words Do Spite Me: As Fair As Morn: important function-to minimize the dis­ returned to circulation-will remain a very Weep, Weep, Mine Eyes: I Always Beg (2 tortion seemingly inherent when it comes settings): Oft Have I Vowed: Come, Shep­ strong contender. herd Swains: The lady Oriana. The Deller to single channel recording of vocal ensem· Unless you insist on an even more girlish Consort. Bach Guild BG 578 $4.98 bles. The distribution is nicely handled timbre for Act I's I5·year old Cio-Cio-San, here-no tricks, just good, honest record· you'll find it easy to agree that De los An· Musical Interest: Masterpieces of their ing. A fine item for Elizabethan specialists. geles has the ideal voice for the part. In genre D.H. conveying innocence, tenderness and pa· Performance: Exquisite, but with one thetic grief the vocal characterization is glaring fault Recording: Excellent • MOZART: Piano Concerto No. 19 in F complete and overwhelmingly affecting. The Major, (K. 459); Concerto No. 20 in 0 Minor more passionate moments are tempered by Let us state at the outset that from the (K. 466). Ingrid Haebler with the Vienna characteristic restraint, but it all adds up standpoint of stylistic insight, interpretation Symphony Orchestra, Karl Melles condo Vox to a deeply human portrayal illuminated and diction, these are altogether beautiful PL 11010 $4.98 by the oft·admired virtues of musicianship performances. It is generally agreed that Musical Interest: Supreme and vocal purity. these Elizabethan madrigals are among the Performance: Good In a part which is often entrusted to un· glories of English music, and the two com­ Recording: Good assertive tenors Di Stefano, in resplendent posers represented here rank high on the voice, makes more of his opportunities than lists. Moreover, the works have been well Two of the greatest of Mozart's twenty· any singer on records since Gigli. Tito seven piano concertos receive satisfying chosen. Gobbi offers a sympathetic Sharple'5~, e'5~ What, then, is the "glaring" fault in the performances on this disc. In fact, in cer· cially resourceful in the "letter duet," al· performances? Strange as this may seem, tain respects, I found this reading of the though his voice has been heard in other it is Alfred Deller himself who is the one D Minor Concerto preferable to that by roles with more freedom and richness. The jarring note in these otherwise excellent both Robert Casadesus and Edwin Fischer. best of the competent secondary singers is renderings. The sheer novelty of Mr. Del· I refer specifically to the second movement, Arturo La Porta, whose talents are utilized ler's high, counter tenor voice, has, I'm the Romanze. Miss Haebler's tempo seems in the three unrelated parts of Yamadori, afraid, blinded us to the fact that his to me to be exactly right, where both Casa· the Registrar and the Commissioner. method of tone production is not consistent desus and Fischer take it so quickly as Where this set will be found wanting, I with that of the other singers in the group. to rob it of its warmth. Yet, it is in that am afraid, especially in the face of strong His is the "straight," vibratoless type of very same movement that I also find the competition, is in the engineering. Gavaz· tone, which has become even more exag­ one disappointing aspect of her perform· zeni'-s incisive, effectively paced perform­ gerated in recent years by his adoption of ance. The faster middle section, an amaz· ance comes through with much orchestral what sounds like a colorless falsetto. The ing emotional outburst, could do with a detail inadequately defined. Also, the irate other singers in the group, on the other more demoniac approach. Here, Casadesus Bonze is not given the needed presence to hand, all employ a certain amount of seems to have the right touch. As a definite make the causes of his displeasure suffi­ vibrato. To their credit, it should be said· choice, though, I prefer Miss Haebler, for ciently intelligible above the din of massed that they limit the vibrato very tastefully, as mentioned above, she brings a poetry to voices. Nor are the distant voices, frequent­ in accordance with the needs of the music the remainder of the movement that is lack­ ly found in the score, realized for best aural of this period. Nevertheless, the vibrato is ing in the two other versions. effects. definitely present in their singing. Mr. The recording as such, while it is quite The standard Ricordi libretto is en· Deller's "straight" tone therefore stands good, is not up to the standard set by Co· closed; my only complaint is that it follows out of the ensemble, unpleasantly, present. lumbia, where Casadesus's piano emerges the performance without indicating the ing a completely different color-or lack of with utmost clarity, togetber with the en· omitted passages. G. J. it. At certain moments, when the music tire orchestral fabric. calls for a special effect of sadness, his Generally speaking, the present disc can PURCELL: Tune and Air; Voluntary: Trum- tone quality is wonderfully apt. But these be highly recommended on musical grounds. pet Sonata (see COLLECTIONS) moments do not occur frequently enough Miss Haebler brings all the necessary elan to justify the consistent use of that "dead" to the Concerto No. 19, and her perform· • RACHMANINOFF: Piano Concerto No. tone quality. ance of the dramatic opening movement of 2 in C Minor, Op. 18: Moment Musical in E If Mr. Deller is convinced that madrigals the D Minor lacks nothing in the way of Minor: Prelude in G Major. Benno Moisei· drive. D. R. witsch with the Philharmonia Orchestra, were meant to be sung entirely without Hugo Rignold condo Capitol-EMI G-7143 vibrato, then it might have been incumbent $4.98 upon him to find five other singers of the PARADIS: Sicilienne (see COLLECTIONS) same persuasion. Since he did not, and Musical Interest: A great populadavorite since the other singers use the modern ap. Performance: Sensitive PRINCE: N. Y. Exports: Op. Jazz (see p. Recording: Good proach, these otherwise. exquisite perform. 63) ances are marred, for the sensitive listener In the 78 rpm days Moiseiwitsch was at least, by the intrusion of his "white," PROKOFIEV: Love for Three Oranges­ known as quite a Rachmaninoff player and unsupported tone. In addition, his occa. Suite (see p. 76: also COLLECTIONS) his recordings of the composer's First and 68 HIFI REVIEW CAPITOL STEREO RECORDS

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Hear the full range STAN KENTON Tchaikowski: NUTCRACKER SUITE Rendezvous With Kenton ST 932 Mendelssohn: MIDSUMMER of musical enjoyment in FREDDY MARTIN NIGHT'S DREAM Concerto! SW 1066 Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Felix Slatkin condo SP 840'l the FULL SPECTRUM RED NICHOLS Parade Of The Pennies ST 1051 MUSIC FOR STRINGS of SOUND Leopold Stokowski condo SP 841S OKLAHOMA! Movie Soundtrack Album SWAO 595 VIRTUOSO Roger Wagner Chorale SP 843\ New Pops NORRIE PARAMOR My Fair Lady ST 10100 THE ORCHESTRA SINGS RAY ANTHONY Jet Flight Sl' 10190 Carmen Dragon condo SP 8440 Young Ideas ST 866 GEORGE SHEARING STRINGS BY STARLIGHT DON BAKER Latin Lace ST 1082 Hollywood Bow! Orchestra SP 8444 Medley Time ST 971 DAKOTA STATON JUNE CHRISTY Dynamic ST 1054 June's Got Rhythm ST 1076 FRED WARING NAT "KING" COLE "The Music Man ST 989 Just One Of Those Things SW 903 JACKIE DAVIS New Classics Most Happy Hammond ST 1046 JACKIE GLEASON CONCERTOS UNDER THE STARS Velvet Brass SW 859 Leonard Pennario, pianist Hollywood Bowl Orchestra SP 8326 HARRY JAMES The New James ST 1037 CHOPIN BY STARLIGHT Hollywood Bowl Orchestra JONAH JONES Carmen Dragon condo SP 8371 Jumpin' With Jonah ST 1039 OVERTURE RICHARD JONES Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Stringtime ST 890 Felix Slatkin condo SP 8380 MARCH 1959 73 Concert Music Mis·c .ellany

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MARCH 1959 75 TURINA: DanIa s Fantasticas «ee p. 64) fin est you are ever likely 10 l ieU!'. The string tone, the balance among the parts, ENCORE! ENCORE! VER"DI: Otello-Love Du et (see COLLEC­ and the attention to detail are things to TIONS) marvel at. The familiar final movement of VISOTSKY: Variations (see COLLECTIONS) the Corelli is played with a marvelously gossamer quality. The r ecording, likewise VIVALDI: Cello Concerto (see COLLEC­ is of the highest quality. D. R. TIONS) VIVALDI: 2-Trumpet Concerto (see COL­ • • • STEREO-Vanguard VSD 2013 $5.98 LECTIONS) Stereo Directionality : Perfect Stereo Depth: Fine • WAGNER: Di e Gotterdammerung­ Brunnhilde's Immolation; Tristan und Isolde T he musical phrasing here is, if anything, -Prelude and Lieberlod. Eileen Farrell (so­ too-too refin ed, but there is delightful listen­ prano) wit h th e Boston Symph ony Orchestra, ing to be had here- especially with stereo Charles Munch condo RCA Victor LM-2255 enhancement. Call this superior 18th cen­ $4.98 tury "Muzak" if you will_ Elegant record­ Musica l Interest: Of course ing in every respect. D. H . Performance: Excellent Record ing: Fine • TCHAIKOVSKY: Nutcra cker Suite, Op_ These performances were recorded in 71a ; PROKOFIEV: The Love for Three Oranges Suite, Op. 33a ; LlADOV: Eight Boston in November, 1957, just before Russian Folk Songs, Op. 58. Philharmonia Farrell signed a contract to record for Orchestra, Nic olai Maiko condo Angel 35594 Columbia exclusively. Columbia's gain is Errol! Garner is a fabulous pianist and a rol­ $4_98 RCA Victor's loss, for Fanell assuredly will licking joy to hear, from any point of view become a valuable property. As heard on Musica l Interest: Combination of the at all , whether it's that of the hep jazz buff familiar or of the well-informed symphony orchestra this disc the voice has a free, limpid quality of great beauty and it is pI'oduced wi th an Perfo rmance: Excellent subscriber-so we' ve asked him to take a Recording: Unusually bright few bows. (A familiar request of Mr. G.) ease and an accuracy that are thrilling. He's obliged with distinctive improvisations" When she assumes these roles in the opera You would expect that another perform­ on Moonglow, Fancy, Sophisticated Lady, house, a'S assuredly she must one of these ance of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite and 9 others. days, a new glory will be l"estored to the would be hastily considered by the reviewer Erroll Garner Encores In Hi-Fi-Erroll Garner, Pianist CL 1141 Wagner repertory. and immediately stashed alongside umpteen GUARANTEED HIGH-FIDELITY AND Munch, who has collaborated honorably other records of this familiar score, and it STER EO - FIDELITY R ECOR OS BY in this music with Margaret Harshaw on was-almost. However, Nicolai MaIko does several live concert occasions, turns in a not follow the American tradition of pre­ fi ery orchestral backing throughout the senting Nutcracker as just a brilliant tOl/.r ICOLUMBIAII Immolation S cene, as well as a passionate de fo rce. His tempos are more leisurely (J)" Columbia" ~ MartIS Ral . Ad ivision 01 Columbia Broadcastinl Systlm,lnc. exposure of th ~ Tristan music. and his disciplined hand with the Phil­ Recorded so und ;'s first-rate- rich, full , harmonia Orchestra is a delight! At no and exciting. M. B. time are you made overly aware of "hi-Ii" in this recording, yet Angel has released .\ll((~ WAGNER: Di e Walkiire-Du bist der LenI one of the loveliest sonnding records in its & Ho-jo-to-ho ; Lohengrin-Elsa's Dream & entire catalog. ~~ ~ Euch Luften; Tannh a user - Dich, t eure T he happy fact is that MaIko is brisk Halle & Elisabeth's Prayer (see COLLEC­ when tempo demands and languorous where TIONS) ~::S' ~ it sounds right. The same feeli ng pervades g=~ ~ WEBER: Oberon-Ozean, du Ung eheuer Prokofiev's Love for Th ree Oranges. A[ter (see COLLECTIONS) being knocked flat by the supersonics of the ~ ~ Mercury-Dorati version of Prokofiev's 'S uite, WILBYE : Madrigals (see p. 68) I had expected a good but less exciting ~ ~ performance from Malkoand the generally soEt-sounding Angel tone. However, tllis is COLLECTIONS no second fiddle to any release but first ~(~((,~~ chair in every section_ If you want to shatter your wi ndow panes, strain the • SERENATA-ALBINONI: Concerto a plumbing, and drive your neighbors out­ SOUNDS ... OUT OF THIS WORLD! cinque in B Flat, Op. 5, No. I; BOCCHERI­ New! Stereo balance tests and dramatic NI : Minuet from Quintet in E, Op. 13, No.5; doors, you will want the Dorati interpreta­ demonstration music, now on Omega disk. PARADIS: Sicilienne; ROSSINI: Sonata No . tion. This record is no less exciting and in many ways is m usically superior. Featuring professional tests for volume bal­ 5 for String s in E Flat; Sonata No . 6 in D Major; CORELlI : Sa rabande, Giga, Badi­ Liadov's is pleasant enough and likewise ance, equalization balance, speaker ph asing, nerie ; HAYDN : Serenad e. I Solisti di Za ­ brilliantly performed, but it is rather like cross-modulation •. _and 11 sparkling stereo greb; Antonio Janigro condo Vanguard VRS looking at a grade B film after an excell ent numbers-including st. Loui s Blues, Surrey 10·24 $4.98 double feature. My advice is to listen to with the Fringe, Louise, Guaglione, others. Mu sica l Interest: Vari ed the Liadov befo re the other two selections, SOUNDS ... OUT OF THIS WORLD OSD-1 Performance: Impeccable not after. J. T . DESTINATION MOON! OSL-3 Recordin g: Excell ent - An exciting stereo-music portrayal of a Included among these "Serenades" is the • HAYDN: Cello Concerto, D Major, Op. very famil iar movement of the Haydn Op. 3, 101 ; VIVALDI: Cello Concerto in E Minor ; trip to the moon! Composed by Leith Steven s, BOCCHERINI: Cello Concerto in B Fla t from George Pal 's famous space movie of No. 5 Quartet, and the equally familiar Major. Gaspar Cassado with the Bamberg the same name. Startl ing! Minuet of Boccherini. Included, also, are Symphony Orchestra, J anel Perlea con do Vo x two other examples of rather slight music; PL 10790 $4.98 the Paradis and the Sonata No.5 of Rossini. Mu si cal Intere st: Delightful omega DISK The Sonata No . 6 seems to be of a higher calibre. There are also two examples of Performance: Skilled Recording: Good STEREOPHONIC first rate music by Albinoni and Corelli. PRODUCED BY OMEGATAPE • INTERNATIONAL PACIFIC RECORDING CORP •• 6906 SANTA MON ICA BOULEVARD Regardless of the calibre of the music, Two of the three works recorded here HOLLYWO OD, CALI FOR NIA however, the performances are among the gain ed quite a bit of popularity even in 76 H IF I REVIEW (]O-F- the JJilLfie J20 fUr O-Ill a (jJudtjet ... A Completely Different Kind of Record and Tape Club Different! You buy at the price the dealer usually has to pay-at least 38% off. Different! You may purchase records and tapes of all companies, not just one. Different! You have no minimum purchase requirements. DiHerent! You never receive "approval" records or tapes not actually ordered. Different! You can purchase SMS records and tapes not available anywhere else. Every month we will offer you the complete catalog of one or more record and tape libraries, such as Angel, Capitol, Columbia, Mercury, RCA, Westminster, etc., thereby affording you vast savings as you build your library from over 10,000 selections which we will offer you in 1959. * (}tWt the * r;)tWL the J. JJl J. * * SMS Record Club * Stereo Tape Club (Iormerly Sam Goody Record Club) * and receive * and receive FREE FREE * Any One LP record (including stereo) * anyone of the full half hour * stereo tapes listed below. * * These tapes are an SMS * product, (available stacked * or staggered), and cannot * * be obtained anywhere else.

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UIJ.: SMS Record Club '7)1J.: Stereophonic Music Society 303 Grand Ayenue, Palisades Park, N. J. 303 Grand AYe., Palisades Park, N. J. I understand that I am under no obligation to purchase any minimum I understand that I am under no obligation to purchase any minimum number number of records and that I may purchase monthly special records at of tapes and I will 'receive my bonus stereo tape by return mail. Under the SMS group purchasing plan, I may purchase monthly special stereo tapes for 38% discount and all other records for 30% discount. I am to receive 38% discount and all other tapes for 20% discount. FREE anyone LP record , Monaural or stereo, or a FREE Electro·Voice Check one : SMS·1001 SMS·1002 SMS·1003 0 SMS·I004 stereo cartridge and diamond needle 0 0 o Check one: 0 machine (in·line) stacked o machine (offset) staggered CheCK cartridge: 0 Ceramic input 0 Magnetic input or Ten 33/4 four track tapes now available for new Ampex, Pentron, Tandberg, o Free record ______Telectro and Viking machines. My 0 check 0 money order for $12 .00 is enclosed to coyer membership fee. My 0 check 0 money order for $12.00 is enclosed to cover membership fee. Please make check payable to Stereophonic Music Society, 303 Grand Avenue, Please make check payable to SMS Record ClUb. Palisades Park, N. J.

Name ______Name' ______~ ______~ _____ I I I Address..s ____. ______Address..s ______I I I City, ______State' ______City, ______Stat:e.e ______I I Make of Tape Recorder' ______I Make of Record Player______I ------I M.o\RCH 1959 77 the days before the advent of the long­ These are brilliant performances of un­ playing record. They are the concertos by usual music, which, by the very nature of '50 Haydn and his contemporary, Boccherini. the solo instruments, cannot avoid being The performances are all in the hands of described as "brilliant." Both soloists­ new projects for a virtuoso cellist, who obviously knows' his Boston Symphony players- are among th e way with the music. I found his reading outstanding masters of their instruments, "do-it-yourselfers' , of the Haydn concerto preferable to that on and their performances are admirable in the Archive label reviewed above. The every way. So, too, are those of the accom­ faster tempi of the outside movements give panying orchestra. this version grea ter sparkle. The acoustics of the recording are quite The Vivaldi concerto is actually a tran­ spacious, which adds fittin gly festive quality scription by Mr. Cassado of one of that to the recording. I would have preferred a composer's sonatas for cello. Nevertheless, slightly greater degree of strings presence, it emerges as appealing music. The Boc­ though, especially in the Haydn. The cherini, likewise, is not heard in its original recording, as such, is excellent. D. R. form , since the slow movement actually came from another concerto by the same • OPERATIC DUETS-Verdi: OTEllO composer. In view of the beauty of the -Gia nella notte densa ; Mascagni: IRIS- music, this bothers me not at all. D. R. 0, come al tuo sottile; Bizet: CARMEN­ f > •• (, '", •• H " •• \ ,~

'.' \. Ah, mi parla di lei; lES PECHEURS DES PERlES - leila mia ; Gounod: FAUST­ • IVANOV-KRAMSKOY: Va riations on The 1959 ELECTRONIC EXPERI­ Tardi si fa, Addio. Rosanna Carteri (sopra­ Russian Themes for Guitar and Orchestra; MENTER'S HANDBOOK is now on no ) and Giuseppe di Stefano (tenor) wi th Prelude in ' D Minor; BACH: Courante; sale! If you like to build useful, 'money­ the Milan Symphony Orchestra, Antonio T0- MALATS: Spanish Serenade; VISOTSKY: saving electronic devices and experiment nini condo Angel 35601 $4.98 with new projects, the ELECTRONIC Va riations on "Spinning Wheel"; GIULIANI: EXPERIMENTER'S HANDBOOK is Concerto for Guitar and String Quartet. Musical Interest: For operaphiles for you. Each project has been pre­ Al exand e r Ivanov-Kramskoy (guitarist). Mon­ Performance : Enjoyable vocal display tested by the readers of Popular Elec­ . itor MC 2024 $3.98 Recording: Satisfactory tronics. You'll find step-by-step instruc­ Mu sical Interest: Va riable, but pleasant tions, hundreds of illustrations and dia­ The five extended duets--including two Performance: First rate ' that are especially welcome for their rela­ grams. Last year's edition of the Recordin g: Good ELECTRONIC EXPERIMENTER'S tive unfamiliarity-add up to an interesting HANDBOOK was a sellout at many This should be a very popular record. program. The emphasis here is on vocal newsstands. Be sure to pick up your First, let it. be said that Ivanov-Kramskoy display and not on musico·dramatic authen­ copy of this y.ear's edition now! is a fini shed artist. Everything that he ticity. With this in mind the po;;itive values touches is played with utmost sensitivity will delight while the negative ones will over 160 pages and with the finest mu sicianship. There is cause no major concern. FOR YOUR HI-Fl. 'l'ransistorized preamp technique to spare, ye t nothing is made Most tenors endowed with the heroic and control unit. One-tube hi-fi AM "flashy," merely for the sake of displaying power required for an "Otello voice" can­ tuner. Tuner and audio radio. Make your virtuosity. not manage the lyrical pages of the Act I ow n phonograph arm. Hi-fi slave. Switch The real "curiosity" on this disc is the love duet convincingly. Here is where to stereo. Slot-box your speaker. Per­ Concerto for Guitar and String Quartet by Di Stefano comes in, blessed not ouly with sonal stereo player. Suit your volume Mauro Gi uliani, who was born in 1780. a voice of exquisite beauty and flexibility with aT-pad. While it is by no means an earth-sbaking but also with a rare gift of diction that is FOR YOUR HOME. Build a "conversation work, it is, nevertheless, serious music that worthy of the Shakespeare-Boito text. His piece." Electronic secretary. Flash light with transistors. Trap unwanted sta­ never indulges in empty display, even for dramatic gifts, however, are on a lower tions. Conelrad your home. Battery­ the solo insu'ument. The theme of the plane, and little of the "ecstasy of the operated proximity refay. Make your second movement bears a marked similarity supreme moment" is communicated. Also, own disc records. A clown for the kids. to the variation melody in Mozart's A Major a golden opportunity is missed in the con· Two-set coupler. Simpla-timer. Transis­ Piano Sonata. cluding measures wl1 ere Verdi's subtl e torized photoflash. Electric shutter re­ The guitarist's own plea·sant Variations markings are sacrificed to uninhibited lease. on Russian Themes are accompanied very fortissimo tenorizing. In. the Bizet and FOR YOUR CAR AND BOAT. Transistors re­ skillfully by an orchestra of folk instru­ Gounod excerpts-which are sung in Italian place wall outlet. Convert transistor set .ments. The closing movement, called At -Di Stefano never fails to deliver a wealth for car. "Auto-Fi." Transihorn. the Gate is based on one of the melodies of ingratiating sound which is made even RECEIVERS. Build a "Half-Pack." Mono­ that Tchaikovsky used in his 1812 Overture. more attractive by appropriate youthful ceiv'er to pull in DX. Pocket FM receiver Converter for daytime DX. Here, too, Ivanov-Kramskoy's fine musician­ fervor. Such a performance by almost any ship i·s always in evidence, in his double other tenor would elicit nothing but the ELECTRONIC GAMES. The Quizzomat. A lively "Warmth Meter." Win at Nim capacity as composer and performer. highest praise. With an artist of Di Stef­ with D ebicon. Tic-Tac-Toe mate. Com­ The slightest work on the disc is the ano's tremendous potential one cannot help pute with Pots. Games with Nixie tubes. Spanish Serenade. But here, the guitarist being overcritical: good as he is he could Bullets of light. Catch the vanishing ball. once again demonstrates his sense of style be even better by minding his vocal man­ FOR YOUR WORKSHOP. Pocket size test in­ by giving it a Spanish folk quality, which ners (scooping and occasional explosive strument. Square-wave generator for he wisely keeps out of his performance of phrasing) and by treating the printed page audio tests. Check your A.C. Calibration. the Bach COUl'ante. D. R. with more respect. Transistor Test Power Supply. Carteri brings a strong sense of charac­ I'OR YOUR HAM SHACK. Simple R.F. meter. terization and brilliant top notes to the duet The semi-conductor space spanner. Card • HAYDN: Concerto in E Flat for Trum­ from Mascagni's seldom -if-ever heard Iris, file transmitter. pet and Orchestra; VIVALDI: Concerto for two Trumpets and Orchestra in C ; PUR­ which is her most successful contribution. FOR THE EXPERIMENTER. How to make parts Elsewhere sbe sings with an agreeable tonal substitutions. How to use Decals. Put CELL: Tune and Air for Trumpet and Or­ Pots to work. chestra in D; Voluntary for Two Trumpets in quality save for a tendency to shrillness in C; Trumpet Voluntary in D; Sonata for Trum­ the top register whenever she is called upon The edition of the ELECTRONIC 1959 pet and Strings in D. Roger Voisin and Ar­ to produce tones at less than full volume. EXPERIMENTER'S HANDBOOK is mando Ghitalla (trumpeters ) with Unicorn Her intonation is not always secure and the now on sale-only $1. Pick up your Concert Orchestra, Harry Ell is Dickson condo copy today at your newsstand or radio vocal ·subtleties in the faust. duet are not parts store. Kapp KCl 9017 $3.98 brought off successfully. Still, there is enough evidence of her ability to project Ziff-Davis Publishing Company Musi ca l Interest: Unusual Performance: Full blown a moving Desdemona and an affecting 434 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago 5, Illinois Recording: Resonant Marguerite. 78 HIFI REvmw Gentlemen -you 1re not hearing it as we wrote it!

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I. MARCH 1959 79 In keeping with the general tonc of Ill e Recording : Pre-war vintage recital, the voices are recorded very close, Another bull's·eye for Camden- this reo LOVE AMONG and Tonini is quite obviously a discreet cital would be a bargain at almost any and deferential conductor. Angel has pro· price! We've corne a long way since 1937, vided full Italian texts which, nnfortunately, when Flagstad's memora ble Philadelphia TH INCANS contain an alarming number of enol'S, mis­ series were regarded as high marks in spellings and, in some cases, lines entirely recorded sound, bnt these grooves bold different from those sung on th e record. n'easurable art as well as treasuTable memo G.J. ory. The Beethoven, Weber and two of the Wagner excerpts, incidentally, were reo • THE ART OF KIRSTEN FLAGSTAD­ corded on a single day (October 17, 1937), Beethoven: Ah! Perfido; FIDELIO - Ab­ a fact that would be miraculous even if the scheulicher, wo eilst du hin 7; Weber: OBE­ results had been half as good. The Tanll' RON-Olean, du Ungeheuer; Wagner: DIE WALKO RE-Du bist der Lenl; Ho-yo-to-ho; hauser arias, Elsa's Traum and Briinnhilde's LOHENGRIN- Elsa's Traum; Euch Uiften; Battle Cry are of 1935 vintage, with con· TANNHAUSER-Dich, teure Halle; Elis­ siderably paler Ol'ch estral sound but equally abeth's Prayer. Kirsten Fla gstad (soprano ) impressive vocal grandeur. with The Phil ade lphia Orchestra, Eu gene Or· Careful engineering has preserved the mandy condo & O rchestra, Hans Lange condo aural likeness of the originals and with it Camden CAL 462 $1.98 tlle stunning gamut of the soprano's vocal An exCiting long-Vanished ~~ay of life reap­ Mu sica l Interest: Very high art at its zenith. Do not miss this one ! pears magically-musically! Dominic Fron­ Performance: Superlative G.J. tiere, a young genius from Hollywood, has composed, arranged and conducted a unique interpretation of ancient Inca love rituals and superstitions. The tempos are intriguing, the beats, sensuous, and the music, powerful. The romance and mystery of that· colorful civilization set to music makes extraordinary hi-fi entertainment. This album is attrac­ • THE COMPQSER AND HIS ORCHES· should appeal to the hi·fi enthusiasts as tively packaged in ALCOA aluminum foil. TRA. Howard Hanson (co nductor and na r­ well. Pagan Festival-Dominic Frontiere and His rator ) with the Eastma n-R ochester Orches· This disc invites comparison with two Orchestra CL 1273' tra. Mercury MG 50175 $3.98 ' available in stereo others tbat deal with the same subject. Musical Interest: Excellent educational One is another Mercury record (MG50047) GUARANTEED HIGH-FIDELITY AND material STEREO-FIDELITY RECORDS BY by the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra Performance: Authoritative under Antal Dorati. It contains Benjamin Recording: Spectacular Britten's Youn.g Person's Guide to the Or· ICOLUMBIA. Here is a unique and valid method of chestra, which approaches the subject in @"Columbia" ~ Marcas Rer. Adivis ion 01 Columbia Broadcl$tinr System,lnc. introducing the listener to the symphony terms of the various sections, or "choirs." orchestra. Its uniqueness lies in the par­ At the time that this r ecord was bein g ticular approach that Dr. Hanson has taken planned, the Musical Direct(}r for Mercury to the subject. Speaking to th e listener as Classics conceived the excellent idea of if from the co ndnctor's podium-even de· coupling the Britten work with the Varia· scribing certain groups of instruments as ciones Concertantes of Ginastera, tlle con· being "here on my right," Dr. Hanson has temporary Argentine composer. While this each of tlle orchesn-al instruments play a work was not wl'itten specifically as a teach· characteristic passage from his own Merry ing piece, it happens that each variation MOlmt Suite. Then, from the viewpoint of features a diffeJ'ent solo instrument, with If you are interested in the composer, explaining why he chose cer· the full orchestra given its head in the fi nal tain instrumental combinations, he goes on variation . Thns, this work complemented CONTEMPORARY MUSIC to build the orchestration in the listener's the approach taken by Britten's "YOlLng presence. This process is followed through Person's Guide." · .. or would like to learn about it- with each of the orchestral choirs, and Still another approach is taken in Van· - this is your opportunity. Nowhere are the culminates in a complete, uninterl'l1pted per­ guard's two·record album (VRS 1017/8) exciting sounds .and brilliant techniques of formance of the entire suite. So much for called "The Instruments of the Orchestra," modern composers reproduced and interpreted tlle technique of presentation. played by the First Desk Men of the Vi enna as they are in exclusive FIRST EDITION The approach- or the philo ophy- is State Opera Orchestra, with narration writ· RECORDS. These are first recordings of through "color." Throughout his di scussion, ten and spoken by the writer of this newly commissioned symphonic works by the Dr. Hanson places great emphasis npon tlle review. world's master composers - played superbly colors of the various instrnments, and upon Our approach was to discuss and demon· and flawlessly recorded in high·fidelity by the renowned the qualities of the sounds when th e colors strate the possibilities of each of the or· LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA . are mixed. I am pleased to be able to re­ chestral instruments, in terms of their Robert Whitney, Conductor port that he never tries to make a correla­ techniques, ranges and expressive qualities, These "collector's item" recordings are engi· tion with actual visual colors, but wisely and then to show how those instrwllents neered by Columbia Masterworks technicians. confines his remarks to th e realm of music. were used by various composers, as part of All are contemporary music, with the com· His reference to the final orchestral result the orchestral fabric. The album culminated poser working closely with the orchestra to as a "large canvas" is therefore entirely in a complete performance of the brilliant achieve a true and sensitive interpretation. Available from the Society only, they repre· valid, and excellent as a teaching device. closing section of Rimsky·Korsakov's Ca· sent a priceless collection of new, exciting The choice of Dr. Hanson's Suite from priccio Espagnol, with each solo instrument music . . . the finest expressions of living his opera, Merry Mount, as th e vehicle is identified vocally, just before its entrance. composers the world over. a wise one ; it enables him to speak as a As an additional educational tool, Van· OFFER LIMITED-SEND TODAY FOR practicing composer and lends further au­ guard's album includes a fifteen page • • INFORMATION ON FREE TRIAL RECORDS' thenticity to hi s "tearing apart" the score bookl et containing pictures of the ins tru· • LOUISVILLE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY and putting it together again. In addition, ments, as well as further details about their • Suile 553,830 S. 4th St., Louisville 3, Ky. the idiom is sufficiently conventional so that ranges and history. : Please send me free, comple te information on exclu- • sive First Edition Records and free record offer. the listener will not have to be concerned Thus we have three approaches to "What • Namcc-______with the problems of ultra·modern music, makes the orchestra tick," which taken to· : Addr... "- ______and can concentrate on the orches tration. gether offer a singularly comprehensive • City Stntc ____ The recording is quite spec tacul ar, and view of the subject. D. R. 80 HIFI REVIEW STEREO REVIEWS

Reviewed by BEST OF THE MONTH MARTIN BOOKSPAN • Vanguard brings to life the glitter and pomp of 16th century Venice RALPH J . GLEASON with their wonderful disc of Processional and Ceremonial Music, com­ posed by Giovanni Gabrieli for opposed multiple choirs of voices, brass, STANLEY GREEN and organs-"a thrilling as well as genuinely moving musical and NAT HENTOFF aural experience." (see p. 64) GEORGE JELLINEK • london's combination of Falla's Night's in the Gardens of Spain and JOHN THORNTON Rodrigo's Guitar Concerto-Argenta conducting-displays superlatively the art of recording small sounds in stereo-"A superior record in every CONCERT way!" (see p. 82)

• BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No. 4 in • Angel's long awaited stereo release of Verdi's last opera masterpiece G, Op. 58 . Wi lhelm Backha us wi th t he Vie nna Falstaff is a stunner on both disc and tape-lithe monophonic release Phi lharmo nic O rchestra, Ha ns Schmidt-I sser­ sted t con d o London CS-6054 $4.98 was good enough, but this is overwhelming!" (see pp. 88 & 100) Musi ca l I nterest: Supreme • RCA Victor's disc and tape versions of Bob and Ray Throw a Stereo Performance : Remarkable on the whole Reco rdin g: Exce llent Spectacular belongs in a class by itself as both entertainment and stereo Stereo Directiona lity : Good demonstration-lithe dialogue and situation comedy alone are worth Ste reo De pth : Excellent & I t was Backhaus who in the early days of twice the price." (see pp. 90 101) London fJ rr gave us a l'emarka ble perform. ance of the Beethoven G Major Concel'lo (now available at $1.98 on Richmond B Westlll inster has successfully transferred 1.0 H ere is a rather cu'rious combination, one 19017). Nearly a decade later, the nearly disc the qualities of its stereo tape. side devoted to the last major orchesu'al seventy·fiv e·year·old pianist gives us an· T he per[ormance renluin s a r ugged, con­ score of Debussy and an orchestral tran­ other Beethoven G Major distinguished fi dent one with a calm repose, when needed, scription by Ravel from one of Debussy's by that elegance and warmth which are that is most sa tisfying. M. B . very early piano pieces. The other ,side is the marks of a master. The only really taken up with Dukas's last work of any serious criticism has to do with the weird CHABRIER: Espana (see COLLECTIONS) impor tance, the Poeme danse- La Peri. and bewildering cadenza Back haus has Almost any time you put such scores as CHABRIER: Joyeuse Marche (see COL­ these in front of Ernest Ansermet, you will chosen to play in the final movement; it's LECTIONS) a strange one, all right, and so thoroughly be treated to a very beautiful, transparent out of character! But fortunately it lasts DEBUSSY: Afternoon of a Faun (see COL­ reading. Sometimes it appears as if the only a few minutes. LECTIONS) great Swiss conductol' consistently pl'actices The stereo recording is wonderfully clear too clinical an approach. But transparency, and well·defined, with such things as the • DEBUSSY: Jeux-Poeme danse; DE­ when heigh tened by such glorious first chair BUSSY-RAVEL: Danse; DUKAS: La Peri­ cello theme under the piano solo at the playing, can only lead to one conclusion­ Poeme danse. Suisse Ro ma nd e O rch est ra , beginning of the last movement beautifully more, please ! Er nest A nsermet co nd o London CS 6043 J eux survives today as a concert piece but delineated. I wonder if Backhaus has em· $4.98 barked on a project to re·record all the is almost never staged as the tennis game M usica l Inte rest: Typical early and late it portrays. I t is perhaps the most moody Beethoven Concertos for stereo? M . B. Debussy, late Dukas Perform an ce : Debussy especially good of Debussy's music, and there are fl ashes BERLIOZ: The Damnation of Faust-Dance Recordi ng : Debussy wins over Dukas ill it that remind me of PeZLeas et Meli· of the Sylphs (see COLLECTIONS) Ste reo Di rectiona lity: Exce llent sande. The Ravel orchestration of Danse, BERLIOZ: Les Troyens-Royal Hunt and Ste reo Depth: A little close originally a Tarentelle styrienne fO l' piano, Storm (see COLLECTIONS) refl ects Debussy's impressionism in its early • BRAHMS: Violin Concerto in D Major, manifestations. I t is a lovely little piece. Op. 77. Erica Mo rini wi t h t he Philha rmo nic La Peri was Dukas's last work of any Symp ho ny O rchestra of Lond o n, Artur Rod · note and was first danced at the Chatelel zinski co nd o Westminster WST-14037 $5.98 theatei' in 1912. Still a favorite at the P aris M usi ca I In terest: Tops Opera, it is never given in tllis country as P'e rformance: Satisfying a theater piece. I ts fanciful ·story and Reco rdi ng : Good glittcring episodes are reminiscent o[ Stereo Directionality: OK d'Indy's Istar Variations, only the music is Stereo De pth: Good better. Dukas uses a large orchestra, and In reviewing the monophonic release of he has put together a sensual piece of music t his performance in this magazine last June displaying a wealth of harmonic invention . I Wl'O te : "This recorded performance has T his, the most extended work on the disc, been avail able as a Westminster·Sonotape is so mewhat marred by shrillness in the stereo release for some time ; the stereo brasses, but that is small complaint. It is, sound is big and resonant, but the disc by and larp:e a good record, well worth sound has a slightly pinched quali ty." T his owning for those whose tastes run to the vel'dict can now be amended to read : "The exot.ic and colorful in late romantic repel'· stereo disc sound is big and resonant." For toire. J. T . M ARCH 1959 81 DUKAS: La Peri (see p. 81 ) was released monophonically two years ago this instance is negligible for there is little on a London International recordin g and if any suggestion of movement or even dis· DUKAS: Th e Sorcerer's Apprentice (see subsequently in a new recording on London tance in a stubbornly static score sucb as COLLECTIONS) fJrr. This third edition, in the stereo ver· this. What stereo does for us is to add sion, is so goo d tbat it makes even the dimension to the massive richness of so und • FALLA: Nights in t he G ardens of Spa in ; stunning monophonic release seem pale by that tbe London engineers so marvelously RODRIGO: Concerto for G uita r and O r­ comparison. A superior record in every captured. It also enl arges our admiration chestra . Gonzalo Soriano, (pia no ), Na rciso way. T . fo r Geraint l ones's handling of the or­ Yepes (g uitar) with the National Orchestra J. of Spain, Ata ul fo A rgenta condo London CS chestral and choral details which reveal 6046 $4.98 GOUNOD: 0 Divin e Redeemer (see COL­ Gluck's music in all its torrential grandeur. LECTIO NS) Miraculous as it is to witness Flagstad's Musica l Int e rest: Wonderful couplin g of conquest of this taxingly diffic ult role, one far.-: iliar a nd unfa miliar concertos O · G LU CK: Alceste (complete opera). cannot help wishing that she had been Perfo rm ance: Yepes is marvelous; Soriano Ki rsten Flagstad (soprano ) - Alceste; Raoul given the oppor tunity about a decade ago, is a g ile J o bin (tenor)- Admetus ; Alexa nder Yo un g when her upper register was free -of the Recording: Superb . (tenor)-Evander; Marion Lowe (soprano ) edginess often apparent today. This reser­ '1- Stereo Di rectionality: Couldn't be better -Ismene; Thomas Helmsley (ba ritone )­ ~ Stereo Depth: Resonance just ri ght Apollo, High Priest; & others with the vation aside only endorsement of the most Gerai nt Jones Orchestra and Singers, G e r­ emphatic kind is in order for the unstinting Although Narciso Yepes is a wizard ai nt Jones condo Londo n OSA 1403 4 12" power and opulence of her contribution. soloist in the Rodl'igo Concerto and Gonzalo $23 .92 Her interpretation towers over all surround­ Soriano is agile and alert in the De Falla ing forces-and this is inescapable, for opus, the real star of this London issue is Mu sica l Interest: Substantial Alceste even without Flagstad is the only Performance : Of sound values the late Ataulfo Argenta. More and more Recording: Outsta nd ing big role in the opera. The cast, on the it becomes ev ident that music suffered a Stereo Directionality: Well -balanced whole, is well-school ed and assured but per­ great loss when Argenta was so u'agically Stereo Depth: Very good forms in a val'iety of ill-assorted accents killed in a freak auto accident. ' which have only one common denominato-r The National Orchestra of Spain, under With its heavy strain on credulity-even - dissimilarity to idiomatic Italian. Raoul his inspired direction, exacts every ounce by openltic standards-Alceste can easily lobin does' creditably if hardly brilliantly of languor and excitement from both scores. overtax the tolerance of listeners who insist by the thankless role of Admetus, and Orchestrally, Nights in the Gardens 0/ on viewing all operas from a dramatic Marion Lowe is a strong-voiced, secure Spain has never sounded so stunning nor angle. For th e elements which once helped Ismene. It was, however, a seri ous bit of so subtle, and if there are moments when make tbis opera a historic milestone add up miscasting to give the role of Apollo to a So riano seems to stumble, especially in the to little more than a series of posturings singer whose vocal quality could never pos­ left hand, it does not reall y matter. The and pro testati ons today. sibly suggest divine origin- however hea­ Rodrigo is a fasci nating piece, with perhaps Let us then not be too insistent in our then. G. J. the best writing in the quietly affecting search for dramatic illusion in London's Adagio. Alceste, the monophonic version of which The music contained on this stereo disc appeared during late 1957. Stereo's help in • HANDEL: Messia h (complete )_ April

t

82 HIFI REVIEW Cantelo (soprano). Helen Watts (alto). thermore, the soprano and the bass cannot finds the ensemble in much better form, Wilfred Brown (tenor). Roger Stalman always master the extended florid passages and here we have a recording outstanding {bass} with the London Philharmonic Choir with the required smooth legato. But the for both engineering and performance. Jean and the london Orchestra. Walter Susskind same observation can be made about some condo Stereo-Fidelity SFCC 201412" $11.95 Martinon conducts these old favorites with of the better known soloists featured in the loving care, and each section receives me­ Musical Interest: Supreme oratorio competing versions. ticulous attention to detail. Les Patinel£rs Performance: Very good While the accompanying booklet goes (the skating ballet sequence from Le Recording: Excellent into self-praise at annoying length about Prophete) might do with a little more bass Stereo Directionality: Excellent technical know·how, I must grudgingly ad­ line. Everything else is just about as per­ Stereo Depth: Excellent mit that the recorded sound is above re­ fect as you can get it. proach. Balances are perfect, the chorus is In the more provocative and fiery Le Cid, . Do not judge the book by its cover, as thoughtfully deployed for full effectiveness Martinon endows Massenet's music with a the saying goes. This low-priced, rather un­ and the continuo emerges in the right great deal of energy and imagination. T. attractive·looking, awkwardly presented set J. channel with delightful presence. Clearly holds a carefully studied and well-per­ definable separation within the string MENDELSSOHN: Hear My Prayer; St. Paul formed reading of Handel's masterpiece. It groups is another source of contentment. -Jerusalem (see COLLECTIONS) is the first Messiah in stereo, a decided Well done, indeed, for a new company, or scoop for its producers. • MENDELSSOHN: Symphony No.4 in any company for that matter. Let us hope A. Op. 90 ("Italian"); SCHUBERT: Sym­ Susskind's reading is vigorous and I that the packaging and literary material phony No. 5 in B Flat. Isra e l Philha rmonic straightforward, not over-meticulous in that will accompany future Stereo-Fidelity Orchestra. $.eorg Solti condo London CS- bringing out fine nuances others, notably releases will be on a higher artistic plane 6065 $4.9_~. ' Beecham and Sargent, 'have stressed more in keeping with the recorded achievement. discerningly, but certainly not wanting in G.J. Musical Interest: High firm control or clean articulation. The Performance: Brisk "London Orchestra," whatever this is, is • MASSENET: Le Cid - Ballet Music; Recording: Good Stereo Directionality: OK apparently a first class ensemble and the MEYERBEER-LAMBERT: Les Patineurs­ Stereo Depth: Fine choral work is creditable throughout. Par­ Ballet. Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Jean Martinon condo London CS 6058 $4.98 ticularly refreshing is the light touch in Solti is inclined to very fast tempI In "For unto us." On the other hand, "Why Musical Interest: Always lovely both works. The performances that result do the nations" is taken at a slower than Performance: Extremely good are vigorous but on the severe side; of usual pace, possibly in deference to the Recording : Excellent grace and charm there are precious little arduous task of the bass soloist. Stereo Directionality: In classic seating to be found here. The orchestra gives back Quite surprisingly, the four soloists, all : !5.tereo Depth: Just right to Solti the kind of hard-driven, biting per­ quite unknown in these shores, blend into "The Israel Philharmonic has previously formances that he obviously wants; as for an unusually capable ensemble, distin­ recorded ballet music, notably the Rossini­ me, I want more lyrical flow , more relaxa­ guished by clean intonation and diction. Respighi La Boutique Fantasque. In that tion in these works than Solti vouchsafes. They are not virtuoso singers, to be sure, recording, also issued by London, the or­ The quality of the recorded sound is of and the vigor and firmness of their voices chestra was not too well-disciplined. The London's best, warm and well-balanced. lessen with the height of the tessitura. Fur- coupling of Massenet-Meyerbeer.Lambert M.B.

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MARCH 1959 83 Musical Perform- Stereo Stereo TIlle Interest ance Diredion Depth Score .J WITCHES' BREW featuring New Symphony Orchestra of London, Alexander Gibson condo .J.J·h' .J.J.J.J .J.J.J.J .J.J.J.J 16 Arnold: "Tam O'Shanter" Overture; Saint·Saens: Danse Macabre & 4 others. RCA Vidor LSC 2225 $5.98 RUGGIERO RICCI VIRTUOSO SHOWPIECES (violinist) .J.J.J.J .J.J.J.J .J.J.J .J.J.J 14 Elgar: La Capricieilse; Vecsey: Le Vent; Suk: Burleska & 9 others. London CS 6039 $4.98 THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Felix Slatkin condo .J.J.J .J.J.J .J.J.J .J.J.J.J 13 Grafe: Grand Canyon Suite; Mississippi Suite, Capitol SP 8347 $5.98 "RODGERS AND HART" featuring Eric Johnson and His Orchestra .J.J.J .J.J.J.J .J.J.J .J.J.J 13 With A Song In My Heart; Manhattan; Blue Moon; Lover & 8 others. Westminster WST 15022 $5.98 SONGS OF STEPHEN FOSTER and SONGS OF AMERICA featuring The John Halloran Choir .J.J.J .J.J.J.J .J.J.J .J.J.J 13 My Old Kentucky Home; Nelly Bly; I Dream Of Jeannie & 9 others. Concert·Disc C5-30 $6.95 SONGS FROM GREAT FILMS featuring Herman Clebanoff and His Strings .J.J.J .J.J.J .J.J.J .J.J.J 12 Gigi; Wild Is The Wind; Sayonara; The Song from Moulin Rouge & 8 others. Mercury SR 60017 $5.95 OPERA WITHOUT WORDS featuring Rome Symphony Orchestra, Domenico Savino condo .J.J.J .Jof.J .J.J.J .J.J.J 12 The Music of Aida. Kapp KC 9014S $5.98 FAVORITE SHOW TUNES featuring the Sorkin Strings .J.J.J .J.J.J .J.J .J.J.J 11 Surrey With The Fringe On Top; Someday I'll Find You & 7 others. Concert· Disc CS·29 $6.95 THE KING OF THE ORGANS featuring Bill Floyd playing the Wurlitzer of the Paramount Theater, Times Square, N. Y. .J.J .J.J.J .J.J .J.J.J 10 Anything Goes; Have You Met Miss Jones?; Body And Soul & 9 others. Cook 1150 $5.98 HUGO WINTERHALTER GOES ••• LATIN featuring Hugo Winterhalter and His Orchestra .J.J .J.J.J .J.J.J .J.J 10 Granada, Vaya can Dios; Ecstasy Tango; Valencia; Latin Lady & 7 others. RCA Vidor LSP·1677 $5.98 BEAT TROPICALE featuring Jose Bethancourt and His Orchestra .J.J .J.J.J .J.J .J.J 9 Inspiracion; La Cumparsa; Cactus Polka; Savage Drum Fantasy & others. Cancert·Disc CS-33 $6.95 DANCING AT THE HABANA HILTON with Mark Monte and the Continentals .J .J.J.J .J.J .J.J 8 Medleys of cha-chas, rhumbas, mambos and boleros. Jubilee JLP 1072 $4.98 FRAN featuring Fran Lacey and the Strings of Hugh Simon .J.J .J.J .J.J .J.J 8 t Beautiful Friendship; Deed I Do; You Do Something To Me & 9 others. Bel Canto SR 1008 $5.95 HAVE YOU MET-DON RONDO? (vocalist with ace.) .J.J .J.J .J.J .J 7 liza; Stella By Starlight; Ramona; Charmaine; Diane & 7 others. Jubilee JLP 1 081 $4.98 MY FAVORITE PLACES featuring Walter Scharf with--orchestra .J .J.J .J.J .J.J 7 Las Vegas; Palm Springs; The Cannes Festival; Boulder Dam & 6 others. Jubilee SDJlP 1 050 $4.98 FIESTA TROPICAL featuring Bettini and His Orchestra with vocals .J .J" .J.J 7 Mis Naches sin Ji; Brazil; EI Rio; Pajaro-cu; Nicolasa & 6 others. "" StereovoxST·VX 25690 $4.98 YODELING IN HI-FI featuring Rudi and Inge Meixner .J .J" ".J 7 Echojodler; Gebirgsjodler; Dos Rindvieh; Kropfjodler & 6 others. Westminster WST 15025 $5.98 ""

84 HIFI REVIEW MEYERBEER: Les Patineurs (see p. 83) MOZART: March in 0 Major (see COL­ knight!kit STEREO HI-FI LECTIONS) a product of ALLIED RADIO PARRY: Jerusalem (see COLLECTIONS)

• PROKOFIEV-Love for Three Oranges the best you can build -Suite, Op. 33a; Scythian Suite, Op. 20. money-saving hi-fi at its best. superb musical performance London Symphony Orchestra, Antal Dorati condo Mercury SR 90006 $5.98 • "convenience-engineered" for easiest, most enjoyable building Musical Interest: Great Prokofiev Performance: Sonically exciting Recording: Sometimes overmodulated Stereo Directionality: "Good Stereo Depth: Exemplary acoustics

.. Dorati is particularly gifted in scores that call for sonic excitement, and he makes this Prokofiev disc a hair-raising aural experi­ ence. The "Love for Three Oranges" seems to receive somewhat better technical treat­ ment than the wild and wooly Scythian Suite. In the opening section of the Scythian Suite marked allegro feroce, the seething orchestral tumult is better separated for ...... articulation than in its monophonic counter­ part. But oddly enough, the very low fre­ TREMENDOUS : mm knight-kit 20-watt stereo amplifier kit quencies are distorted, and although I tried VALUE! • Newest complete Stereo then controls overall volume. Total output is three cartrid"ges at stylus pressure ranging only high-fidelity amplifier at 20 watts (10 watts per channel at less than from three to seven grams it was impossible 50 an amazing low $44.50. 1.5% distortion). Response, 20-20,000 cps, to get away from the overmodulated grooves $44 Incomparable value: In· ± 1.5 db_ Hum and noise better than 85 db in the Invocation to Veles and Ala and the cludes built-in magnetic below full output. Has four pairs of stereo equally dynamic excitement in parts of the $4.45 Down cartridge preamps. Sin- inputs: magnetic cartridge, ceramic car­ following Allegro sostenuto_ • • • • • • • • • • • • •• gle switch selects phono, tridge, tuner, auxiliary. RIAA equalized pre­ The stereo tape of this music must be tuner or auxiliary stereo inputs, plus stereo amplifiers. Hum-free (DC on all preamp tube truly ·stunning. Although Dorati has a won­ reverse on each; also switches monaural in­ filaments). Expertly designed push-pull out­ derful imagination for orchestral color, put to both amplifier channels. Bass and put circuitry. Beautiful custom-styled case, especially in the percussive section, there treble controls boost and attenuate. Special 4\4 x 13\4 x 9". Remarkably easy to assem­ are times when he also makes the strings clutch-type concentric volume control per­ ble. Shpg. wt., 27 Ibs. of the London Symphony Orchestra whisper mits adjusting balance on each channel, Model Y-773. F.O.B. Chicago, only .. $44.50 with a light and beautiful sheen. All in all, it is a very exciting recording. P erhaps more money-saving stereo hi-fi knight-kits the next time around, Mercury can re­ process its disc and not modulate the 6O-Watt Stereo Basic Am­ plifier Kit. Finest you can grooves so heavily. J. T. build_ ± 0.5 db, 8-42,000 cps. Use with preamp at left a s either two 30-watt • RACHMANINOFF: Symphony No. 2 stereo amplifiers or 60- in E Minor, Op. 27. Detroit Symphony Or­ watt monaural amplifier. chestra, Paul Paray condo Mercury SR-90019 Deluxe Stereo Preamp Kit. Does Yom. Net only .•.. . $84.50 $5.95 everything you want. 5 stereo. 4 monaural inputs. RIAA for stereo, Mu sica l Interest: 20th century Romanti­ 6 record equalizations for mon­ 25-WaH Basic Linear De­ cism par excellence aural. Finest preamp for less. luxe Amplifier Kit. Alone Model Y-776. Net only ..... $62.50 in its class for flawless out­ Performance: Straightforward put and highest stability. Record ing: Mostly good ± 0.5 db, 9-70,000 cps. Stereo Directionality: Natural Y-793. Net only ..... $44.50 Stere o Depth : Good

This performance was released in a mono­ Deluxe FM-AM Hi-Fi Tuner Kit. The best-per­ phonic edition some time ago. The stereo forming hi-fi tuner kit for version is a great improvement from the Stereo Control Kit. Provides full the money. Has AFC , fly­ centralized control (volume. bal­ wheel tuning, jack for FM standpoint of fuller, more resonant sound. ance and channel selection) for stereo multiplex adaptors. There was one bad engineering lapse in the use with any two-amplifier stereo Y-787. Net only ... . . $49.95 two different copies of the disc I've heard: system. Model Y-778. Net only ...... $9.95 in the middle section of the Scherzo there ALLIED RADIO is a brief patch of distortion which sounds like tape flutter. Presumably this has been SEND FOR FREE 1959 corrected in subsequent pressings. ALLIED CATALOG ALLIED------, RADIO, Dept. 139-C9 100 N. Western Ave., Chicago 80. III. Paray's performance is an admirably See the complete Knight-Kit straightforward one, in a score which all too hi-fi line, including low-cost I Ship the following Knight·Kits : 12-watt, 18-watt and 30-watt o Y-773. 0 Y-776. 0 Y·778. easily can tempt the conductor to indulge amplifiers, FM tuner, quality in "interpretive" excesses. Mercury's stereo preamp, speaker systems; o Y-793. 0 Y-787. $ ...... encl. sound is well-balanced throughout the fre­ also the world's largest selec­ quency spectrum, with especially warm and tion of quality hi -fi compo­ nents and complete music I Name ______natural bass. M. B. systems-everything in Stereo. Send for your FR EE :I Add'ess' ______.,- ______RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Russian Easter Over­ copy today. ture (see COLLECTIONS) : City Zone ____State' ______RODRIGO: Guitar Concerto (see p. 82) MARCH 1959 ~------.85 • ROUSSEL: The Spider's Feast-Sym­ pretty slowly indeed, and that the coda in phonic Fragments Op. 17; Piano Concerto, this same movement should likewise be Opus 36. Cento Soli Orchestra of Paris, given plenty of time in which to breathe. Rudolf Albert cond.; Claude Helffer, piano, His pacing in the other three movements VOLKSLlEOER Serge Baudo condo Omega OSL-15 $5.95 seems just right, especially in that mar­ velously Bunyanesque finale, which takes on Musical In terest: Colorful and provoca­ tive scores a nice, easy swing in Argenta's perform­ Performance: Expert ance. The micro phoning is close-to and the Recording: Excellent sound is clean, with very natural direction­ Stereo Directionality: Good ality. Stereo Depth: First rate Jochum's performance is a typical Jochum performance: meticulously pre­ In the two decades since his death, pared along solid, traditional lines. There Roussel's music has suffered neglect in our are no surprises here, but the whole is a concert halls. This is a shame, for much of generally satisfying account of an enduring his output has distinction and character of masterpiece. high quality. He was a true creator, and The German engineers have favored a works like the Third and Fourth Sympho­ more distant microphone set·up than that nies, the music from his Ballet, Bacchus et used in Argenta's recording, with a some· Ariane, as well as the two works on this what keener sense of depth resulting: disc, deserve a place in the active concert Neither Argenta nor Jochum succeeds in repertoire. conveying that extra measure of exuberant The Spider's Feast is a ballet Roussel elation which distinguishes Epic's mono· composed in 1913. The scene is laid in a phonic recording by Szell (which may be lush garden and the action deals with a available in stereo by the time these words spider which gorges itself upon all the in­ appear), but both serve the music well. sects which come its way until conquered M.B. by a praying mantis. The Symphonic Frag­ ments extracted by Roussel from his score • SCHUMANN: Cello Concerto in A for the ballet are colorful and exotic·sound­ Minor, Op. 129; TCHAIKOVSKY: Varia­ ing. tions on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33. Pierre The Piano Concerto dates from fifteen Fournier with the Philharmonia Orchestra. years later. It is a more austere work, but Sir Malcolm Sargent condo Angel S-35397 $5.98 certainly not forbidding. The first and last movements are characterized by nervous, Musical Interest: Slight but of irresistible propulsive energy, while the slow movement charm is a solemn meditation. Perfo rmance: Perceptive Both works are given superb perform­ Recording: Fine ances and the quality of Omega's stereo Stereo Directionality: Good «l··Cnlumbl .... "Masterworks" ~=-:,~~,-~e~s. I,,, .. ; J:~~ ~!!!J The first issue of this magazine (Feb­ definitely established in the left channel. ruary, 1957) carried a feature review of A greater illusion of 'depth would have Angel's great recording of Der Rosen­ made of this an outstanding stereo release. STEREO SPECTRUM kavaLier, which paid appropriate homage to Morini's performance is, in all the best the set's multiple excellences (conducting, senses of the word, a "feminine" one: warm, by DESIGN singing, sound, packaging). The appear­ sensitive and lyrical, with a smouldering "Get more in Stereo­ ance of the stereo version will now make passion underneath tt all. Now and again this outstanding performance available in she has slight intonation problems, but Pay less for Stereo" these are not at all important. Rodzinski, an even more resplendent aural framework "Millions have been spent in research to This is an opera which benefits particularly whose recent death was a tragic loss, gives bring you every 'high-price' record feature her an accompaniment perfectly adjusted to in new Stereo Spectrum records - except from phonographic treatment-I am con­ high price! The frank Comparison Chart vinced that no one sitting in the theater, her conception of the score. M. B. above states facts - not claims. You simply can't argue with it. It says far 'more than with the possible exception of the prompter, words from me - or anyone. can hask in so much vocal sunshine without • TCHAIKOVSKY: Romeo and Juliet­ So-save up to $3 a record! Get two rec­ being wholly engulfed hy the mighty Overture-Fa ntasy; 1812 Overture, Op. 49. ords for the price of one! Build your stereo Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Hermann collection twice as fast! Enjoy Stereo­ orchestral waves. Spectrum's unique TRUE SEPARATION and Unless my recollect.ion of the monophonic Scherchen condo Westminster WST 14005 the ultimate in TONAL PURITY. A side·by­ $5.98 side record audition at your dealers will version is beautified even beyond its due I;onfirm what I say - conclusively." merits, the relative advantages of stereo are M usica I Int erest: Neophyte favorites not too prominent. Depth, rather than Pe rformance: Erratic Recording: What, no cannons? separation, is emphasized. In the third act, tfk~ Stereo Directionality: In fair balance President particularly, the stage action lends itself to Stereo Depth: Too distant a more spectacular exploitation in the new Dr. Hermann Scherchen has never been medium. But I refuse to let critical hair­ known as a conductor you could depend splitting detract from the overwhelmingly $5.98 VALUE 98 upon for a steady, solid, traditional perform­ LISTS AT ONLY ... ~t2 successful realization of this undertaking. G.J. ance. His interest today lies chiefly in the realm of contemporary music, from all I FREE Hi Fi cleaning cloth with each record hear, and he still apparently maintains his • STRAVINSKY: Firebird Suite; Capric­ enthusiasm for the Baroque and early cio for Piano and Orchestra. Charlotte Zelka classical schools. So it is that his perform­ with the Southwest German Radio Symphony ance of these worn out, wonderful pieces, Orchestra, Jascha Horenstein, Harold Byrns so boring to the veteran and so marvelous conds. Vox ST PL 11020 $5.95 to the neophyte, is wooden and indifferent. Musical In terest: Odd Stravinsky joining The 1812 Overture has no cannons in the • Performance: Barely adequate-better in rousing finale here. Mercury has heautiful the Ca priccio artillery in its monophonic recording of the Recording: Lacks orchestral articulation "1812," and London has just issued a really Stereo Directionality: Hampered by dis­ dazzling performance, complete and replete tant miking Stereo Depth: Too much with marvelous cannon thunder in the last grooves. Furthermore, Mercury was so lascha Horenstein leads the Southwest crazy about its cannon effects that it has German Radio ensemble in a rather routine been re-recorded in stereo. Scherchen performance of Fire bird, but this critic's settles for a big bass drum, but frankly, it opinion could he influenced by the fact that would take all the sixteen inch guns of the the stereo pickup is technically inferior. USS Missouri to save this "1812" from its This can be partly cured by raising the indifferent treatment. playback volume level, but that also makes Romeo and Juliet fares a little better, more evident an ugly acoustic. Horenstein except that the Friar Lawrence introduction has done much better by Vox, and the per­ is played a La junebre and ad infinitum, it 5S.11 Symphony 01 Ihi Ail SS·)6 Scluhrrcllaci. 5S·26 I~.ell Singl hllin formance here sounds hurried and careless. seems, and the battle scene between the Also available monaurally On the other side, Harold Byrns and Montagues and the Capulets generates WRITE FOR CO~IPLETE CATALOGUE Charlotte Zelka collaborate more effectively about as much excitement as a softball in the Capriccio. Stereo directionality is game between the Girl Rangers and the heightened by the division of the orchestra Ornithological Society for the Preservation to somewhat duplicate the concerto grosso of the Tufted Snowy Egret. There are mo­ style of concertino-ripieno group playing. ments of great beauty, but they are too far ~;~;;'~~~ECTRUM It is a truly wonderful score, which in this apart. J. T. PICKWICK SALES CORP., DEPT.HFR BROOKLYN 32, N. y. MARCH 1959 87 diately apparent, so you can relax and • TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No.4 in F needs to be singled out for the value of Minor, Op. 36. Suisse Romande Orchestra, his or her individual contribution-this is thoroughly enjoy yourself as one of our Ataulfo Argenta condo London CS-6048 $4.98 a superb ensemble, ' and nothing less than greatest conductors has an immense time that can do full justice to this demanding handing out his favorite lollipops. J. T. Mu sical Interest: Absolutely! Performance: Rather subdued score. • PORTRAITS IN SOUND-CHABRIER: Recording : OK The potentialities Falstaff offers to the Stereo Directiona li ty: Good stereo medium are realized only to a rela­ Espana; SMETANA: The Moldau; DUKAS: Ste reo Depth: Fine tively smaJI extent. There is little evidence The Sorcerer's Apprentice; RIMSKY-KOR­ SAKOV: Russian Easter Overture. Concert of the plot's quicksilver action that has not Arts Symphony Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf • TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No.6 in B been conveyed to us in the " mono" version. condo Capitol SP 8446 $5.98 Minor, Op. 74 ("Pathetique"). Philharmonia Stage placement and off-stage voices are Orchestra, Constantin Silvestri condo Angel suggested with some effectiveness in the Musica l Interest: Potpourri of colorful or­ S-35487 $5.98 chestration H erne's Oak episode but the over-all results Perfo rmance: Good, sometimes inspired Mu sical Interest : A must are, plainly, early stereo. No matter, the Recording: Magnificent Perfo rmance : Capricious play's the thing and, by the way, the Stereo Directionality: Well divided Recording: Fine recorded sound is topnotch. G. Stereo Depth: Acoustically right Stereo Directionality: Good J. Stereo Depth : Excellent • VIVALDI: The Four Seasons-Concerti Leinsdorf is one of the most underrated Both these performances are familiar Grossi, Op. 8, Nos. 1-4. Th e Stuttgart Cham­ directors in America. He is a consummate ber Orchestra, Karl Munching er co ndo Lon­ from their previous monophonic releases. musician and he uses this ability with don CS-6044 $4.98 Both gain measurably in these stereo ver· vibrant energy, wit, and imagination. What sions by way of added warmth and richness Mu sica l Interest: And how! a waste of talent on a potpourri of inci­ of sound. The performances remain what Pe rforma nce: Lacking a little in color dentals ! Oh, yes, Espana chatters away, Record inq: Superb they were : subdued and with a Finale that's languorous and rhapsodic, and The Moldau Stereo Directionality: Just right gets the best reading of all. Even the old quite pale in the case of Argenta's reading Stereo Depth : Fine of the " Fourth," wayward and rhythmically Sorcerer's Apprentice bristles with excite­ unsteady in Silvestri's "Pathctique." M. B. One of the earliest recorded performances ment. The Russian Easter Overture, after of The Fonr Seasons was the Miinchinger­ a few years of popularity, begins to pall TCHAIKOVSKY: Variations on a Rococo Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra release in the on me. J. T. Theme (see p. 86) early days of longplaying records. That per­ formance, which has seen yeoman service, • GREAT SACRED SONGS-MENDELS­ • VERDI: Falstaff (complete opera). Ti ­ SOHN: Hear my Prayer; Jerusalem (from t o Gobbi (baritone )-Falstaff; Rola nd o Pa­ is still retained in London' monophonic "St. Paul"); GOUNOD : 0 Divine Redeemer; nerai (baritone )-Ford; El isabeth Schwarz­ catalogue as LL-386. PARRY: Jerusalem; LIDDLE: Abide With kopf (soprano )-Alice Ford ; Anna Moffo The stereo I'e-recording by Miinchinger Me; GRUBER-WOODGATE: Silent Night, (sopra no )-Nannetta ; Nan Me rriman (mez­ and his Stuttgart forces is a superb piece Holy Night; TRAD., Arr. WOODGATE: Ju­ zo-soprano)-Mistress Page; Fedora Barbieri of work on the part of the recording en­ bilate; 0 Come, All Ye Faithful. Kirsten (mezzo-soprano )-Mistress Quickly; Luig i gineers, but lacking a little in color, anima­ Flagstad (soprano) wi th the Lond on Phi lh a r­ Alva (tenor)-Fe nton & others with the Phil­ tion and imagination on the part of the monic Orchestra and Choir, Sir Adrian Boult harmonia Orchestra and Chorus, H e rbert co nductor. The Vanguard-Bach Guild cond o London OS 25038 $5.98 von Karajan condo Angel S 3552 3 12" $17.94 (for st ereo ta pe, see p_ 100) st.ereo version (BG5 5001) by Ja nigro and M usica I Intere st: Depends ••• I Solisti di Zagreb remains a more interest­ Pe rfor mance: Majestic Mu sical Interest: Unique masterpiece ing performance. M. B. Record ing: Adequate Performance: One in a thousand Stereo Directionality: Limited Recording: Excellent Stereo Depth: OK Stereo Directiona lity : Limited but well balanced COLLECTIONS The program itself is hardly engrossing­ Stereo Depth: Generally good Mendelssohn's 1844 motet Hear My Prayer • LOLLIPOPS-Favorite Pieces of Sir - written to English words-is the only In the fin e essay that accompanies Thomas Beecham. SAINT-SAENS: Le selection of more than passing interest. Angel's Falstaff Francis Toye observes that Rouet d'Omphale; DEBUSSY: Prelude a The performance is quite another matter, "it is not till the score is known in every I'apres-midi d'un Faune; BERLIOZ: Dance of for Flagstad sings throughout the entire detail that all its subtleti es of manner and the Sylphs; CHABRIER: Joyeuse Marche; recital in full command of her ennobling ~ . matter can be appreciated. The ordinary SUPPE: Poet and Peasant Overture; SIBE­ art. The engineering treats the velvety member of the operatic public can scarcely lIUS: Valse Triste; BERLIOZ: Les Troyens­ Flagstad voice with becoming consideration be expected to possess such a knowledge. Royal Hunt and Storm; MOZART: March in - the chorus and orchestra fare less well. Yet to acquire it would be well worth his D major (K. 249). Royal Philharmonic Or­ chestra with chorus, Sir Thoma s Beecham Not all details are clearly defin ed and the while-and incidentally, I can think of no cond o Angel S 35506 $5.98 total effect is that of massed rather than better method than listening repeatedly to a appropriately deployed forces. G. recording ..." At this very point I would Mu sical Interest: All flavors J. like to add that this is the recording which Perfo rm ance: Sweet, not syrupy Recording : Super should guide the opera lover into the infi­ Stereo Directionality: In fine balance JAZZ nite subtle delights of Verdi's last opera. Stereo Depth: Quite good Toscanini's magical and commandingly authoritative reading (RCA Victor, 1950) Sir Thomas explains that a " 'lollipop' in • TED HEATH SWING SESSION-TED is all one can ask for in matters pertaining accepted English terminology is a kind of HEATH and his Orchestra. The Champ; Pick to leadership. But Karajan reveals the sweetmeat or candy," and he applies the Yourself Up; The Hawk Talks; I Got It Bad & score's kaleidoscopic vistas in the same rich­ term to encores he has played. The British 8 others. London PS 138 $5.95 ness of detail and with a similarly keen in­ audience, he discloses, has the "discon­ Musical Interest: Top notch big band sight. There are differences, of course, in certing habit of remaining in its seat and Performance: Flashy approach with respect to tempos and bal­ declining to depart until, emulating Oliver Record ing: Great! ances, but both achieve outstanding results. Twist, it has obtained an extra helping." Stereo Directionality: Good Superior so und and more impressive singing If his conducting of this recording is any Stereo Depth: Adequate tilts the balance in favor of the Angel set measure of his ability with small things, This is a good band, one of the best and (which appeared monophonically in 1956). one can deeply sympathize with our English when recorded as it is here a joy to hear. Inspired is the word for Angel's casting, co usins' vociferous musical appetite. Sir H there's any lack, it's a tight rhythm sec­ for it has no weak points from the multi­ Thomas is by turns witty, languorous, spar­ tion and, of course, this shows up more in fa ceted and inventively vocalized Falstaff of kling, loud, and schmaltzy. It isn't enough stereo than it does monophonically. It's Tito Gobbi down to the sharply drawn char­ to state that technically the recording is precise, clean and with excellent soloists on acters of Caius and Bardolph. No one superior in every way. This becomes imIne- alto, trumpet and trombone whom the notes 88 HIFI REVIEW incredibly fail to list. This is one of the better big band stereo LPs available and From the pioneer in ceramics for electronics quite a contrast to any "Salute" by another band. R. J. G.

• CROSS SECTION-SAXES-HAL Me· KUSICK (alto saxophone, bass clarinet). Art Farmer (trumpet), Bill Evans {piano}. Milt ~l1ERIEill Hinton or Paul Chambers (bass) , Charlie Pers'ip or Connie Kay {drums}. Barry Gal­ braith (guitar) on three, Frank Socolow, Dick Hafer, Jay Cameron (reeds) on four. Whis· the new single per Not; Now's The Time; La Rue & 7 others. Decca Stereo DL 79209 $5.98 cerarrnceJement Musical Interest: Very high Performanc e: Excellent Recordin g: Very good Stereophonic Stereo Directionality : Very musical Stereo Depth: First-rate cartridge An uncommonly imaginative album for which everyone deserves credit, especially Decca which has not been noted up to now DYN,AMIC BALANCING MAKES THE DIFFERENCE for adventurous jazz recording. McKusick DYNAMIC BALANCING during manufacture provides full stereo repro­ has commissioned scores from four jazz duction. SINGLE ELEMENT DESIGN offers balanced outputs; excellent composer-arrangers in which there'·s room separation of 20 db over full a udio-frequency range, with equal outputs for improvisation. The pieces, however, are from both channels. Compatible with stereo and monophonic discs. more strongly knit and structuraily provoc­ SPECI FICA TIONS ative than most jazz "writing." George RESPONSE: 20 to 16,000 cps. OUTPUT VOLTAGE: 0.5 vrms at 1 KC each channel. COMPLIANCE: Russell and Jimmy Gi uffre contribute the 3 x 10-6 em/dyne, vertical & lateral. RECOMMENDED LOAD: 2 megohms. RECOMMENDED most stimulating works. TRACKING PRESSURE: 5-6 groms. CHANNEL SEPARATION: 20 db. STYLlI: Dual tip; 0.7 mil dia· The playing is consistently expert with mond or sapphire, and 3 mil sapphire. MOUNTING DIMENSIONS: EIA Standard ~6" & Y2 " centers. pianist Bill Evans an especially personal, probing soloist. This is not so much an For additional information, see your Authorized ERIE Distributor "experimental" session as a thoughtfully conceived program by mature writer-play­ ers, an album which should interest both ~~D I~r;~~p'~~ newcomers to jazz and post-graduates. Also available monophonically. N. H. ~~ ~E RESISTOR CORPORATION MAIN OFFICES eRIE. PA . USA • THE BRUSSELS WORLD'S FAIR SA­ LUTES THE BENNY GOODMAN OR­ CHESTRA AND SEXTET. Bay Big Band. Let's Dance; Air Ma'il Special; Benny Rides Aqain; Good Bye & 6 others. Omega OSL- 19 $5.95 Musical In terest: Medium Performance: listless Recording: Excellent Stereo Directionality: Good Stereo Depth: like a ballroom The trouble here is that Goodman did it too well in the first place for an European band to make a passable copy. The band is okay on the ensemble portions, if listless, but when it comes to the solos, the fl esh is willing but the spirit (of jazz) is weak. R.J.G.

POPS why • THE BRUSSELS WORLD'S FAIR SA­ LUTES TOMMY DORSEY. Bay Big Band. professionals , Il -h Opus # I; I' ll Never Smile Again; Day Break; Thi s Love Of Min e & 6 others. Omega OSL- choose a()UVtlS 16 $5.95 RECORDER Musical Interest: So-so th~ ~STEREO 50 Performa nce: Inadequate Sound engineers select the Roberts because its $349 Recording: Excellent recording and playback features fulfill the highest Stereo Directionality: Good standards of professional performance. Precision Stereo Depth: Like a ballroom elements that make for smooth, controlled operation NOW! RECORD IN STEREO The Tommy Dorsey sound is deceptive are Roberts calibrated V.U . meter, exclusive, new ROBERTS MATCHING and an imitation immediately shows up. MULTI -RASE HEAD (for full track erase in stereo RECORDING AMPLIFIER The arrangements are more difficult than recording) and hysteresis synchronous motor. PROVIDES IDEAL SECOND CHAN­ the Goodman charts and the sound blend Responding faithfully from 40 to 15,000 CPS, the Roberts satisfies discriminating audiophiles in NEL PLAYBACK AND RECORD. was unusual so that this set by a European their most exacting listening and recording needs. COMPLETE WITH ROBERTS band does not come off very well. And RECORDER •. . • • .••• ••••••• , when the soloist tries to play like T. D. the ROBERTS ELECTRONICS Inc. result is disastrous. R. J. G. 1028 N. La Brea Avenue. HOllywood 38, California $499°0 MARCH 1959 89 • THE BRUSSELS WORLD'S FAIR SA· ••• Monophonic RCA Victor LPM 1866' LUTES THE TED HEATH ORCHESTRA. $4.98 Bay Big Band. Lullaby Of Birdland; Hot MESSIAH: Here is the reverse of the current com­ Toddy; The Ha wk Talks; Listen To My Music & 7 others. Omega OSL-17 $5.95 plaint. There is no reason to have the mon­ ophonic version of this LP at all because MUSIC Musical Interest: Medium tne stereo is so good and because the entire Performance: Adequate reason for the LP is to experiment with Record ing: Excellent Stereo Directionality: Good stereo sound. Monophonically, while a good Stereo Depth: Like a ballroom recording, it is dull and spiritless. R. J. G. As with the Miller LP, the original music is without sufficient distinction to make it THEATER too difficult to copy and so this European band produces a reasonable fapsimile of • GOLDILOCKS (Anderson-Ford-Kerr· the Heath organization. It is pleasant, well­ Kerr). Origina l cast recording with Don played and quite enjoyable. R. J. G. Ameche, Elaine Stritch, Ru ss~1I Nype, Pat Stanley & others, with Orchestra a nd Chorus, Lehman Engel condo Columbia OS 2007 $5.98 Mu sical Intere st: Quite a bit • THE BRUSSELS WORLD'S FAIR SA· PerformanGe : Mixed company LUTES GLENN MILLER. Bay Big Band. Recording: Just right At Last; In Th e Mood; American Patrol; Tu x­ Stereo Directionality: Not much reason edo Junction & 6 others. Omega OSL-18 for it $5.95 Stereo Depth : Splendidly theatrical According to Leonard Bernstein, the 53 sep­ Musical Interest: Medium arate pieces of music which make up Handel's The pleasures found in Leroy Anderson's Messiah fit neatly into two sections, each a Performance: Adequate Recording: Excellent first Broadway score were described last dramatic, emotional entity. Part 1, released month in reviewing the monophonic reo this past December, tells the Christmas story. Stereo Directionality: Good Here now is the second or Easter portion for Stereo Depth: Like a ballroom lease. They still stand up in stereo, but it seems that this is one theatrical score that your enjoyment at this time. With the least-common·denominator mu­ Handel: Messiah (Easter Music)-Adele just has no great need for added dimensions, Addison, Russell Oberlin, David Lloyd, William sic of the Miller band, a European group particularly of directionality. No matter Warfield, the Westminster Choir, the New York such as this has a chance to sound fairly Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein, Conductor. if the songs call for solos, duets or ensem­ ML 5346 MS 6041 (stereo) good and they do. It's pleasantly played, bles, the singers come to the footlights at GUARANTEED HIGH-FIDELITY AND set in good tempos and perfectly okay for center stage and sing. Perhaps something STEREO-FIDELITY RECORDS BY dancing and/or listening. R. J. G. might have been done to give movement to Give the Little Lady a Great Big Hand, • MUSIC FOR BANG, BAAROOM AND but on the whole, it's the illusion of pres­ HARP. Dick Schory's New Percussion En­ ence that comes across most effectively.

Jazz, Pops, Stage and Screen ) BEST OF THE MONTH ' Reviewed by • United Artists comes up with topflight chamber jazz in Modern Art with RALPH J. GLEASON Art Farmer, Benny Golson, and Bill Evans-"There is lyricism, blues feel­ STANLEY GREEN ing and a fine, well-organized rhythmic pulse . and the recording NAT HENTOFF is very good." (see p. 92) J JAZZ • Columbia's Mahalia Jackson disc from the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival finds her "electric, clear and indisputable proof that she is indeed 'the

• CHET BAKER IN NEW YORK-Chet world's greatest gospel singer.''' (see p. 92) Baker (trumpet), AI Haig (piano). Paul Chambers (bass). Philly Joe Jones (drums). • Capitol's new Harry James offering Harry's Choice stands out as a stun­ and on 3 numbers, Johnny Griffin (tenor saxophone). Fair Weather; Solar; When ning example of big band playing and sound-"If big bands are to be Lights Are Low & 3 others. Riverside RLP 12-281 $4.98 recorded, Capitol must do it or give lessons to its competitors in how to Musical Interest: Spotty capture the sound." (see p. 92) Performance: Honors for the rhythm men Recording: Good Chet Baker, known principally on record • Roulette's Sing Along with Basi"e is ano.ther real winner in its clever for his wispy, introverted style is thrown in vocalizations a 10 The Count-"an exhilarating experience!" (see p. 93) with representatives of the "hard" modern jazz school on this album. He plays com­ petently but with only moderate fire and • Columbia's original cast lP of Flower Drum Song lives well up to expec­ imagination. Johnny Griffin is considerably tations-"a generally superior theatrical score · ... expertly constructed,

R I V1U \s.r.na attractively sung, and imaginatively ar~anged." (see p. 97) . WC -Iii ' ;"pil a::

performer); because the persQnnel varies. technically and Benjamin is SQlidly CQmpe­ However, it is a gQod sample Qf the sort tent. .' N. H. Qf watered·dQwn jl!zz that is fashiQnable at the mQment, pleasant, lightly swinging and • THE BIG HORN featuring SAM BU­ with a firm jazz QrientatiQn. TrombQnist TERA and the Witnesses_ All The Way; Too Tyree Glenn gets a bit to. say Qn a side Qr Young; I Lo ve Paris; On The Street Where two and is a welcQme relief. R. J. G. You Li ve & 8 others. Capitol Tl098 $3.98 Musical Interest: Medium • JAZZ IMPRESSIONS OF EURASIA­ Performance: 'Good • DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET-Dave Brubeck Recording: Good (piano). Paul Desmond (alto saxophone). Butera, who. is the tenQr man with the Joe Morello (drums). Joe Benjamin (bass) . LQuis Prima band, is heard here with the Nomad; Brandenburg Gate; Calcutta Blues -same group minus Prima in a series Qf bal­ & 3 others. Columbia CL 1251 $3.98 lads recQrded with .too much echo. He gets Musical Interest: Unique travelogue a big, billQWY sQund Qn his hQrn, plays the Performance: Devoted though diluted pretty Qne "real pretty" but gets a bit to.o Recording: First-rate raucous Qn the rhythm PQrtions. R. J. G. more powerful emotionally, and by contrast, The 'aillum is a result Qf Brubeck's tQur Baker seems rather -stiff .. • NEWPORT 1958 featuring DUKE EL­ last 'year thrQugh western and eastern Eu­ The rhythm section is . excellent. Notable LINGTON & his Orchestra with GERRY rope, the Middle East, and into. India. In is the rare appearance of Al Haig, a pianist MULLIGAN on baritone sax. Just Scratchin' each Qf his six Qriginals, he has tried "to. Qf unusually well-develQped taste, singing The Surface; Mr. Gentle And Mr. Cool; create an impression ().f a particular lQcale tQne,. and persQnal, thQughtful conception. Prima Bara Dubla & 7 others. Columbia CL His work is gentle but firm. The liner nQtes by using some Qf the elements Qf their 1245 $3.98 folk music within the jazz idiom." might have told us where he's been ~nd Musical Interest: Broad where he is now. Intelligent selection Qf The works-and their laJ:gely imprQvised Performance: Good Recording: Adequate material. N. H. interpretatiQns-are attractive, but nQt wholly satisfying. As jazz, their effect-es· This is nQt the best LP EllingtQn has • AFTER THE PARTY'S OVER. Aaron pecially in Brubeck's SQlos-is Qblique, as made. The music may have suffered by the Bell Trio. Satin Doll; The Party's Over; if they were " impres~iQns" Qf jazz tQQ. As outdoor recording Qr the extra spark may Slaughter On Tenth Avenue; All The Way & a "fusion" Qf jazz and Qther elements, never have been there in the first place; it 5 others. RCA Victor LPM 1876 $3.98 they are charming but rather thin-blooded is impQssible to tell. HQwever, despite the Musical Interest: Codtail jazz rellections of a talented tQurist who. really magnificent playing of Johnny Performance: Excellent sketched only the surface Qf what he saw HQdges, and the delightful viQlin SQlo by Recording: Warm and he'ard_ DesmQnd is, as usual, imagina­ Ray Nance, the sum total Qf my impressions The perfQrmances are very gQQd, if a tive and much mQre lyrical than mQst Qf is that of being slightly frustrated_ Perhaps trille uneven (Hank JQnes is by far the best his cQntempQraries. MQrello is bl'illiant we expect tQQ much of Duke. Nevertheless, MARCH 1959 91 viewed on its own, it does have its mo­ at an American jazz festival is intriguing. get more ments. The tr~uble is they are all in the However, preserving their efforts on disc is solo passages and Duke's Orchestra Wives separate speakers. Stereo is of little help and Sun Valley Serenade helps one survive on Della's two solo numbers with organ. the muddy sound. The Miller band does Some of the credits for adapting t. his gos­ only two numbers here not previously reo pel material are odd indeed. N. H. corded: Boom Shot, a rhythm tune and You Say the Sweetest Things, Baby. The latter • DEEDS NOT WORDS-MAX ROACH is. hailed as a " discovery" since it offers the (drums), Booker Little (trumpet). George • Coleman (tenor saxophone).. Ray Ora per Miller sextet. On hearing it, we know why DESIGN The combination of patented the sextet was not featured more often. (tuba), Art Davis (bass) . It's You Or No ULTRA·LlNEAR circuitry-plus new HYBRID One; J odie's Cha-Cha; C onversation & 4 FEEDBACK principle-VARIABLE DAMPING The Miller band on the whole is dull when others. Riverside RLP 12·280 $4.98 control. and ULTRA STABILITY. represents a compared to big band jazz, then or now, new high in the art of amplifier design . . . an Musica l Inte rest: Hot and hard example of ACROSOUND 'S latest achieve­ but remains good dance music and sure fire ment in AMERICAN Know·How. This superi. Pe rformance: Intense and direct nostalgia for some. Not, however, for these ority of design now enables anyone with or Recordi ng : Clear and alive without an~ previous knowledge of electronics jaundiced ears. R. J. G. to assem Ie for himself o r herself .. . (yes! This is the combo of youngsters Roach it·s that easy!) . .. the finest of amplifiers and • FABULOUS PHINEAS. Phineas New­ has been burning into shape since early at a most reasonable cost. in only two hours! born, Jr., and Trio. Sweet Lo rraine; No Moon 1958. He has made considerable progress, At All ; I' ll Remember April & 5 othe rs. RCA and the album is incisively effective. There Victor LPM 1873 $3.98 are rough edges. Little, while developing his voice, hasn't yet learned the judicious Musica l Interest: Good modern jazz Pe rformance: Excellent use of space and economy. Coleman is Recording : Very good more advanced in tha t respect, but also has to grow in terms of individuality of concep­ Newborn is making a comeback here tion. Both have much spirit, however. which in itself is a terrible indictment of Draper performs both melodic and rhythm the jazz music world in that he has hardly PERFORMANCE By listening test. or by in­ functions as the only "hard bop" tuba struments ••. second to none in clarity and been here long enough to become estab· player on th e present 'scene; and although frequency response. Normal level distortion is lished much less make a comeback. How· virtually unmeasurable-1M 1% or less at 60 the nature of the instrument precludes watts, 120 watts peak. Completely stable . .. ever, it is a giant step forward, compared quick flu ency, he's developing. He does unaffected by loads, perfect square waves. with his previous LPs, as he demonstrates need, however, to get more technical train­ maturity, depth and a fin e feeling for the ing. Davis is a strong, reliable bassist; and blue roots of jazz. This is the sort of LP Roach is the fiercely ' inventive unifying that might very well grow on the listener. force. Conversation is a logical, musical R.J.G. unaccompanied drum solo. The arrange­ ment·s indicate intelligent planning for a • STRICTLY PRIMA!-Louis Prima (vo­ wider range of moods than most units of cals and trumpet). Sam Butera (tenor saxo­ this type master. N. H. phone). Lou Sino (trombone), Bobby Roberts (guitar), Tony Liuzza (bass), Willie Mc­ QUALITY Every part going into the assembly Cumber (piano). Judy; Sing, Sing. Sing; • SING ALONG WITH BASIE-Joe of critical and even non·critical circuitry is Williams, Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, tested and checked to allow no more than Moonglow & 7 others. Capitol TJ 132 $3.98 ± Ii variation from ACROSOUND'S stand­ Annie Ross (vocals) , and the Count Basie ar s. peciahzed test eqUipment unavailable Musi cal Inte rest: Moderate band_ Tickle-Toe; Shorty George; Th e King commercially was designed in ACROSOUND'S , Performance: Ingratiating & 7 others. Roulette R-520 I 8 $3.98 laboratories to achieve this result. Every Recording : Very good rinted circuit board is placed in trial opera ... Musical In terest: High and un ique tion on a laboratory ampli ier. utput tu es This characteristically brash Louis P rima Performance: Delightful are matched by trial and double checked. set is said to have been recorded at the Recording: Best for voices Sahara in Las Vegas, but there's no au· For their first album, on ABC-Paramount, dience noise. The album is infolmal fun· Sing A Song of Basie (reviewed in the making with Prima's gravel vo ice and cas· June, 1958, HIFI & MUSIC REVIEW), the ual horn featured. The set is more relaxed Lambert-Ross-Hendricks singers multi-taped and therefore more engaging than some of themselves into becoming a vocalized ver­ COMPONENTS ACRO 'S newest TO·600 out­ Prima's recent, more raucous performances. sion of the whole Basie band. All that was put transformer with special hybrid winding­ N.H. separates functions of output circuit and added was a rhythm section. On their sec­ feedback circuit. Heavy duty. completel~ ond record, for Roulette, they have the assembled. and thoroughly tested. pnnte • AMEN!-DELLA REESE (vocals), the circuit board assures uniformity of perform­ Basie band itself- plus Basie singer Joe ance. Low distortion EL34 output tubes are Meditation Singers, Emory Radford (organ), Williams singing harmony parts with them operated well within their ratings ensuring Kirk Stuart (piano). Last Mile Of The Way; and several solos_ long tube life and optimum performance_ & Rock A My Soul; Jesus 5 others. Jubilee The result, though less astonishing a tour­ PRICE In preassembled kit form so that you JLP 1083 $3.98 may save money. learn while doing. and have de-tape-force than the initial set is even the proud satisfaction you built the best for Musical Interest : Della's best only 57'.50 net ... or if you feel you would more of an exhilarating experience. The prefer it laboratory assembled it still repre .. Pe rform ance: Bursting with fervor idiomatic, witty lyrics are by Hendricks sents a bargain at 51".50 net. Record ing : Good but echoey who takes original Basie arrangements­ HEAR IT AT YOUR DEALER NOWI Della Reese, previously known on records solos and ensembles-and turns them into BE READY fOR ACRO SOUND DISTORTIONLESS for rhythm-and-blues and rather melo­ stories of the jazz life and its surroundings. PRE AMP DESIGNED fOR THE STEREO PHILE dramatic pop readings, has returned to the N.H. Experts know why ACRO is best! gospel singing of her career's beginning. Others _ . . Learn why! Write to The performances throb with fierce power .• • .• STEREO-Roulette SR-520 I 8 $4.98 ACRO PRODUCTS and a driving beat. Her associates equal Stereo Directional ity: Adequate 369 SHURS LANE her in strength of emotion_ N. H. Ste reo Depth: Very good PHILA. 28. PA. MARCH 1959 93 The stereo version is preferable. The In addition to bass, a three-man team per­ added clarity and space heightens the im· forms ably on such assorted percussions as pact of all the interlocking components. drums, tympany, xylophone, glockenspiel, N.H. vibraphone, chimes, bongos, and probably a few others. Heard on .the disc are Morgan Lewis' Ho w High the Moon taken at its now Sound. traditionally frenetic clip although it was POPS . originally a romantic ballad in a Broad­ way revue; a cha-cha, Che Si Dice by Fer­ Tall~ rante and Teicher, which employs a honky­ tonk piano effect ; and the gayly liltinG' • WHEN YOU COME TO THE END OF Cielito Lindo that somehow gets lost in th: J by Dr. W. T. Fiala THE DAY-PERRY COMO (vocals) with Hall of the Mountain King. S. G. Mitchell Ayres and His Orchestra & The Ray Chief Physicist Charles Singers. Only One: In Th e Garden; Prayer For Peace & 9 others. RCA Victor • L'AIR DE PARIS-JACQUELINE LPM-1885 $3.98 FRAN~OIS with Michel Legrand, Franck LOUDSPEAKER DISTORTION AT Musical Int e rest: For Como devotees Aussman & Jack Elliot and their Orchestras. LOW FREQUENCIES Performance: Standard Como Le Piano d e ma uvaise vie ; La C hanson des Recording: Good for voice rues; C a ressemble Ii quoi & 9 others. Colum­ Lord Rayleigh, in his famous "Theory of bia CL 1200 $3.98 A collection of virtuous standards deal­ Sound;' had shown that the acoustic power M usi ca I Inte rest: Charmante generated by a cone in an infinite wall is ing with familiar and spi.ritual values is saved from total banality of content and Pe rform a nce: Elegante proportional to the square of the frequency Recording : Splendide and to the square of the air volume dis­ treatment by Perry Como's attractive The honey-voiced Mlle. Frangois is cur­ placed per second. This relation indicates naturalness. He sings so unpretentiously rently the No. 1 French recording star in that at low frequencies considerable ampli­ and warmly that somehow he makes even the United States, and her eminence in the tudes are required to produce acoustic the more one-dimensional songs bearable. power. A 15" cone speaker, for example, There are a few pleasant numbers, but ex­ field is assuredly well·deserved. She has a has to move approximately one-half inch, cept for Como, the approach to all is notable fondness for waltzes and more ro­ peak to peak, in order to generate one syrupy. N. H. mantic expressions, but can also cut loose acoustic watt at 40 cps. with equal ease on the razz-ma·tazz beat of LJ! Gars 'de Rochecourt or the lively lava • FANCY MEETING YOU HERE-BING However, it is not sufficient to design a mondaine. She has even included Kurt CROSBY and ROSEMARY CLOONEY (vo­ Weill's haunting Bilbao Song which may speaker which is only able to move with cals) with Billy May and His Orchestra. the required amplitude. In order to avoid I Can't G et Started ; Brazil; C alcutta & 9 well point the way to her use of more dra­ distortion, it is also necessary that this others. RCA Victor LPM-1854 $3.98 matic material in the future. Translations are on the jacket. S. G. movement follows exactly the driving cur­ Musical Int erest: Witty travel music rent in the voice coil. To achieve this, the Pe rformance: Infectiously informal suspension system has to be linear for the Recording : Good • JUDY IN LOVE-JUDY GARLAND required amplitude. This means that the with Orchestra, Nelson Riddle condo Zing! displacement of the cone has to be propor­ The loose thematic premise of the album is "a vocal tour of the globe." Crosby and W ent The Strings Of My Heart; I Am Loved; tional to the driving force produced by the Do It Again; Day In , Day Out & 7 others. voice coil or, more specifically, if the Clooney ' sing duets, mostly on standards. Some of the lyrics have been updated and Capitol T- 1036 $3.98 transfer characteristic is plotted in linear Musical Interest: High on the list coordinates, it should be represented by a sharpened by Sammy Cabn anq Jimmy Van Heusen, including a plug for Dean Martin's Perform ance: Still up there straight line so that each doubling of the Recording : Great force on the cone also doubles the dis­ restaurant. It's not an irresistible set-the placement. This force, generated by inter­ "hip" humor of Crosby and Clooney should Granted that her voice has become slightly blurred around the edges and action of the current in the voice coil and have been given even wider play- but it's a a magnetic field, must also be proportional delightful one. N. H. granted, too, that the vibrato may be a bit to the voice coil current. Thus, each doub­ too much in evidence, Judy Garland can still give lessons in the art of vocal projec­ ling of the voice coil current should double • FOUR CORNERS OF THE WORLD­ the driving force. When these two require­ ESQUIVEL, his Piano and Group. Blue Da n­ tion to many of the momentarily successful ments are met, the displacement of the ube; Hungarian Rha psody No. 2; April In singers of today. She is, as she has always cone is proportional to the driving current Portuga l; In A Persian Market & 8 others. been, a peerless interpreter of popular songs in the voice coil. In other words, the trans­ RCA Victor LPM 1749 $3.98 -sensitive, dramatic and possessing a gift fer characteristic of the speaker, which Musica l Inte rest : Background sounds of communication that by some strange relates cone displacement versus voice coil Performance: Excellent magic can make all her hopes, her joys and current, has to be linear. Recording: Excellent her pains not only appreciated but shared. Pretty, lacy, cocktail·lounge type Latin Her emotions come through with such Present day technology and carefully con­ music, very well recorded and excellently honesty that when she sings Cole Porter's trolled assembly techniques make it practi­ played. It is top notch for background I Concentrate On You there is never any cal to build linear suspension systems for music, a little too frenetic to dance to, but doubt that that is exactly what she is doing, large excursions. The use of sufficient mag­ quite pleasant listening. The rhythm, piano or when she bangs out This Is It by Arthur net to produce a long enough uniform and occasional flute merge very well. Schwartz and Howard Dietz, by God, you magnetic field so that the voice coil always R.J.G. know it really is·. For it is that special remains in that field for the required ampli­ brand of vocal conviction, I suspect, that tude will secure the necessary linear force­ will always be her more endearing and en­ voice coil current relation. • FERRANTE AND TEICHER WITH during quality. S. G. PERCUSSION. Th e Nearness Of You; Va­ ALTEC LANSING controlled linear Va-Voom; Parad e O f The Bobbies & 9 others. excursion speakers are designed, manufac­ ABC Paramount ABC-248 $3.98 • GORME SINGS SHOWSTOPPERS­ tured, and even optically tested to meet all Musica l Interest: Now and then EYDIE GORME with Orchestras, Nick Perito, these linearity requirements. Performance: For hi-fi bugs Neal Hefti & Eugene Lowell condo My Funny Perform ance: Mostly satisfactory Valentine; I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Write for free catalogue: ALTEC LANSING Outa My Hair; You Can 't G et A Man With Recorded for the first time with a group CORPORATION, Dept. 3MR-B, 1515 S. A Gun & 9 others. ABC Paramount ABC-254 Manchester Avenue, Anaheim, Calif., 161 of other musicians, pianists Arthur Fer­ $3.98 Sixth Avenue, New York 13, N. Y. ra~t e and Louis Teicher have come up with Musica l Interest: F~otlight highlights a recital full of flash and dash that is per­ 12-47 Pe rformance: Exuberant Advertisement haps overly concerned with sonic effects. Recording: Below ABC's standard 94 HIFI REVIEW Entertainment Music Miscellany

~ORE NEW ITEMS RATED A~ , A GLANCE

Musical Perform- Recorded 1 Title Interest once Sound Score HUGO WINTERHALTER GOES LATIN-Orchestral III 11-11 IIII 11 Granado, Vaya Can Dios, The Peanut Vender & 9 others. RCA Victor LPM 1677 $5.98 • LOVE IS A FABULOUS THING-Les Baxter Orchestra III IIII IIII 11 Twelve Compositio ns by les Baxte r. Capitol T 1088 $3.98. COME CLOSER TO ME-Geri Galian, PianO and Orchestra III IIII III 10 Baia, Maracaibo, The Breeze And I & 9 others. Worner Bros. W 1229 $3.98 IN THE HEART OF THE DARK-Les Crosley at Piano III IIII III 10 lauro, Tenderly, Stella by Starlight & 9 others. Jubilee JLP 1082 $3.98 POP HITS ON TWO PIANOS-Whittemore and Lowe with Orchestra III IIII III 10 Falling In love With love, Tha t Old Blo ck Magic, Malaguena & 7 others. Camden CAL 470 $1.98 THE ENCHANTED WOODS-Dennis Farnon Orchestra III III 11-11 10 . Fools Rush In, Moonlove, I Hear A Rhapsody & 9 others. RCA Victor LPM 1897 $3.98 CAFE ITALIANO-Jo Basile, Accordion and Orchestra III III IIII 10 Mig uel Miguel, Sophia, lazzarella & 9 others. Audio Fidelity AFLP 1893 $5.95 LOVE STORY-Sy Shaffer Orchestra III III IIII 10 love Is Here To Stay, When Your lover Has Gone, love l etters & 9 others. Westminster WP 6100 $3.98 DREAMS OF THE SOUTH SEAS-Alfred Apaka & His Hawaiians III III III 9 To You Sweetheart, Aloha: Song of the Islands, Ac(oss The Sea & 9 others. Urania UR 9016 $3.98 FIESTA TROPICAL-Bettini Orchestra III III III 9 Brazil, Miss Emmalina, Mambo En Espana & 8 others. Vox VX 25690 $3.98 "RODGERS AND HART"....,...Eric Johnson Orchestra III III III 9 Blue Moon, Spring Is Here, ,Manhattan, lover & 8 others. Westminster WP 6099 $3.98 SCOTCH MIST-Ray Sherman (piano) with Rhythm Section III III III 9 louise, Elmer's Tune, Josephine, Cecelia & 8 others. Worner Bros. W 1230 $3.98 CALYPSO MANIA-Edmundo Ros Orchestra II III III 8 Chocolate Whiskey' and Vanilla Gin, Virgin Islands & 8 others. Richmond B 20021 $1.98 SWINGIN' HI-FI-AI Anthony on Hammond Organ II III III 8 Ebbtide, Baia, Camptown Races & 9 others. liberty LRP 3090 $3.98 SWINGIN' YOUR WAY-Charles Dumont and Edward Chekler Big Bands II III III 8 Twelve French dance selections played by two of the favorite Parisian Bonds. Bruno BR 50043 $3.98 MEMORIES OF YOU-:Roy Smeck (electric guitar) and Rhythm II II III 7 Memory lone, Memories, Memories Of Yo u & 9 others. Decca DL 8674 $~.98 PASSION-Walter Scharf Orchestra II .J.J .JII 7 Twelve' Tangos, Rhumbas and Congas composed by Wolter Scharf, Jubilee JLP 1079 $3.98

fair , , : A

95 One of the great pleasures in listening to Eydie Gorme sing is that she is obviously enjoying herself so much. In her current compendium, she tackles a dozen numbers associated with the theatre, and while some have been done to near death, Miss Gorme can always invest them with enough vocal spark that they almost seem newly born. Among the attractions are Irving Berlin's You're Just In Love, in which the singer does a duet with herself, and two old Rodgers and Hart favorites, Johnny One Note and Thol£ Swell. S. G.

Beginners and jazz buffs alik! . • JULIETTE - JULIETTE GRECO. Java enjoy April HiFi REVIEW! In partout; La Complainte; Que j'aime & 9 others. Columbia WL 138 $4.98 they'll find an exciting 16-page bonus -, Musical In terest: Certainment section-John S. Wilson's colorful Performance: Dramatique history of jazz. Recording: Parfait Revealing more dramatic scope than Ire· Specially prepared for call having noticed in any of her previous REVIEW, Wilson's jazz history recordings, Juliette Greco's dark, sultry way you from Congo Square in New ' with a song is compellingly demonstrated leans to Kansas City, Chicago and on these ·selections. Andre Pope's Musique mecanique, Guy Beart's Qu'on est bien and York ... to the big band period Georges Auric's Bonjour tristesse are among 1940's ... through ' the hey the pleasures found here, as is La Valse de swing, bop, traditional, si, which reveals the wide range of sug· modern schools". . gestiveness that can be brought to the single word "Si" by ·such a gifted artist as Mlle. Greco. Translations are on the jacket. S. G.

• JIMMY CRACK CORN-BILL HAYES with the Buckle Busters. Goi n' Down The Road Feelin' Bad; Halle lu jah, I'm A Bu m; Patsy-Ory-Ory-Ay; I Know W here I'm G oi ng & I I others. Kapp KL-II 06 $3.98 Musical Interest: Full of it Performance: Admirable Recording: Fine This is an unpretentious and unaffected recital of folk songs-old, new and remade -that are offered in a particularly winning manner by the robust baritone of Bill Hayes. Listening to them, I was struck with the sheer beauty of such overly fa­ miliar ail'S as Shenandoah and 117 anderin', as well as Big Rock Candy Mountain, which Duke Ellington once used as the model for his own Tomorrow Mountain. Among the more recent folk-type tunes are The Ravin' 6: Kind and Dance With a Dolly, although the latter melody dates back to 1844 when it was known as Lubly Fan. S. G.

• LOVE IS THE SWEETEST THING­ sometimes-WOODY HERMAN with Frank DeVol and his Orchestra. There Is No Great­ e r Love; You're Blase ; Pardon Me Pretty Baby; How Long Has This Been G oing On? & 8 others. Verve MGV 2096 $4.98 Mu si cal Interest: For all ages Performance: Warm, sincere, moving' Recording: Good Herman, as a ballad singer, has had hi'S . ups and downs, but this LP is far and away his best singing effort yet. In it, he manages to communicate with warmth, good feeling for a lyric and a directly swinging pulse that takes the listener im­ mediately into his camp. DeVol's accom­ paniment is particularly well done and re­ lieves Herman of all worries about the band. Thus we have a more relaxed, non­ chalant-sounding man on Pardon Me Pretty Baby and a worldly-wise balladeer on You're Blase. R. J. G. 96 HIFI REvmw • I LOVE MOVIES featuring MICHEL make for a truly fascinating document. S. G. LEGRAND and his orchestra. Sonny Boy; Remember My Forgotten Man; Demons et STILL MORE! merveilles & 10 others. Columbia CL 1178 $3.98 THEATER & FILMS Mu sical Interest: Movie melange Performance : Legrand • MIKE TODD'S BROADWAY. JACK Recording: Expert SAUNDERS ORCHESTRA. It Wouldn't Be Even accounting for the fairly loose ter­ Love; I Lo ve You; Violin s From Nowhere & minology of the record industry, this collec­ 10 others. Everest LPBR-50 II $3 .98 tion of thirteen movie songs and themes is Musica l In terest: Upon occasion certainly a decidedly informal "Musical Performance: For the love of Mike History," as the subtitle claims. Anyway, Rec ording: Clear & clean the melodies are frequently appealing, and In an odd way, this release does manage M. Legrand's fondness for contrasting trom­ to capture the spirit of Mike Todd's Broad­ bones with violins that weave and swoop way. The first thing to hit your eye is the does create some choice musical effects. colorful double-album packaging, but once S.G. the listener gets through all the fancy trim­ • 'TILL MORNING-JOHNNIE RAY mings, he finds, as was frequently the case (vocals), Billy Taylor (piano). Earl May in Mr. Todd's stage productions, that there (bass), Edmund Thigpen (drums). Mundell is little of substance in the actual product. Lowe (guitar). My Ideal, Day By Day; I'm Each band features orchestral versions of Begi nning To ,See The Light & 9 others. Co­ the producer's favorite song or songs from lumbia CL 1225 $3.98 each of his musicals, including such far Is there anyone in America who has not Musical Interest: Better than usual from Broadway attractions as Gay New sung along with Mitch? With three sing­ Performance: Very tasteful backing Orleans from the 1940 World's Fair and A along albums crowding each other for first Recording : Realistic place on the best-seller lists we present still ., Night In Venice, which was shown at the another. For the simple reason that there is This is Johnnie Ray's most musical al­ Jones Beach Marine Theater. But apart no end to the wonderful songs that everyone bum because of the swinging, sensitive ac· from a tap dance routine suggesting Bill loves to sing. And no end to the fun you get companiment of the Billy Taylor Trio plus Robinson cavorting through My Objects singing them along with Mitch. Mundell Lowe. With none of the usual All Sublime from The Hot Mikado, not Still More! Sing Along With Mit.ch-Mitch Miller weeping strings or exaggerated brass behind much i,s achieved to lift this collection out and the Gang (includes sheets with bYLi~~~3 ' him, Ray too scales down his oversize emo­ of the general classification of "mood" 'avaIlable in stereo music. tions to a degree. Often, however, his GUARANTEED HIGH-FIDELITY. AND phrasing become characteristically italicized STEREO-FIDELITY RECORDS BY to the extent that the most effective parody • • • STEREO-Everest SDBR-I 0 II $5.98 of his work is exact imitation. The album Stereo Directionality : Very effective Stereo Depth: Well done is valuable, however, in that the back· ICOLUMBIA. grounds may show some of his followers Unquestionably, stereo does manage to ~"Columbia" ~ M.rw R.,. Adjy~ion of Calumbi. BrGldcaslinr Srsl.m, Inc. that restraint can also be warm and attrac· bring out a more theatrical flavor than tive. N. H. could be achieved on the monophonic re­ lease. The tap dancing mentioned above travels the length of the speaker.to·speaker ELECTRONIC • THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY SALUTE­ ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND AND HERALD stage, while Johann Strauss' Fireworks· TRUMPETERS, Major S. V. Hays condo Th e Polka from A Night In Venice bursts· forth ENGINEERS Royal Artillery Slow March; Royal Bi rthday ; from all over with almost visual clarity. The Screw Guns & others. Vanguard VRS Other effects are less spectacular but 9038 $4.98 equally' well done. S. G. Tired of the cold and Musica l Interest: Indubitably snow and discomfort Performance: Good show • FLOWER DRUM SONG (Rodgers­ Recording: Tip top Hammerstein). Orig inal cast recording of northern winters? A few months back, RCA Victor brought with Miyoshi Umeki, Pat Suzuki , Larry Blyden, out a recording of the Black Watch Pipes, Ed Kenn ey, Juanita Hall,_ Arabella Hong, Why not live in Florida where living is Keye Luke & others, wi th Orchestra and Drums and Regimental Band taped during Chorus, Salvatore Dell 'lsola cond o Columbia pleasant the year around. Here you can the Queen's ollicial birthday celebration, OL 5350 $4.98 enjoy life to the fullest where the kids and now Vanguard has joined the well­ can stay outdoors and let you listen to your wishers by presenting the Royal Artillery Musical Interest: Considerable hi-fi equipment in peace. And it's 'good Perfo rmance: Admirable company Band recorded upon the same occasion. Recording: Couldn't be better for the kids, too, for it's a healthy climate While the Black Watch celebrants took two with the beach and swimming and other sides for their felicitations, the Royal Ar­ The inevitable consequence of being outdoor sports. tillery group takes less than one, so that Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein We have many openings for engineers with the bulk of the new disc is devoted to other II is that a new work must invariably be ideas and energy who want to make a satis, items in the repertory, including a spirited compared with past achievements. For not fying career and enjoy life at the same and affectionate medley of traditional Brit· only have they a recognizable style, but time. Radiation is well known in many ish songs. Incidentally, although Queen there is a flavor and a point of view to a areas of missile electronics-antennas, te­ Elizabeth was born in April, the event is Rodgers and Hammerstein score that is lemetry, instrumentation, data systems-­ always observed some time in June. Better probably more apparent than in the' works tourist weather, y'know. of any of their contemporaries. our steady growth and technical manage­ This much said, let it also be said that ment indicate a secure future for those in Flower Drum Song, no matter what the who qualify. • • • STEREO-Vanguard VSD 20 II $5.98 comparisons may be, the collaborators have Write today for details on the challenging Stereo Directionality: Great for parade turned out a generally superior theatrical Stereo Depth: Splendid and rewarding opportunities available. score, one that is expertly constructed, at· You'll be glad' you did. Stereo, of course, is just perfect for cap­ tractively sung and imaginatively arranged. turing the action at a parade, and the birth­ Of the melodies that are bound to linger, Technical Personnel Dept. 29 day goings on are remarkably realistic. The You Are Beautiful and Love, Look Away RADIATIOII, Inc. sounds of the crowds, the barked orders, are exquisitely haunting ballads, worthy to MELBOURNE, fLORIDA the 21·gun salute, and particularly the rank with the best that the team has ever horses trotting, cantering and galloping by offered. The brassy declaration of Pat MARCH 1959 97 Entertainment Music Miscenany

MORE NEW ITEMS RATED AT A GLANCE

Musical Perform- Recorded Title Interest ance ~ound Score MARIMBIT A-Leo Arnaud & His Orchestra 9 Taboo, Beguiner's luck, Bomba Mambo, Teo For Two & 8 others. """ """ """ liberty 3088 $3.98 { DANCE AND STAY YOUNG-David Carroll & His Orchestra 9 Elmer's Tune, louise, My Man, Delicado & 11 others. """ Mercury MG """ 20351 $3.98 """ COCKTAILS WITH CAVALLARO-Carmen Cavallaro with rhythm acc. 9 Arrivederci Ramo, Twilight Ti me, Soy Darling, lido Rose & 8 others. """ """ Decca DL """ 8805 $3.98 MORE SING ALONG WITH MITCH-Mitch Miller & fhe Gang 8 Sweet Adeline, Moonlight And Roses, Whiffenpoof Song & 13 others. Columbia CL 1243 $3.98 """ """ "" THE MERRY YODELER-Austrian Folk Musicians, Karl Zaruba cond o 8 Cuckoo Yodel; Styrian Waltz, Woodwind March & 16 others. Vanguard VRS """ 9034 $4.98 "" """ COCKTAILS FOR TWO-Robert Farnon & His Orchestra 8 Where or When, Isn't It Romantic, Moonlight Becomes You & 7 others. """ Richmond B "" 20005 $1.98 """ FROM THE HIGHLANDS-Robert Farnon & His Orchestra 8 loch lomond, Barbara Allen, Robin Adair, Keel Row & 18 others. "" ." Lqndon LL 3007 $3.98 """ "" MY MEMORIES-Melvano & His Orchestra 8 Falling leaves, To Each His Own, Who Am I & 9 others. Argo LP 619 $3.98 """ "" """ CONTINENTAL VISA-Raoul Meynard Orchestra 8 la Vie En Rose, Autumn leaves, Comme ci, comme co & 9 others. Warner Brothers B 1215 $4.98 """ "" """ LA WRENCE WELK-KEYBOARD KAPERS 8 liza, Peanut Vendor, Anything Goes, Wunderbar & 8 others. """ Coral 57214 $3.98 "" """ SWEET TUNES OF THE FANTASTIC 50's-EARL BOSTIC ORCHESTRA 7 Unchained Melody, April In Portugal, Blue Tango & 9 others. King "" 602 $3.95 """ "" CONCERTO!-Freddy Martin & His Orchestra "I. 7 Moon love, My Reverie, Cornish Rhapsody, Our love & 12 others. Capitol W 1066 $4.98 "" """ HAVE YOU MET . . . DON RONDO? 7 liza, Stella By Starlight, lauro, Mono lisa & 7 others. Jubilee JLP "" 1081 $3.98 """ "" THE HAPPY WANDERER IN EUROPE-Camarata & Gloria Wood Choir 6 Happy Wanderer, Midnight In Paris, lady Of Spain & 13 others. Disneyland WDL 3034 $3.98 "" "" "" DANCING WITH THE SMART SET-Meyer Davis & His Orchestra 6 Can-Can Medley, Sunny Medley, Oklahoma Medley & others. RCA Vielor LM 1756 $3.98 """ "" " PARIS JUKE BOX-VOlS I & II-Raymond Legrand & other Orchs. 6 Valse Parisienne, Dora, J'Eta is fou, Cest toi & 20 others. Bruno BR 50040, BR 50045 $3.98 each " """ "" ORIENTAL FANTASY:-Gianni Monese & His Orchestra 6 Orientale- Cui, Serenata Araba-Frontini, Alia Tu rco-Mozart & 9 others. Vox VX 25780 $3.98 "" "" "" CRAZY PEOPLE-Somethin' Smith & the Redheads 6 Crazy People, Don't Blame Me, I'm A Ding Dong Daddy & 9 others. Epic LN 3517 $3.98 "" "" ""

Mus ical J nterest: Excellent Pleasing Fair­ Disappointing " " Performance, Superb """" .Good " " " Adequate "" Dull " Recorded Sound: Brilliant """" OK " " " fair """ " Poor ., 98 HIFI REvmw 'Suzuki, I Enjoy Being a Girl, has an infectiously ebullient spirit, while the delicate 1 Am Going' to Like It Here (actually, not too far removed melodically from Miss Suzuki's number) becomes a REALISTIC toucbing affirmation ~s sung by Miyoshi Umeki. There is also SOLO much t.o enjoy in the dramatically-mounted Like a God, the rowdy SPEAKER SYSTEM locale-setter Grant Avenue, and the wryly amusing Don't Marry Me. There are occasions, however, when style becomes something akin $15.95 to self-burglary, which is, of course, the ever·present plague of ' composers sufficiently endowed to possess a recognizable qeative 2 for Stereo $29.50 style. But this does become quite jarring at times, as in A Hun­ dred Million. Miracles opening to the strains of South Pacific's Radio Shack's REALISTIC "SOLO" brings you amaz­ ~, ing performance in a speaker system only 14'h x 11 My Girl Bacle Home, or 1 Enjoy Being a Girl beginning in the x 10'h" in size . .. at half what you'd expect to pay. fashion of A Cockeyed Optimist. Some of Mr. Hammerstein's at­ It features a dual cone speaker (woofer with coaxi al tempts at humor also take a backward glance, such as using higtl frequency cone) mounted in a solid tuned enclosure with a tuned, vented duct-type Helmholz "Dewey" to rhyme with "chop suey," and in relying on rather res'onator port. Response is 50·14,000 cps. Heavy stock comic devices for Gliding Through My Memoree and The laminated mahogany case finished dark mahogany Other Generation. ,;'" 4 sides. Two wood runners are included. All the selections benefit from the expertly-drilled cast, which, in addition to Misses Suzuki and Umeki, boasts especially sturdy contributions from Ed Kenney and Arabella Hong. S. G. REALu;r,c TRIO • WONDERFUL TOWN IBernstein-Comden-GreenL Orig­ inal television cast recording with Rosalind Russell, Sydney Chaplin, SPEAKER Jacqueline McKeever, J ordan Bentley, Joseph Bu loff & others, with SYSTEM Orchestra and C horus, Lehman En gel condo Columbia OL 5360 $4.98 $44.50 Musical Interest: Lean Performance: Lively Recoraing : lovely In reviving the 1953 Broadway musical, Wonderful To wn, for television, the producers took no chances by recasting Rosalind Radio Shack's REALISTIC "TRIO" is .a complete 3- Russell, J ordan Bentley, and a Jew others in their original roles, speaker system that compares brilliantly with $100 and by also retaining Lehman Engel as musical director. On the systems. It features an 8 '/ woofer with center·mount· ed acoustic cutoff filter for clean lows without h·f record the value of having such experienced. hands becomes ap­ interference, and 90 · rotatable dual tweeters mount· IJarent, with the energetic Miss Russell romping aurally through ed at an angle for wide dispersion. Case is dark all the nonsense with contagious zest and charm, while Sydney piano finished laminated mahogany, 22'/. x 13 x Chaplin's fo ghorn baritone and Jacqueline McKeever's liquid 11 %" deep. Response is 35·17,500 cps. soprano are acceptable enough substitutes for the voice of George Gaynes and Edith Adams. REALISTIC This. was Leonard Bernstein's second collaboration with Adolph LECTROSTAT-3 Green and Betty Vomden (the first was On the Town) and, un· The World Famous fortunately, it does not present them at their present top form. 5,000-25,000 cps. In many cases, they have ·attempted to recapture the atmosphere of the mid-1930's by using the rhythms and rhymes of the period, TWEETER and they have been eminently successful in such items as Swing! $27.50 and Conga!, and also in the Wrong Note Rag, which dates from a far earlier model. The comic ballad Ohio, and the more con­ ventional Quiet ,Girl and It's Love are also attractive. But many Radio Shack's REALISTIC ELECTROSTAT·3 adds a of the other efforts are all too frequently marked by the substi­ new acoustic brilliance to any speaker system ... tution of noise and speed for real wit. Thus the humor of One smooth, silky response from 5,000 cps to beyond the Hundred Easy , Ways to Lose a Man depends upon the fairly , range of human ./learlng. It's the tweeter that's been amateurish device of having the punch lines sung as rapidly as getting the rave notices ... the tweeter the whole world wants most, regardless of price. Mahogany, p.os~ible, the raucous What a Waste takes us through the ob­ blond or walnut finish. 11 'l'a x ' 5 'l's x 4'h" deep. vious business of lamenting the waste of talented people, Pass REALISTIC ELECTROSTAT-3 CROSSOVER NETWORK KITS in· that Football offers endless accounts of the high esteem in which .clude coils, condensers and L pad , complete with simple football heroes are held, and Conversation Piece builds to its assembly instructions. Either g or 16 ohm kit...... each $4.95 crashing climax by prudishly exaggerating the reactions to a dirty word. Bernstein, however, contributes some interesting and subtle ------1RADIO SHACK CORPORATION, Dept. 3A musical touches by purposely repeating themes from What a Waste 730 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 17, Mass. at the beginnings of Pass that Football and Quiet Girl, and A Please send me the following: Quan . REALISTIC Sh, WI. Order No, Sale Little Bit In Love in the introduction to Conversation Piece and SOLO Speaker 12 Ibs. RX9036 $15,95 It's Love. TRIO Speaker 251bs. RX7012 44 .50 Comparing this release with Decca's original cast version, the ELECTROSTAT-3 7lbs. 36CX017Y 27 .50 superior sound of the Columbia set makes it the preferred one, g·Ohm X·Over 2 Ibs . R·4850 4.95 but there's no point in getting it if you already have the original. 16 Ohm X-Over 2 Ibs . R·4851 4.95 for our D Radio Shack 1959 Hi-Fi Buying Guide S.G. 64 page • SHIRLEY TEMPLE'S HITS-Original soundtrack recordings. HI-FI : Name'______Oh, M y Goodness; H ow Can I Thank You?; On Accounta I Love You; BUYING : Address ______But Definitely & 15 others. 20th Fox FOX-3006 $3 .98 GUIDE I Musi cal Interest: Nostalgic stuff L~~~ ______~:n:~=~~~ ______Performance: Cute kid Recording: Surprisingly good There is nothing like this vintage collection of Shirley Temple 'soundtracks to help turn back the calendar. Here are nineteen RAD'D~iQ§; songs that were sung during the height of her popularity, from Baby, Take a Bow of 1934 to Lay-De·O which she sang six years SHACK~ later in The Bluebird" and they probably have been an even grElater appeal ' today than when they were first introduced. If you COR"PORA T.'ON listen :Carefu!ly, you should be able to recognize the voices of Bill r 167 Washington St., Boston 8, Mass. '. STORES { 730 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 17, Mass. Robinson, Jack Oakie, Bert Lahr, Joan Davis, J ames Dunn, Alice l 230-234 Crown St., .New Haven 10, Conn. FiJ,ye and Jack Haley. S. G. MARCH 1959 99 T 8 RE OR E l THE STEREO REE L THE STEREO REEL

Reviewed by JOHN THORNTON

• BRAHMS-Double Concerto in A Mi­ • TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No.4 in F Herbe rt vo n Karaia n condo Angel ST 9001/3 nor, Op. 102. Da vid Oistrakh, vi olin, and Minor, Op_ 36. Phil harmon ia Orchestra, 3 Reels $50.90 (for cast details and stereo Pi erre Fournier, ce ll o. Ph ilh armonia Orches· C ons tantin Silvestri condo Angel ST 9004 disc review, see p. 88) t ra, Alceo Galliera condo Angel ST 6001 $ 16.95 Musi ca l Int e rest : One of the greatest $14.95 Musica l Interest: Great masterpiece Perform ance : Rabelaisian, stunning, over- Mu sical Inte rest: Too seldom performed Pe rfo rmance: Exaggerated whelming - masterpiece Record ing: "Super" pickup Recording: Sensational Performance : Technically perfect Ste reo Directionality: In perfect balance Stereo Directiona lity: Perfect Record ing : Excellent for soloists, harsh Ste reo Depth: A bit on the harsh side Stereo De pth: Exadly right for orchestra Constantin Silvestri conducts the Tchai­ Ste reo Directio nality: Oistrakh -left, Judging from the above capsule analyses, kovsky "Fourth" in a manner to make you Fournier-right the reader will gather that this stereo Angel Ste reo De pth : Generally good believe one of two things-he is either a release of Falstaff has met with this cl'itic's showman out to achieve public notice by enthusiastic approval-you are so right! Brahm's great Double Concerto, too sel· conducting a familiar masterpiece in such The monophonic LP release some months dom performed and one of the ral'est mas· a fashion that it borders on bad taste, or he ago was good enough, but this is over­ terpieces of its kind, is given here a per· is an interpreter who sees and hears new whelming. Tito Gobbi's portrayal of the formance notable for rapport between the things and proceeds with them and tradi­ corpulent knight is dramatically and mu­ soloists, both of whom display impeccable tion be damned. His first movement tempo sically spellbinding. All the rest of the cast technique combined with a warmth of tone especially in the famous opening brass an­ supports Gobbi in almost fl awless fashion, and sensitivity of expression. GaIliera and nouncement, has an altogether unfamiliar with top honors going to Nicola Zaccaria as the Philharrnonia Orchestra fall short of rhythmic pattern. Pistol and Rolando Panerai as Ford, while what is needed to give this admirable Angel First reaction is one of anger, followed Luigi Alva as Fenton performs in a manner stereo tape that Brahmsian fire which would by curiosity. You become impati ent with his ·to leave no room for criticism. And who make it outstanding. exaggerated way in the Moderato can anima can resist the vocally impeccable style of This weakness is noticed most in the bars of the first movement, and you cannot Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Nan Merriman outer movements. The extra bite and the help at first resenting his lunges in tempi as Mistress Ford and Mistress Page ? But wildness required to make the Hungarian· as the opening movement concludes. This this is only the beginning, for Herbert von flavored finale sound forth with the gypsy uneven performance is maintained through­ Karajan leads the orchestra in one of the element that seems to be a part of almost out, save for the Scherzo. The Finale will most stunning performances of any opera, every measure just never quite materializ· separate all sorts of molecules if you keep tape or disc, that has come to my attention. es. In the broad beauty of the Andante, the volume up. We have ·the enormous advantage of a however, everyone joins in some memorable What is this Silvestri doing anyhow? well-balanced, well-engineered stereo tape. music making. Of the two soloists, Four· Should we not examine his effort objective­ The ensemble work in this great master­ nier seems to feel the music with more emo· ly before condemning him to a bottomless piece, particularly at the end of Act I, is tion, and the micro phoning of his cello is pit because he does not follow the rules? magnificently articulated. Nothing what­ magnificent. It is altogether a satisfactory It seems to me we have a classic example ever is lost to the demon of distortion that 1 tape, needing only a more spirited and vig· in our own Leopold Stokowski, who has has to be tolerated on all LPs-stereo or orous orchesu'al direction to make it an out· seldom been known to conform to the letter "mono"-in the last critical four minutes of standing release. J. T. of a much played score. microgrooving. The quartet between Alice, Shortly after the Silvestri release of this Meg, Nannetta, and Quickly will make your l • RAVEL-Bolero; La Valse. New Yo rk work, Angel came out with another read­ hair stand on end, as orchestra and soloists Philharmonic Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein ing of the Tchaikovsky "Fourth" with the move along together at dazzling speed in cond o Columbia JMB 32 $10.95 same orchestra conducted by Thomas Schip­ perfect accord, all under the miraculous di­ Mu sical Inte rest : Best known Ravel pers (see p. 72) . Why? To appease the rection of Karajan. Performance: Routine storm of criticism leveled at Silvestri's It is impossible to describe this tape Recording: Good head? Schippers turned out the best re­ without going into such superlatives as to Stereo Directionality: Pretty fair cording he has made to date, a much saner sound a trifle ridiculous. You laugh in high Stereo De pth: Nice and warm but very stirring performance. But who amusement at Falstaff's tempestuous dis­ It would take an exceptional conductor is to say that Schippers is altogether right? missal of his drinking pals in the marvelous with an exceptional orchestra to give new If Silvestri pulls off a reading of the Fourth brawl at the Garter Inn, and you cannot but life to Ravel's often.played Bolero. Oddly Symphony that makes you blink, then per­ pay the highest praise to Gobbi for the way enough, we have the right combination here, haps this is just an indication of the storms he handles those scenes where Falstaff is by but Ravel needs a great deal more than im· that are yet to come. Let us welcome this turns an egotistical monster, a pompous peccability to make his music sound the tornado and see what happens, for nothing leach, and an enthusia-stic alcoholic. way it should. Certainly sensuality is a pos· is quite so dull as " traditionally" correct His handling of the opening scene of Act itive requisite if one is to gain the most and dispirited performances_ J. T. III is something to remember. All the way from a composer whose music is always from "Ehi! Taverniere!" to the last "Tril­ • VERDI-Falstaff (complete opera) _ So­ lante! E il trillo, invade il monda!! !", basically sensual. Bolero comes off routine· loists, Phi lharmonia Orchestra and Chorus, ly perfect, and La Valse is certainly dy­ Gobbi interprets the gradual change from namic-it goes from soft to loud with dra­ a despondent and crestfallen lover to an matic control... -but that's abou~ all. The All tapes reviewed here are 2-track, 7t ips. undaunted if somewhat dampened swain performances are devoid of warmth. J. T. with matchless ItTtistry and dramatic Ii- 100 HIFI REVIEW nesse. I could go on and on, but it would the chimney, at which point the so und of a only be a waste of space. Panther jet is injected into the tape, and This Angel release is without the slight­ this dissolves into Ghost Riders in the Sky est doubt to me the most perfect operatic with the Melachrino Orchestra. After some PURCHASING tape release I have ever heard. Everything more unnecessary music, Bob and Ray in is in the right place. There are no weak­ the second act are climbing the dark, drip­ A HI-FI nesses of serious consequence. The only ping, dismal, moss·covered, slimy stairs small criticism is that no libretto has been leading to the "Round Room," so named be­ issued with the three boxes of tape. Physi­ cause the room is round. On the way up SYSTEM? cally, a libretto might have been printed they execute an enormous stereo pratfall, PARTIAL LIST conveniently for each of the three boxes tumbling down the entire stairs to the ac­ OF BRANDS comprising this release. American record companiment of all kinds of strange noises, Send Us IN STOCK consumers have come to expect a complete starting in the left hand speaker and wind­ Altec: Lansing Elec:trovoic:e text with their opera recordings. J. T. ing up on the right hand channel. Your Jensen Things get really merry when they dis­ Hartley • WALDTEUFEL: Waltzes-les Patineurs; University, cover a regiment of bagpipers playing List Of Ac:oustic: Mon Reve; Estudiantina. Philharmonia Prom­ marches as they stride around and around Researc:h enade Orchestra, Henry Krips condo Angel Janszen the Round Room, as they have apparently Components Wharfedale ST 1007 $10.95 been doing for years in a deep trance. This Karlson Viking Musical Interest: Always pleasant listen­ spectacularly funny tape reaches the height Concertone ing of hilarity when their chauffeur is hanged For A Sell. G.E. Performance: Excellent Weathers from a pendulum in stereo at the end. His Harman-Kard.on Recording: Far above average eV,er decreasing, blood-chilling sl1l'ieks of Package Elc:o • Pilot Stereo Directionality: Evenly divided "Help, help," go from speaker to speaker. Sherwood Stereo Depth: A trifle close Ac:rosound If you want to increase the are, all yo u have Quotation Fisher Sogen • Leak Sometimes when a well-disciplined sym­ to do is put the speakers farther apart (I've WE WON'T BE Dynaklt phony orchestra performs such familiar tried it, and it works beautifully). I won't H. H. Sc:ott UNDERSOLD! Pentron scores as the waltzes of Waldteufel, the re­ tell you the end, and after you buy it don't Ampro. VM sult is perfect playing but little else. But tell your friends either. I'll give you one tip A 11 merchandise Revere • Chal· is brand new. lenger Mr. Krips interprets these delightful waltzes -the tsetse fly returns! factory fresh & Wollensak in such fashion that what comes out is not The one thing I fail to understand is why guaranteed. Garrard Mlrac:ord just matchless playing but exhilarating per­ they put any music on the tape. What The Glaser-Steers formance. First Noel has got to do with Scotch bag­ Rek·O-Kut Components The stereo pickup is typical of Angel's pipers in a trance, I fail to see. Despite the AIREX Norelc:o first tape releases, with perfect balance music, which is taken from previously re­ Fairc:hlld Plc:kerlng • Gray maintained between channels. There is no leased RCA stereo tapes, the dialogue and Audio Tap. attempt at spatial extremes, and while the situation comedy alone are worth twice the RADIO Full LIne of orchestra is ,seated in the usual fashion, price. J. T. CORPORATION Cabinets there is no sharp drop-off of the first string 64-MR Cortlandt St., N.Y. 7, CO. 7-2137 body in the right channel. The only crit­ • 'S AWFUL NICE featuring RAY CON­ icism is harsh fortes. Generally the pickup NIFF and his Orchestra. Sm oke Gets In Your is a trifle too close. J. T. Eyes; Lullaby Of Birdland; June In January; Paradise; April In Paris; Th at Old Feeling; T. D. &J. D. • BOB AND RAY THROW A STEREO All Th e Things You Are; Lovely To Look At. SPECTACULAR-wi th Sk itch Henderson, Columbia GCB 29 $7.95 Lena Horne, the Melachrino Orchestra, Ra­ dio City Music Hall Organ, Sauter-Finegan Musical Interest: Famous old songs Orchestra, and Dick Schory's New Percus­ Perfo rmance: Dull sion En semble. RCA Victor CPS-199 $8.95 Recording: Good (For stereo disc, see p. 90) Stereo Directionality: The da-da-da's are on the right Musical Interest: Who cares? Stereo Depth: Nice, warm sound Performance: Uniquely nutty Recording: Stunning technically-marvel of satire This is the third section of a so·called Stereo Directionality: "Five-dimensional" triptych beginning with'S Wonderful and Stereo Depth: Unimportant ending with'S Marvelous. Ray Conniff has taken familiar old tunes and arranged them Without doubt, Bob and Ray are two of in a new dres's. The only trouble is that the most refreshing idiots known to stage, all the dresses are alike. April in Paris screen, radio, television, or any other form sounds like June in January sounds like of en tertainment yo u can think of. These Lovely to Look At, and so on far into the zany comedians caused enormous radio per­ night. Rhythmically the whole tape is sonnel problems in Boston where they got monotonous, and after a while you get very Sentimental and swinging-that's how we their start. During their noon-hour broad­ tired of the wordless choir singing "da-da­ all remember Tommy Dorsey. Here, to keep cast on WHDH, practically all the an­ da·da·DOO·da." that happy memory alive, are his last re­ nouncers in the city would refuse work in Oh, there is some good playing, the same cordings, made during the all-too-brief period order that they might listen to some of the when he shared the bandstand with his kind of good playing you hear all the time brother Jimmy. This album and Columbia's most dazzling unrehearsed buffoonery the on records, but the arrangements are ex­ Hub City has ever heard. recent set "The Fabulous Dorseys in Hi-Fi" a'speratingly dull, and I am afraid the Con­ are splendid examples of what the best of Bob and Ray have gone to the big city niff iinagination that sparked the other two the big bands coulp do. now, and Boston hasn't been the same since. panels of the triptych failed to fire this On this tape the pair pay a visit to the SENTIMENTAL AND SWINGING - Tommy time. In a word, 's Awful. J. T. Dorsey and his orchestra featuring Jimmy castle of Dr. Ahkbar, the mad ,scientist. Dorsey CL 1240 Things get real chummy in Act I when Dr. • PORTRAITS featuring FRANK DeVOL Ahkbar's pet tsetse fly gets loose from a jar GUARANTEED HIGH-FIDELITY AND of enlarging fluid. The fly buzzes madly in and his Orchestra. Jezebel; Chances Are; On The Street Where You Live; The Yellow STEREO-FIDELITY RECORDS BY true stereo fashion from speaker to speaker Rose Of Texas; Stranger In Paradise; My despite Bob's stern command, "Elmer, go to Heart Cries For You; C ome On-a My House; your room." The fly changes suddenly to Whatever Will Be, Will Be. Columbia GCB ICOLUMBIA. an enormous monster who goes roaring up 30 $7.95 , ~ "Columbia" Cf<' Marcas Rei. AdiYi$ion of Columbia BraadClSlinl System, Inc. MARCH 1959 101 Musica l Interest: Mill ion copy music Johnny Mathis is, in the minds of mil· Performance : Good lions of his fans, the greatest artist in pop Reco rd ing: Excellent pickup music today when -it comes to singing bal­ ROBINS Stereo Directionality: Both sides well lads. Johnny's rise to swift stardom was miked achieved on the strength of his ability with Stereo Depth : Just right TAPE-KARE KIT melody. Almost every artist fears being Frank DeVol has been writing and co n­ typed, so Mathis and Percy Faith come up Take Care With TAPE·KARE ducting music for a long time, but this is with a collaboration of swing arrangements *Cuts wow and flutter his first album for Columbia. DeVol started 1.0 prove that Mathis is a good marl ' with * Increases frequency response with Horace Heidt, moved on to George beat-music. * Eliminates squeal .. Olsen's outfit, and settled down in Holly­ Well, Mathis proves it eight times, from * Cleans lubricates, revitalizes wood in 1943 where he shortly began an ex­ To· Be in Love to Love Walked In. How­ and pr'otects with SILICONE tensive recording career. His cleverness and ever, everything swin gs from right to left ingenious imagination are well illustrated and from left to right in the same arc with in this series, which is far superior to the the same feeling and the same dreary average recording in this category. rhythm all (he way through. It is simply a Especially interestin g are the DeVol ar­ matter of too much swing. J. T. L rangements of The Y ellow Rose of T exas and Whatever Will Be, Will Be. DeVol is never routine, and how he avoids it is noth­ • BANDSTAND-Munn and Felton's ing short of a miracle. The music was put Works Band. Washington Post; Libe rty Bell; Brass Band Blues; Crimond: Roya l Standard; together to depict famo us songs and the Napoleon G alop; Bees-a·buzzin'; Christ;"'as artists who made them famo us, as J ezebel­ Lull aby; Rimington. Angel ST 1011 $10.95 Frankie Laine; Stranger in Paradise-Tony Bennett; Come On·a My House-Rosemary Musical Interest : Mixture of band odd­ Clooney. The release is supposed to be a ities plus standards " tune portrait" of eight outstanding record· Performance: Adequate ing artists. This just goes to show how Recording: Very good desperate people can get when it comes to Stereo Directionality: Eve nly divided dreaming up titles and reasons for making Stereo Depth: Adequate a recording. But the music is fin e and the This tape effectively displays virtuosity orchestra is fin e and Mr. De Vol"s arrange­ AT DEALERS EVERYWHERE through the shallow device of "tricky" ar­ ments are expert. J. T. Write for FREE Catalog of ROBINS' rangements. The middle and low brasses Phono and Tape Accessories! reveal an ability to articulate at great speed. • SOUND IDEAS with LES AND LARRY The result of all tllis playing shows lillle ~ ELGART and their orchestra. Willie Boy; more than tha.t the band can perform all .~ _ROBINS Lazy Afternoon; Twinkle; Th e C offee So ng; sorts of wi nd-playing gymnastics. Thf.s tape Technicolor Dream; I've Got A Crush On has none of the electrifying quality of the INDUSTRIES CORP. You; Alone Together; When The Sun C omes FLUSHING S4 • NEW YORK Out; Vagabond Shoes. Columbia GCB 27 Scots Guards on Angel ST 1004. About $7.95 tlle most you can say about the Munn and Felton's Works Band is that they play like Musica l Inte rest: Heightened by quality they are out to win a prize. J. T. HiFi REVIEW HAS A performance BUYER FOR YOUR Performance : Tops Recording: The best • COOTIE WILLIAMS IN STEREO­ USED EQUIPMENT Stereo· Directionality: Brilliantly divided Cootie Williams and his Orchestra. Just In Ste reo Depth: Perfect Time; Summit Ridge Dri ve; Nevedheless, I'm If you have hi-fi equipment, acces­ Les and Larry Elgar.t are noted for their I n Love With You; On The Street Where sories or records to sell, look to the experimentation in so und reproduction. The You Live ; I'll See You In My Dreams; Cara­ va n. RCA Victor BPS-I73 $0.95 classified columns of HiFi REVIEW search for . new combinations of tones has for fast results. been tempered fortunately by the basic de­ Musi cal Interest: It's in the artistry sire to make goo d music. These two young Performance : Real gone, man Your message, placed in our cl~ssi­ men use unusual inlelJigence to obtain un­ Recording: Very good fied columns, will be read by more usual effects with a very happy result. Their Stereo Directionality: Excellent balance than 123,000 hi-fi fans. Best · of all, success is almost monotonous. Here they Stereo Depth: Just right your classified ad costs you only 3Sc are with another tape and other arrange· ments to produce another great hit. About thirty years ago Charles Melvin per word (including name and ad­ What a perfect example of all the ele­ Williams joi ned the Duke Ellington or­ dress) . For further information ments needed for an outstanding release! chestra, and he succeeded so well he stayed w rite : The mos t amazin g thing about it is that the with that famous band for eleven years. music, for the most part, is mediocre. Bril­ His open I..rumpet sonnd became familiar Martin Lincoln liant playing and inspired orchestration to all the jazz lovers everywhere in the HiFi REVIEW join with superlative engineering to the end country, but " Cootie" Williams became One Park A venue result of one of tlle most outstanding tapes more famous later for the gutty, soft, ex­ New York 16, New York in the dance category that I have ever pressive growl. heard. J. T. After a long period of li me during which he headed his own band, Cootie has been drawn back into the jazz world by guest -UNHAPPY • SWING SOFTLY featuring JOHNNY appearances at the Newport Jazz Festival. WITH "HI" MATHIS, with Percy Faith and his Orchestra. To Be In Love ; Sweet Lorraine; Can't G et His· growl style is mellower, his musician­ HI·FI PRICES? Out Of This Mood; You Hit Th e Spot; It's ship apparent in every sliding tone. If you Write u.s YOllr hi-fi tl eeds Delovely; Like Someone In Love; You'd Be long for the wonderful old sound of th e - you'll be pleasalltly sur­ So Nice To C ome Home To; Love Walked In . Duke's band, and if yo u want to hear a prised. Ask lor ollr Iree Columbia GCB 33 $7.95 man work on a horn with expert expres· audio catalog, too. Musical In terest: Johnny Mathis sion in the middle and low registers, then KEY ELECTRONICS CO . you had better buy this tape. It doesn't mat· 120 Liberty St. Performance: Good "pro" exhibit N.Y. 6, N.Y. Recording: Slickly professional ter too much about the music. This is a EVergreen 4-6071 Stereo Directionality: Mathis is middle case where everything is in the wonder of Stereo Depth : Good Cootie's artistry. J. T. HIFI REVIEW RATE: per word. 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RECORDERS, HI-Fi, Tapes. Wholesale Prices. Free Catalogue. Carston, 215-WW East 88 St., N.Y.C. 28. LEARN While Asleep with your recorder. Amazing book gives full Instructions. $2 .00. Satisfaction guaranteed. Sleep-Learning Research Association , P.O. Box 24-S; Olympia, Washington. CUSTOM Recording and Duplicating of Tapes and Discs. Specialized Services. Write-Merle Enterprises, Box WANTED; Capitol S-350 "Of Thee I ·Sing." Send condi­ 145, Lombard, Illinois. A HANDY GUIDE TO PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. NOT • tion and price wanted. George E. McRae, Route #2, LP Records, Stereodlscs, Stereotapes, 20% Discount. NECESSARILY IN THE HIGH FIDELITY FIELD, BUT OF Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Catalog 30¢. SWRS, 1108 Win bern , Houston, Texas. WIDE GENERAL INTEREST. SOUNDTASTIC-That's what our customers are saying upon receiving our price sheets on our latest High Fidelity Stereo and Monaural, amplifiers, tuners, turn­ tables, speakers, tape recorders , kits. All brand new with factory guarantee. Prompt in-stock service. Free selector and planning booklet #M, available on re­ quest. Audi,o World, 2057 Coney Island Ave., Brooklyn 23, N. Y. FREE! Blackhawk's big sale catalog, 8mm , 16mm FREE Monthly HI-Fi Magazine. Write for quotation on ALL Makes High Fidelity Speakers Repaired. Amprlte, • movies, 2"x2" color slides. Biggest selection any­ any Hi Fidelity components. Sound Reproduction Inc., 70 Vesey St., N. Y. 7, N. Y. BA 7-2580 • where! Pro jectors, cameras, supplies-big discounts! . 34 New St., Newark, N. J. Mitchell 2-6816. Get free, every month, 24-page newspaper-size bargain SCHEMATIC, Repair Instructions, HiFi's, T.V.'s, Radios, list! Blackhawk Films, Davenport 8, Iowa. ~OVERNMENT Surplus Receivers, Transmitters, Snooper­ Phonographs, Tape Recorders, 99¢. Send make, model, scopes, Parabolic Reflectors, Picture Catalog 10¢. number. "Radio Coop," Box 5938, Kansas City 11, ABSOLUTELY highest quality professional double Meshna, Malden 48, Mass. Missouri. weight enlargements at dealers prices. 5x7, 32¢; 8xl0, 39¢; llx14, 85 ¢. No extra charge for cropping HI-FI Haven, New Jersey's newest and finest sound or dodging. New negative from your photo 60¢; mini­ center. Write for information on unique mall order mum order $1.00. 25% discount on Kodacolor proc­ plan that offers professional advice and low prices. essing. 20% discount on Developing By Kodak. Foto 28 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Portrait Co ., 1172-P Ogden Ave ., New York City 52. DISGUSTED , with "HI'" HI-FI Prices? Unusual Dis­ MESTON'S the preferred 35mm color slides. Top qual­ counts On Your High Fidelity Requirements. Write ity, biggest library, best package. Exciting Preview Key Electronics, 120 Liberty St., New York 6, N. Y. Package four slides hermetIcally sealed In plastic plus EVergreen 4-6071. 80 page catalog only $1.00. Meston's Travels, Dept. HI , 3801 N. Piedras, EI Paso, Texas. AMP EXt.. 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Chicago 13, III. WANTED, ARN-14C, ARN-30 , ARC-15 , OMNI Sets, and METERS and Test Equipment repaired. Meter sales. components. CRT-3 Victory Girls, AS313B Loops, ARC- List. !llgelow Electronics, P.O. Box 1, Bluffton, 12, 51R2 -3, 17L3-4, 1852-3, R-388/ URR, R-390 / URR, b~1~. BC -348, Test sets, "Top Dollar Paid ," Bill ' Slep, W4FHY,- Box 178, Ellenton, Florida. ELECTRONic Projects-Organs, Timers, Counters, Etc. SIAM.PS &COINS $1 each . list free. Parks, Box 1665A, Lake City, CHARTER Memberships to America's newest and most Seattle 55, Wash. promising recordings club now available. Discover the exceptional offerings of All Labels In Bulletin # 1. LABORATORY Instruments, Surplus Electronics: En­ Write: Definitive Recordings Club; 11024 Magnolia NEW! 1959 Bargain American Coin Catalogue! Re ­ gineering, Farhllls, Box 26X, Dayton 19, Ohio. Blvd., North Hollywood, California. vised Prices! Only 20¢. Write! Sullivan, 128-SA East $50 TRANSISTOR Radio $23.95. 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Fully Guaranteed. 7" boxed reels . Acetate 1200' 11/2 mil 4/ $5.00; 1800' 1 mil OR RECORDS! 7328 Milwaukee, Chicago 48. .4/$6.76; Mylar 1800' 1 mil 4/$9.00; 2400' 1/2 mil 4/ . GIG.ANTIC Collection Free! Includes triangles, early $13.00. Postage 16¢ per reel. Hi-Sonic, Box 86M, United States, animals, commemoratives, British Colo­ New York 63, N_ Y_ The 125,000 people who pur­ nies, high value pictorials, etc. Complete collection chase HiFi REVIEW are al­ plus big illustrated magazine all free. Send 5¢ for YOUR classified message placed right here will attract postage. Gray Stamp Company, Dept. Z2, Toronto, the attention of 125 000 HI-FI enthusiasts. You'll get ways in the market for a good fast results. For fuli details, write to Martin Lincoln, Canada. Hi-FI Review, One Park Avenue, New York 16, N. Y. buy. So if you have something 307 WORLDWIDE Different stamps only 35¢. Approvals. to sell, let HiFi REVIEW read­ Niagastamp, St. Catherines 690, Ontario. ers know about it through our classified columns. It costs very little; just 35¢ a word. Minimum EDUCAllOftAL message: 10 words. For further O'PORTUNITIES information, write: COMPLETE Your High School at home in spare time Martin Lincoln with 62-year-old school. Texts furnished. No classes. TAPE recorders, .' Hi-Fi 'components, sleep learning Diploma. Information booklet free. American School, ' equipment, tapes. Unusual values. Free Catalog. HI FI REVIEW Dept. X336, Drexel at 58th, Chicago 37, illinois. Dressner, 69-02HF 174 Street, Flushing 65, New York. One Park Avenue PHOTOGRAPHY For Pleasure or profit. Learn at home. RECORDERS, Tape Decks, Stereo Tapes, Accessories, Practical basic training. Long established school. Excellent '1alu]ls, Catalogue, EFSCD Sales Company, New' York 16, New York Free booklet. American School of Photography, 835 .270 ·Concord, West Hempstead, New York. Dlversey Parkway, Dept. 2254, Chicago 14, Illinois. . MARCH ' 1959 103 1959 INDUSTRY Training. Home-Study. Drafting, De­ sign, Electronics. Aero Tech., 2162-l0 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 26, Calif. CAMERA Repairmen greatly needed! You can learn manufacturers' service methods at home , in your HI Fl. MAR·KET ..Pl:AC .E spare time! Free big illustrated book tp.lls howl Write today. National Camera Repair School, Dept. ZH , Englewood, Colorado.

. . BUSINESS . OPPORTUNITIES ·

YOUR Own home·operated business! Take over your THE FINEST OF ITS KIND ••• area as our Service Distributor keeping stores sup­ plied. Nationally advertised 28-year old line pays you Get more FM stations with the world's most 662h % mark-up. Less than $100 for merchandise, powerful FM Yogi Antenna systems. starts you. For samples, highly successful plan, write New, modern-design equipment and speaker cabinet Novo, Inc., 1168-P Milwaukee, Chicago 22, III. fits all 'HI-FI equipment. READY TO ASSEMBLE KIT To be fully informed, includes everything for easy assembly. Complete line AMERICAN Overseas Jobs. High Pay. Men, Women. send 25~ for book of advanced-contemporary speaker and / or equipment Transportation paid. Free Information. Write: Trans­ world Information Service, Dept. Fl, 200 West 34th "Theme And Varia· cabinet kits in many hardwoods. FINISHED CABINETS '- in many periods also available in individual or com­ St. , New York 1. tions" by L. F 8. Carini bined speaker and equipment cabinets. Send for FREE FREE-LANCE Photographers register now. No obliga­ and containing FM brochure from: tion. For application write Accredited Press, Inc., Station Directory. Lawrence 6, New York. MEN-Women Agents: sensational new money-makers­ Beautifully hand·palnted plastic personalized photo APPARATUS DEVELOPMENT CO. ARTIZANS enlargements, compacts, rings, bracelets, lockets, etc. " OF NEW ENGLAND Simply take orders, pocket 40% commission-we Wethersfield 9, Connecticut deliver and collect. Sales outfit free. Novelco. 3341 DEPT. 5, ROUTE 39, SHERMAN, CONNECTICUT North Ave ., Chicago 47. DETECTIVES-Experience unnecessary. Detective Par­ GRAND AWARD ticulars. Wagoner, 125-Z West 86th, N. Y. "BUCK STRETCHER" FOREIGN Employment Information-$1. Parks, Box ROARING 20'S - FLiRTV 3D!$.. 1665A, Lake City, Seattle 55, Wash. HI-FI V ALUESI AMATEURS And Professionals-Extra Cash from your Expand the buying power THE Photos. Become a Member of our World-Wide Photo oC your Hi-Fi dollar at KNUCKLES O'TOOLE ALBUMS Agency and enjoy innumerable benefits. Send your Sun Radio with substantial 8xlO photos for presentation to world markets and savings on new and fully only $1.00 for membership number and informative guaranteed name brand WORLD'S letter. Limited Offer. Photo-World, 538 North Federal, Hi-Fi components! OKLAHOMA - SOUTH PACIFIC Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Send for our special price quo_ EARN Extra money seiling advertising book matches. tations and our Hi-Fi package MOST HONORED Free samples furnished. Matchcorp, Dept. MD-29, specials! Dept. W9 ROMAN SPECTACULAR Chicago 32, III. SUN Radio & Electronics (0. , Inc. STEREO EARN extra cash! Prepare advertising postals. Lang­ 650 6th Ave., New York 11, N. Y. dons, Box 41107Z, Los Angeles 41, California. PAUL WHITEMAN ALBUMS MAKE $25·$50 Week, clipping newspaper items for Phone : ORegon 5-8600 publishers. Some clippings worth $5 .00 each . Par­ RE£ORDS ticulars free. National , SI·DG, Knickerbocker Station, SEND FOR FREE CATALOG New York. MAILMAN Brings Us $150 Daily. Operate Home Mail GRAND AWARD RECORDS Order Business. Write Publicity, Box 727ZE, Kala­ ~------~HOLDS Dept. MP-I Harrison, N. J. mazoo, Michigan. $30·$60 Weekly Addressing Envelopes at home. In­ structions $1 (refundable). Reiss, 210 Fifth Ave., 250 HI-FI SALONS Suite 11-2-M, New York 10. RECORDS! Sturdy as a rock , and guaranteed not to wab· b le ! T he "Symphony, " AND RECORD STORES! black wrou gbt iron Tee· ord cabinet holds a ll your r ecords and your Someone "borrowing" your per­ h l·fi set too! T wo big' shel ves h ave 1 2 Indi­ sonal copy of HiFi REVIEW each vidua l compartments to FLYING Saucers Latest Reports, Articles. Subscribe file your collection by symphonies, o p e r as, month? You ought to be taking for "The Saucerian" magazine . Six Issues $2.00. ba llets , Jazz, folk, Saucers, Dept. 3, Box 222S, Clarksburg, W. Va. chamber and show m u ­ advantage of HiFi REVIEW's sic! Huge 250 LP ca­ pacity! T op h o lds larg­ convenient re-sale plan. Sell copies "WINEMAKING : Beer, Ale Brewing." Illustrated. $2 .00. est r ecord player made. Many others. Eaton Books, Box 1242-VF, Santa Rosa , Comes fully assembled; in your store .. . perform a good 30" H . 22" ' V. 17" D . California. P lease r emit 817.00 or service for your customers _ . _ chS!. 0 i n e r e ' Acct. PRINTING Presses, Type Supplies, Lists 4¢. Turnbaugh Shi pped Ex- with no risk involved. For details, press CoI- $1"00,_ Service, Mechanicsburg, Pa. le d . write: Direct Sales Department, JOO O/o Uncond'ltio' ,a l A i r Mail Money Back Guarantee! AESTHETICIANS: Abstractions created from free ques­ @ LESLIE CREATIONS. De pt. I1J, La fa y e tte Hill, Pa. HiFi REVIEW, One Park Ave., tionnaire. Box 2301 , Norman, Oklahoma. New York 16, N. Y. ENGINES OHV VS's. All Popular Makes 1956, 1959. ------~ Ledbetter Enterprises, 1015 West 17th, Texarkana, Texas. name SEND BUY Surplus Jeeps, tractors, winches. pumps, tools, hydraulics, electronics, boats, typewriters, generators wholesale direct from government. List and procedure HI FI REVIEW address $1.00. Aviation Surplus, Box S-ZD. Thomasville. Penna. WHY not be the person you wish to be, realizing the EVERY MONTH city zone state fulfillment of your desires? Good things are attracted to you when you know and apply the rules. Read : Check one: 0 3 years for $10 Man, God 's Helpmate $1.25; Using The Magnetic Forces of Your Mind $3.00 postpaid. I. P. Society, o 2 years for $ 1 Dept. Z, P.O. Box 421S7, Los Angeles 42, California. o 1 year for $ 4 (In Calif. add 4% sales tax.) I n the U . S .. Its posses­ THE Law of Life Revealed and How to Apply It. $1.00. sions and Canada The Open Way, Celina, Tennessee. ! Foreign rates: Pan American Union BARBElLS, Courses, Apparatus. Catalogue 10¢. Good , . countries, add $.50 per Barbell Co., Dept. D. • Siloam Spri~gs, Arkansas. year; all other foreign OPTICAL Bargains-Request Free Giant Catalog "Cl." 96 pages-Astronomical Telescopes, Microscopes, countries, add $1.00 Lenses, Binoculars, Kits, Parts. AmaZing war surplus per year. bargains. Edmund Scientific Co. , Barrington, New Jersey. Mail to: HI FI REVIEW H·3·9 BINOCULAR specialists, all makes repaired. Authorized 434 S_ Wabash Ave., Chicago 5, Ill. Bausch Lomb , Zeiss, Hensoldt, Bushnell dealer. Tele­ Optics, 5514 Lawrence, Chicago 30, Illinois. 104 HIFI REVIEW Hi Fi Review Index of Advertisers MARCH 1959 HiFiREVIEW COOE PAGE NO. ADVERTISER NO. 149 Acro Products ...... 93 69 Airex Radio Corporation ...... 101 3 Allied Radio ...... 28, 85 INFORMATION 2 Altec lansing Corporation ...... 27, 94 103 American Microphone Manufacturing Company ...... 65 SERVICE 100 Apparatus Development Co., Inc...... 104 4 Argos Products Com~any ...... " 30 Hel'e's how you can get additional informa­ Artizans of New England ...... 104 5 Audio Devices, Inc ...... 32 tion, promptly and at no charge, concerning 83 Audio Fidelity, Inc...... 67 the products advertised in this issue of Hi 150 Belock Recording Co...... 71 Fi REVIEW. This free informa tion will add 143 Blonder-Tongue laboratories, Inc. .... 10 to your understanding of high fidelity and 60 Book-of-the-Month-Club, Inc., R.C.A. Victor Society of Great Music ...... 7 the equipment, records and tape necessary 9 British Industries Corp...... 4 for its fullest enjoyment. 114 Capitol Stereo Re:ords ...... 73 111 Columbia LP Record Club ... , .... _.. 11 151 Columbia ...... 76, 80, 86 , 90, 97 , 101 Print or type your name and address on 152 De Wald , A Division of United Scientific 1 the coupon below. laboratories, Inc...... 90 146 Dynaco Inc ...... f . 26 10 EICO ...... 34 Check in the alphabetical advertising index, Electronic Experimenter's Handbook .. 78 left, for the names of the advertisers in 11 Electro-Voice, Inc ...... 4th Cover 2 62 Ercona Corporation ...... 86 whose products you are interested. 153 Erie Resistor Corporation ...... 89 13 Fisher Radio Corporation ...... 13, 31 134 General Electric Company ...... 57 , 59 , 61 In front of each advertiser's name is .a 14 Glaser-Steers ...... : . 6 3 code number. Circle the appropriate num­ 123 Grand Award Records ...... 104 ber on the coupon belo,w. You may circle 27 Grommes-Division of Precision Electronics, Inc...... 14 as many numbers as you wish. 99 Harman-Kardon ...... 17 41 Heath Company ...... 21 , 22 , 23, 24, 25 HiFi Guide & Yearbook ...... 92 Add up the number of requests yo u have HiFi Review April Issue ...... 96 made and write the total in the total box. HiFi Review Classified ...... 102 4 HiFi Review Dealers ...... 104 HiFi Review Subscriptions ...... 104 5 Cut out the coupon and mail it to: 118 Jensen Manufacturing Company . . 3rd Cover 147 Jerrold Electronics Corp...... 79 86 Key Electronics Co...... 102 45 lafayette Radio ...... • . ... 16 Hi Fi REVIEW 88 Leslie Creations ...... 104 46 london Records ...... 69 P.O. Box 1778 47 louisville Philharmonic Society...... 80 CHURCH STREET STATION 128 Madison Fielding ...... 8 New York 8, New York 132 Miller International Co ...... 2nd Cover 50 Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company ...... 75 HI FI REVIEW 16 Omega Stereophonic Disk...... 76 Box 1778 TOTAL NUMBER 154 Pickwick Sales Corp...... 87 CHURCH STREET STATION OF REQUESTS 62 R & A Speakers...... 86 New York 8, New York 148 Radiation , Inc ...... 97 Please send me additional information concerning the products of the advertisers 109 Radio Shack Corporation ...... " 99 whose code -numbers I have circled. 79 Reeves Soundcraft Corp ...... 29 66 Rek-O-Kut Co ., Inc...... 3 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 13 14 16 27 29 91 Roberts Electronics Inc ...... 89 145 Robins Industries Corp ...... • .... . 102 30 35 38 41 45 46 47 50 52 56 60 62 66 105 Rockbar Corporation ...... 15 68 69 79 83 130 Sargent-Rayment Co...... 33 86 88 91 98 99 100 101 103 105 29 Scott, Inc., H. H...... 19 109 111 114 118 121 123 128 130 132 134 143 145 146 30 Sherwood Electronics laboratories, Inc. 55 147 155 Sonotone Corporation ...... 18 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 56 Stereophonic Music SOciety Inc. " . . . . 77 98 Stromberg-Carlson ...... 82 , 83 NAME 121 Sun Radio & Electronics Co ., Inc ...... 104 35 Utah Radio & Electronic Corp...... 9 ADDRESS 101 Weathers Industries ...... 12 38 Wellcor, Inc ...... 20 CITY ZONE __STATS 68 Westminster ...... 62 MARCH 1959 105 for their tests "were selected on the basis of. pric~ ~nd Don't Say Phase-Shmaze physical size (both judged in terms of pr~ctIcal hmIta­ • A lot is being said about correct phasing for stereo. tions), and including some popular or WIdely. rep~ted Just how important it can be is amply illustrated in a models, as well as others whose design and speCIficatIOns story going the rounds here in New York City. It con­ were promising." If compact speaker systems were the cerns a record company that got off to an early start basis of these tests, why was the Electro-Voice "Carlton ( with stereo discs. Most of the material they released had IV" used in place of the E-V "Regal III?" Why was the been recorded by engineers who did not fully appreciate General Electric ,videly advertised,' medium priced LH- "phasing." Just as with speakers, the microphones must 12 system ignored? Why' not an integrated Altec also be phased, or the results put on a stereo disc will Lansing "Monterey" systen:t in, preference to the Altec leave a lot to be desired. In one instance, so the story 602-B individual speaker-the prices are comparable. goes, a feature pop singer, accompanied by a small com­ , What service, then, did this report render the hi-fi en­ bo, was recorded standing between two microphones that thusiast? It told him iliat the AR and KLH speakers were wired out of phase. When the record was played were good (which any hi-fi salesman wo~ld have told back in stereo, it just sounded as if the singer wandered the consumer), that they sound better _wIth a tweeter or was off center. Some amplifiers permitted correction (which any hi-fi salesman would have told the ?onsum­ for this condition through their "Speaker Phasing" er), that individual speakers unless mounted )\'lth care switch. However, when the two channels were strapped are not comparable to ' integrated speaker systems together and someone tried to play the stereo record (which hi-fi salesman would have told the consumer). monophonically the combo was subdued and most of It is not what CU obtained in their results, jt is how, the singer's voice vanished! for which I can only add-shame. In RE Consumers Union Just A little Peek • Shortly after the distribution of the January issue, • Audiophiles of long standing soon find that there is ,a HIFr REVIEW was deluged with letters taking exception yearly cycle involving the appearance of new products. to remarks on the December issue of "Consumer Re­ The majority of new products appear at the hi-fi shows ports." in the monthS of September, October and November. A few innovations appear during February and March, . Gentlemen : but these are generally a rehash of ideas proposed dur­ In your January issue, the Flipside editorial takes issue with Consumers Union and their ratings of loud­ ing the preceding fall. speakers. It would be wonderful if CU could buy and Magazine editors are in a good position to hear of any ' test every speaker available. But that cannot be done products long before they are announced to the dealers, and the next best thing, from the consumer's point of and certainly months before they are made available to view, is to test as many as possible, including the most the consumer. This also follows a cyclic pattern. Much popular, the most widely reputed and the most prom­ of the engineering is performed in December, January ising-which they did. and February, while prototypes are shown to the deal­ Unsigned ers in May and June. We have just seen completion of Postmarked: the "engineering cycle" and here are some of my pre­ Pasadena, Calif. dictions (!) on items that will be available in the fall. Generally speaking, it behooves an editor to ignore Cartridges: The bugaboo about stereo disc wear will unsigned "crank" letters. But ·since so many letters on be dispersed by cartridges that have two to three times this topic were received and since so many contained the compliance of those currently available. They will the admonition (in one way or another) that the letters be in short"supply and not on every dealer's shelves until were not for publication-we break precedent. the winter of '59-'60. The battle betw,een magnetic and For those that did not read "Consumer Reports," their ceramic stereo cartridges will be resolved-and there _ December issue flatly stated that they could only find will be a winner ! four speakers (really systems) worth rating as "Ac­ Kits: Hi-fi kits, whose market 6 or 7 months ago ceptable-Very Good." Four more were rated as "Accept­ seemed to be drying up, will be completely refurbished in able-Fairly Good." Three more were accorded lesser the fall months. Pre-finished enclosures fitted with ratings. CU then attempted to compare these carefully pre-tested speakers, sized ' and styled for the living manufactured speaker systems to individual speakers­ room, will be available. Turntable kits will gain new mounted (they said) in "the most 'advantageous enclos­ impetus and probably capture a greater share of the ure (s)." Almost none of the individual speakers were audiophile market. More changer manufacturers will worthy of serious consideration. offer new manual players that are half turntable and The CU findings in regard to speaker systems tested half record changer; i.e., no record changin'g facilities, are reasonable. Their ratings of separate speakers (well­ but with arm lift and stop mechanisms huilt in. mounted, they said) I must dismiss as being too ab­ Amplifiers: After a splurge of low powered, integrated surd to merit discussion. You just don't take any speak­ stereo amplifiers, the manufacturers are going 'back to er and stick it in any enclosure you have around the much higher powers; i.e., 25-40 watts_ Integrated 3- house"':'-'or laboratory-and expect it to work as well as channel stereo amplifiers will be offered for sale by sev­ a fully integrated speaker system. eral manufacturers. They will become popular and com­ According to CU, the various speaker systems chosen monplace in short order. I 106 PRINTED IN U.S.A. HIFI REVIEW LITTLE **BEAUTY . en3en'~ WITH THE MIGHTY HI-FI VOICE!

NEW "TRi-ette*" 3-WAY HIGH FIDELITY SPEAKER SYSTEM

1

PERFORMANCE FAR BEYOND COST AND SIZE If space is a problem, but only true hi-fi sound is for you . .. if you want to delight the eye (as well as the ear) . .. if you listen to organ music on occasion, and want the pedal notes to be there . .. if you thrill to the full, clean, smooth - separated sounds of the orchestra in all their wonderful detail ... then Jensen's new TR-IO TRI-ette 3-way speaker system is for you! Use one for your compact hi-fi system, a pair for space-saving high quality stereo . .. or add one to your present speaker for stereo conversion. Drives with good IO-watt or larger amplifier. Choice of Walnut, Tawny Ash or Mahogany. Net Price $114.50. Table Base (illustrated) extra $5.45_ Floor Stand $12.95. Send for Bulletin JH-1.

c ADVANCE DESIGN 3-WAY SYSTEM COMPONENTS A. New 12" Flexair* high compliance superlow resonance woofer for useful response down to 25 cycles with a new low in distortion for such a small reproducer. B. Special 8" mid-channel unit handles the range from 600 to 4,000 cycles, through L-C crossover network. B C. Compression-driver horn-loaded tweeter carries the r!!sponse to 15,000 cycles (H-F control for balance adjustment). D. Tube-loaded port for amazing bass response in Jensen's new Bass-Superflex * cabinet. A ** 13 Ys" H., 25 " W., 11 %" D (not including base) *Trademark Jensen Mfg. Co.

MANUFACTURING COMPANY 6601 S. Laramie Avenue· Chicago 38, Illinois In Canada : J. R. Longstaffe Coo. Ltd_. Toronto In Mexico. Radios Y Television. S. A .• Mexico. D. F. ••••••• E·V Re gency net $130 E-V Regency KD4 Kit net $73

KIT BB2 KIT

Picture your speaker system with E-V Building-Block Kits.' You can start with a single, full-range Electro­ or stort with Voice Loudspeaker and ex pand it step-by-step to a an Electro-Volc.e Integrated mul ti-way system as yo ur budget permits. three-way speaker Electro-Voice enclosures are ready for future addition (equivalent to c;oa xial of high-frequency and mid-range speakers. Your E-V plus high-Irequency driver' enclosure ca n never be obsolete because there's always room to ex pand your system.

·Eo. V Buildin g-Block Kits may also be used with some non-E-V quality systems. Ask your high fidelity speciali st or write Electro-Voice for deta ils. . Two ways to a Separate Three-Way System 1. S tart ,,iith 'an Electro-Voice full- range coaxia l speaker. Then, when your budget permi ts, add-on the correct E-V high-frequency Building-Block Kit to give you a separa te two-way system; later add-on the E-V mid-range Builqing Block Kit for a superlative separate three-way syslem. 2. Or, begin your system with an E-V integrated 3-way spea ker; merely add-on the E-V mid -range Building­ Block Ki t to achieve a separate three-way system. Of co urse, yo u can purchase a complete three-way sys­ tem composed of low-frequency driver, high-frequency driver BB Kit, and mid-range driver BB Kit.