Norman Allin (Bass)
Albert Sammons (Violin) The Wireless Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Percy Pitt
In Gounod's "Philomon and Baucis" the ancient Olympic deities are treated with somewhat scant respect,' and the author of the libretto shows us them as subject to the usual mortal weaknesses and failings. Jupiter has brought Vulcan with him to earth, and the Armourer has left his underground forges most unwillingly. Ever since he made himself a laughing-stock by his unlucky wooing of Venus, he has been shy of facing the other gods, or even mortals, feeling that they must all know of the goddess' scornful treatment of him. In this song he gives vent to his annoyance at having to visit the upper world, and tells how much happier he is in the dark caverns of his underground forge.
In Gounod's orchestral accompaniment, the ringing of hammer oil on anvil is rhythmically heard almost throughout the song, and sometimes an actual anvil and hammer are specially added for the purpose to the usual orchestra.
Massenet's opera on the Great Spanish hero "Le Cid" naturally embodies a good deal of Spanish verve and rhythm in its music, and in the ballet, especially, he is notably successful in the fresh and melodious way in which he gives us something of the Southern atmosphere.