Relayed from the Assembly Room, City Hall
National Orchestra of Wales
Leader, Albert Voorsanger
Conducted by Warwick Braithwaite
Gladys Palmer (Contralto) and Orchestra

Gounod's Opera is about the love of the Queen of Sheba for a sculptor, with whom, putting aside her promise to marry King Solomon, she elopes. In a Recitative and Air she recollects with joy the love with which the sculptor inspired her, and declares that he, in his lowly state, is far greater than a monarch. 'He seems to bear in himself his greatness and his royalty', she sings.

Many older listeners will recall with pleasure the days when the Spanish violinist
Sarasate filled London's concert halls, playing a large repertory which included some works specially written for him, such as Lalo's first Concerto and Bruch's second. He was a frequent visitor to this country from the 'sixties up to his death in 1908. Amongst the pieces that he was always expected to play were some of his arrangements and transcriptions of Spanish airs and dances. The Jota is a favourite Spanish dance, after the Waltz style, that has a gay accompaniment, often by guitars, with castanets, tambourine, and triangle marking the rhythm.

Chabrier's orchestral picture of Spain suggests not only the warmth and colour of that country, but also his own eager gaily flamboyant nature. Into the brilliant and glowing piece the rhythms of Spanish folk music naturally enter, and the percussion instruments are prominent.

Elsie and Doris Waters (Entertainers), Wallace Cunningham (Versatile Entertainer), Lulu and Norah (Hawaiian Melodies - Hawaiian Guitar), The Station Trio

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