Stanley Lucas and Co.
The Return of May, a choral trio for female voices, is a very clever piece of three-part writing, with an interesting independent accompaniment. It is by Amy Elise Horrocks, and the words are those of Mrs. Hemans.
Fly, little Song, to my Love.—A most charming ballad by Alfred Cellier, whose writings are always graceful in melody and uncommon in harmony. The constant repetition of the initial phrase becomes a little tiring, beautiful though the phrase undoubtedly is.
Violets.—A sweet, simple song addressed to some flowers plucked to cheer a poor invalid in the “great, dim, smoky city.” Poetry by Ellis Walton. Music by R. B. Addison.
Four Songs for Tenor. Composed by Whewall Bowling.—A good present for tenors who sing something greater and better than the drawing-room ditty of commerce. The accompaniments are beautiful, and need good playing.
(a) Four Sonnets by Shakespeare. The German version by Bodenstedt. (b) English Lyrics. Second set. Words by Shakespeare. Composed by C. Hubert H. Parry.—Of these, the sonnets will be above the comprehension of the average singer. They are very fine and wonderfully thought out and wedded to the sentiment and expression of Shakespeare’s powerfully expressive words. The lyrics from Shakespeare’s plays are more easily grasped, and cannot fail to give enjoyment. In No. 5, “When icicles hang by the wall,” there is a funny introduction of the song “We won’t go home till morning” in the accompaniment!
Characteristic Tunes of the British Isles. (Books 1, 2.) Selected and arranged for four hands by C. Hubert H. Parry.—Very original duet arrangements of our well-known national songs. “Three Blind Mice” is treated in a very droll manner. For perfect beauty we think you will agree that “The Pearl of the White Breast,” an Irish air, bears the palm. The Scotch tune, “The Flowers of the Forest,” is not the form of that song best known to modern singers.
Larghetto and Allegro. For violin and piano. By John Christian Mantel, who in 1730 was organist of South Benfleet, in Essex, and who appears by his writing to be an admirer of Handel’s.—The edition is by Otto Peiniger, at whose recitals these old English violin pieces have been played.