January Records

Some phonograph records are musical events. Each month TIME notes the noteworthy.*

Symphonic:

Richard Strauss' Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme by Walter Straram and Orchestre des Concerts Straram (Columbia, $6) -- Deft, charming character-sketches, written by Strauss as incidental music for Moliere's comedy, expertly performed by the famed French orchestra annually at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees.

Debussy's La Mer by Piero Coppola and Symphony Orchestra (Victor, $5) -- A valuable imported version of the subtly wrought sea sketches.

Sibelius' Second Symphony by Robert Kajanus and Symphony Orchestra (Columbia, $7.50) -- The great Finn's music is fast receiving the recognition it deserves. The present recording, played by Sibelius' friend and compatriot, is said to have been instigated, partly financed, by the Finnish Government.

Tchaikovsky's Concerto in D by Violinist Mischa Elman and the London Symphony Orchestra under John Barbirolli (Victor, $10) -- Elman's mellifluous tone marks this performance of the Concerto originally dedicated to Elman's teacher, the late great Leopold Auer, who rejected it because of its technical difficulties.

Mozart's German Dances and the Idomeneo Overture by Erich Kleiber and the Berlin Philharmonic (Brunswick, 2 records, $1 each) -- A neat, facile performance by the conductor recently found worthy of a re-engagement with Manhattan's Philharmonic-Symphony.

Piano:

Debussy's Minstrels and Wind in the Plain by Ignace Jan Paderewski (Victor, $1.50) -- No Paderewski record needs recommendation this season.

Songs & Ballads:

Barynja, Auf dem Flusse Kasanka, Reigenlied, Kocakenlied, Korsaken Wiegenlied and Herr Cewahre by the Don Cossacks under Serge Jaroff (Columbia, 2 records, $1.25 each) -- The highly-charged Cossacks display the vocal tricks (strumming, humming, whistling) which have made them the season's sensation. The recording is imperfect.

Three Little Words and I Miss a Little Miss (Victor) -- Frank Crumit, with a smooth orchestral accompaniment worthy of him.

You're Driving Me Crazy and He's My Secret Passion (Columbia) -- Lee Morse projects an appeal which would do Helen Morgan proud.

Dance Records:

Baby's Birthday Party and Wedding of the Birds (OKeh) -- Piano and xylophone make the New York Syncopaters' version of these tunes the best of many. You're Driving Me Crazy and Thinking of You, Dear (Victor) -- Rudy Vallee makes his first good record in many a moon.

Crying Myself to Sleep! and And Then Your Lips Met Mine (Columbia) -- Taking tunes played in the orthodox way by the Knickerbockers and the Radiolites.

Overnight and / Love Love (Brunswick) -- Overnight has modulations well off the beaten track. Emil Coleman plays both smartly.

* Prices listed are for entire albums which include several records. Where the price is not given, it is 75-c-, standard price for popular 10-inch records.

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