ROSA Newmarch has included in the fourth volume of this attractive series notes on symphonies, overtures, and concertos. Handy in size, and superior in print to the average program book, this volume will prove extremely valuable to listeners who go to hear works for the first time. There is more detailed musical discussion than one finds in Mr. Philip Hale's Boston Symphony notes, and each article is written in a pleasant manner which will reassure the layman. Perhaps only in the notes on Brahms, however, does the criticism prove superior to that of the dean of musical critics.
Alfred Cortot, in the other volume, discusses the work for piano of Debussy, Franck, Faure, Chaubrier, and Paul Dukas. A general survey of the composer's style is followed by detailed comment on individual works. Mr. Cortot has a profound knowledge of his instrument and its literature, and the listener will find in his book admirable matter on almost any work he wishes to look for, It should be a valuable addition to any musical library.
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