GOOD MUSIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 193, 15 August 1936, Page 12

GOOD MUSIC.

KEEN APPRECIATION.

ATTITUDE IN AUCKLAND.

CONDUCTOR DEFENDS RADIO

"There is a definite appreciation of good music in Auckland. In fairness to the Auckland public and in fairness to the great service radio is doing for the musical fraternity I cannot let this statement go unchallenged."

These were the opening remarks of Mr. Albert Bryant, the Auckland organist and conductor, who to-day commented upon the criticism, published 'in last night's "Star," of Mr. Maughan Barnett, formerly city organist in Auckland.

"On most points I disagree with the attitude of Mr. Barnett to' broadcasting," said Mr. Bryant, "for I feel the great value of wireless in ushering in a new appreciation of music. Mr. Barnett has rightly pointed out that personal contact is necessary for full enjoyment of good music. On the other hand, in order to get the people to attend and appreciate a good concert, they must first of all have their ears accustomed to such. Now, if radio were abolished, those fond of music would attend concerts, and as the years roll by this audience would gradually die out."

Mr. Bryant holds the opinion that even if people do use great works over the radio as a background for the "washing of dishes," it is only because they cannot appreciate the music. "Nevertheless," said Mr. Bryant, "the subconscious mind must be absorbing it, and before long the same people will listen, and even discriminate in their selection of pieces. Constant hearing of good nuisic will create a live interest in it, and conccrts will be attended by a greater public."

On his return to New Zealand three years ago, Mr. Bryant noticed throughout the country a' marked improvement in musical taste. "I want to conti Mr. Barnett when he says young people do not attend concerts nowadays," continued Mr. Bryant. "The one thing I have noticed recently has been the large number of young people at concerts. As the result of the contact radio has made with listeners, young people especially are coming to sample the rea,l thing, and are finding greater enjoyment through personal contact. lam satisfied audiences all over the world will grow as a result of this."

There was a larger public whose appreciation was much greater than many gave credit for, said Mr. Bryant. Radio had given the really musical people an opportunity of hearing the symphonies of the great masters —grand operas and recordings of the finest artists in the world. Surely all that in itself- warranted the existence of the modern invention ?

"Mr. B&rnett strikes a true note when he says that people are wanting to hear the city organs again," remarked Mr. Bryant, "but with up-to-date radio sets, an organ as well as other instruments can be judged, and even the personality of the player can be sensed. Radio is setting such a good and long-wanted standard that so far as musicians are concerned, it will be a case of the survival of the fittest. Such has always been the case in business. Why not in music? • Then concerts will be worth attending."

Through wireless, declared Mr. Bryant, people had learned to listen and not merely to look at the performer. While looking might have a place of importance for some, it tended greatly to distract the listener from concentrating. In the future, however, no orchestra or choir would survive unless the standard was considerably raised.