MUSIC NOTES AND REVIEWS.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15393, 25 September 1915, Page 9

MUSIC NOTES AND REVIEWS.

(Br Strad.) It would bo idle to write of a "Music World" in these days, when tho furies of war rule the earth. Musio must now bo content to fan the flames of patriotism, or act as tho opiate that for a fleeting moment dulls tho pains. After all, it is no unworthy mission it fulfils, that makes its voice still heard at times above the hideous din of shot and shell, and the excited passions. I have repeatedly spoken of the torrent of patriotically-inspired songs that has recently swept over England. Months ago it was stated by Mr Darewski, who himself pleads guilty of having perpetrated the tongue-twister "Sister Susie's Sewing Shirts for Soldiers," that no less than 3000 had been submitted to him. Of this enormous output, hardly any wero found of any degree of merit. As he says, the big majority of their authors were amateurs fired with the same idea, "down with Germany, and up with my J>ank balance." Sir Frederic Cowcn dismisses altogether the rampant topical kind, and pleads for tho creation of some great national martial song, to livo for all time, like the "Marseillaise" in France. Surely Klgar's "Lahd of Hope and Glory" goes far to meet the requirements. Our arr C has nowhere produced anything linor of the type. It is indeed questionable whether in our days the people possess the single-mindedno.-s necessary for a universal adoption of the most sublime concention. To tho pre-emi-nence among the French of the '.'Marseillaise," with its nerv, irresistible words, though in a musical setting not of uniform value, its romantic history lias largely helped. Forbidden fruit so lon<', it has only been elevated to the dignity of a National Hymn after the Napoleonic downfall. It is claimed that at the front another song bids fair to rival "Tipperarv," viz., "Till the Hovs Come Home," written by Ivor, son of Clara Novollo. Here, again, it is chiefly the sentiment, the never-dormant love of Home, that makes the appeal. The words seem laboured, and the music is insignificant. In England, among the latest productions I'aul Rubens's "Ladies' Recruitin c Song" and "Knitting" appear to share fairly equal popularity. Of "Come!" a natriotic song written by George Weddell, "after watching the bombardment of Hartlepool," a copy has boon forwarded to "Ihe I ress.

The fairly .numerous local attempts, of which eopres have been received, comprise: —"Mrs Tommy Atkins," words and music by C. L. Fleming; "England is the Queen ot All, words and "music by Cieabcr Farrarit: -Britons of the South." by Hamilton Thompson, with J. C. Easton's accompaniment; "Britannia's Southern Sons," bv Albert Sugden, arranged by Raymond" How; "Tlie Soldier," by

Albert 11. Light, arranged by R. Leslie Jones; of which the last-named is the best and mo6t spirited. A detailed critical dissection is undesirable. -All are bound to find a circle of friends and admirers.

Within our own boundaries concerts have declined in numbers during the last month or two. The departure of Mr Thorley, and the discontinuance of the organ recitals, have further reduced the supply for the time being. As regards the organ recitals, their total extinction seems a too drastic measure. I do not believe that the scanty patronage accorded them of late is to be attributed to the influences of the war, but rather to their excessive numbers. In Wellington and Auckland a similar decline was experienced long before the war. A recital once a month or so should certainly find paying encouragement. Besides, the non-use of the municipal organ for a lengthy period is bound to nffoct the instrument adversely, housed as it is in its present unfavourable abode. "Similarly, the decision of the Competitions Society to abandon next year's "Festival" must be regretted. Granting that the times may somewhat reduce the financial prospects, the decline could hardly bo so serious as to endanger the institution. The results of recent competitions in Duncdin and at the West Coast seem to support thus contention.

Mr Harold Gregson forwards to me the programme of his first recital in San Francisco, at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, crowned with such success that lie was at one© engaged for an additional series of concerts. The main features of his programme were Bach's Prelude and Fugue in A minor, Mozart's Fantasia in F. and Wagner's "Hide of tho Valkvrios." A splendid four-manual electric instrument Has been furnished by the Austin Organ Company for the Exposition Hall, with twenty-three 6tops for the Great, twenty-fivo for the Swell, eighteen for the Choir, fifteen for the Solo, ten for the Echo, and twentytwo for the Pedal Organ, a total of no less than 113 speaking stops, and every possible additional contrivance. Alternately with Mr Gregson, re-eitals are to be given by Mr Lemare. From all accounts, America ; .s already overcrowded by musical artists seeking a new Eldorado. since the war has dried up the European fountains of gold. The Cherniavskys, also en route for the States, send me greetings from Fiji.

The receipt of copies is also here acknowledged of "Tho Southern Cross Val.se," by Frederic It. Vincent; "The British Music Book," No. 1. London, the Frederic Harris Company (a collection of well-known songs by no means all British): and, finally, of a cycle of "Fairyland Fancies," by Margaret Sinclair and Robert McLeod, London and Glasgow: Bailey and Ferguson, which calls for more than a passing notice. It is a case of that touching, mutual trust so rarely mot with in this cold and cruel vale. "He" believes that she can write, poetry, and "she" pins her faith to his composing cifts. Both live in the dreamland of illusion, happily, "the world forgetting, by the world forgot." Am I to disturb their state of bliss?