MUSIC IN 1918.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16407, 30 December 1918, Page 2

MUSIC IN 1918.

(Br Stbad.)

The fateful year 1918 has cast its deep shadows inevitably upon our music-life. Even in the hour of victory the -advent of a dread disease not only stifled' the joyous outbursts on the part of music, but virtually gagged its tongue. Nevertheless, against all adversities, our musical bodies have pluckilv fought thoir way. If some societies could not eonipleto their annual cycle of concerts, the fault lies not at their door. Indeed, were it not lor their persistence, we should have fared inliuitely worso. For with the exception of' toignor Capelli and Gregory lvanolf, no musical artists from abroad favoured -Now Zealand during the year. Wo were wholly dependent upon our own resources at a period when tne paintul influences of the war aifected every thought and action. As with us, so it was all the world over. Barring a perfect deluge of poor spngs of patriotic intent, musical productivity in all its aspects lias never sunk to so low a figure tor a hundred years. That music cias risen nobly to its duty and privilege in charitable response remains the sole consolation. With better organisation it could have accomplished much more, yielding also greater pecuniary results. To a not inconsiderable total, swelled by a large number devoted to benevolent purpose, tlie Musical Society has contributed four concerts, including a complimentary function, Coleridge 'liiylor's "Tales of Old Japan" and "1 lie Messiah" furnishing the material in their own domain. As recently pointed out in "The Press," the Socioty, the oldest and perhaps the one we could spare least of all, is not supported, by tne public as it is entitled to be, if wo really care lor music as an art and not as an idle hour's amusement merely. Let us hope that the appeal for better patronage will not have been made in vain. The Orchestral Society has fairly maintained its status, though greatly hampered by the call to arms of iudispensablo members, iieen competition has, all the same, left tho Liedertafel strongly in the field. Its rival, tiio Male Voice Choir, can show a first year's record of amazing prosperity, ■j iio Sympiiony Orchestra, like tne Orchestral society, has led a not easy life. Once more, the "Festival of New Zealand Music'' iias not succeeded in ingratiating itself with the public at large. A noteworthy performance of the 'St. Matthew's i'assion" took place at the Catnedral. Tho chamber music concerts of Messrs Empson and Ellwood sustained a standard of artistic worth. How much depends upon the personality and tho conridenco inspired by the judgo has been amply demonstrated to tho Competitions Society by the experienco gained at tho last session. Charitable concerts of evei'y grade of merit were given in abundance throughout the year. «. Signor Capelli appeared in three and Mr lvanoff in two largely patronised concerts of good music. Two musical comedy companies provided short seasons of average merit, and the "New Revue Company," "Look Who's Here," the "Scarlet Troubadours," and finally, j the Fisk J übileo Singers, further sup- : plied the wants of the million.

During the weeks of the influenza visitatioh hardly a sound could be hoard anywhere beyond the whirr and discordant noises inflicted by the motor vehicles. All else was silent with a silence truly appalling. It is regrettable that the boon of music in every phase of human life is so little recognised. Just in those days when -.11 seems drear and hopeless, its power" of soothing, of uplifting _ heart and soul, is greatest, and unfailing. One evening, at the worst, from a humblo home I heard a sweet voice chanting the words: "Lord, have mercy, have mercy upon us.'.' It came like a new rovelation. I shall never forget the impression. Had I had my way, the organ should have pealed through the open doors of every church, day by day, and song carrying new hopo and strength would have resounded through every street. In sorrow, as in joy, should we ever trust music. As it is understood that the re-erec-tion of Mis Majesty's Theatre will immediately be taken in hand, I beg to remind the owners that originally the new Alexandra Hall was contemplated to seat 1600 people. With the urgent need of an ample concert room existing in Christchurch, the reduction in size now adopted comes as _ a great disappointment. It is quite inadequate even lor present requirements. If the available space has at first Deen over-esti-mated, why not add a 6econd gallery? Acoustically this would prove to be the most favoured part of th© hall. Music's prospects for the future are bright, unless the faddists gain the day. dome time may elapse until normal conditions as of old are fairly restored. Then, after a nightmare of years, genni3 should once more waken and bring forth creations of thankfulness elation, of new ideals and vistas. The rivalry of musical interpreters—and showmen —will b© as keen as ever. We ourselves may remain lookers-on and receivers at most, but w© can also do our part. We may secure a fair measure of success to our own societies and ample reward to all comers worthy t>f recognition, by widening the circle jf staunch supporters of good music and improving a discrimination yet sadly wanting. Wo may help to purify our concert rooms and raise th© standard of performances by suppressing the senseless all-round applause and encore craze, that at present invite and pamper mediocrity, if not worse. We can encourage by judging leniently young aspirants, but without exaggeration. First trials on the stage are terrible ordeals, no matter how talented the tyro. And w© may be more truly charitable the next day. Finally, we may hope to hear once, more a sacred oratorio without gaps for wholly inappropriate applause, bouquets, and boxes of lollies. Let us have ennobling music reasonably free from shams and frills, and flavoured with a minimum dos© of conceit.