Fritz Kreisler.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18400, 5 June 1925, Page 8

Fritz Kreisler.

The letter which-we print this morning from Dr. Hight would never have been written or printed if Christchurch had been accustomed to vi-jita from men of Kreisler'a eminence. It is not an appeal for a visiting artist's pocket, but a reminder to the public that such an opportunity aa they will have to-morrow week may never come their way again. Only a small proportion of the people of Canterbury have lived in the Old World, and so far as the others arc concerned it is a melancholy fact that the supremely great artists of our generation have only onee or twice been within possible reach of them. Among violinists, New Zealand has heard perhaps throe "very best" players, as well as a dozen, including two women, a littlo short of the best; and it will depend largely on its responso to Kreisler whether it hears another "very best" during the life of the present generation. . For an artist of Kreisler'a capacity natufally stays where the great masses of population are, and if he is to be tempted away, except for Test and change, the inducement must be great enough to pay for his idle hours. Our readers will be grateful that Dr. Hight has directed their attention to an event which, in the case of those who are really musical, will be remembered for the rest of their days. No one has taste who cannot detect the difference between genius and talent, or between artifice and art, and Dr. Hight does not exaggerate.when he says that commercialism and flamboyant advertisemenVprevent most people from acquiring soujid standards.