PLAYING OF NATIONAL ANTHEM

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25934, 14 October 1949, Page 8

PLAYING OF NATIONAL ANTHEM

REPLY TO CRITICISM IN “ THE PRESS” Mr Heimann played the official authorised version ot the National Anthem, as published by Messrs Boose; and Hawkes. London, without an; change whatsoever, said Mr A. D. M Longden, director of the tour by thi pianist, Mr Aleksandr Heimann, whei commenting last evening on a criticism in “The Press” yesterday of Mr Heimann's playing of the Nations Anthem. “I am arranging for a copy of thi music to be sent to your critic so tha he will not again make the grave error of referring to the introductory roll s disrespectfully as ‘the requisite Thun der from the Left.' " said Mr Longden “Perhaps H.S.K.K. does not realis that the ‘roll’ is not played fo ■theatrical’ effect, but has the pure! utilitarian purpose of warning th public to stand up before the anther itself starts. “A letter from H.S.KK, to the Mas ter of the King’s Musick, pointing ou that the offending tremolo remind him of the zoo at feeding time, migh lead to some change." Mr Longde added. “Meanwhile Mr Heimann wjl continue to play the anthem and in l troduction as it is written ”