Musical Links Between Christchurch And Wales

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29246, 2 July 1960, Page 11

Musical Links Between Christchurch And Wales

Aberystwyth University College, Wales, and the University of Canterbury have much in common, notably professors of music who both believe firmly that “music is sound” and therefore should be heard and'played for study - with understanding. Dr. lan Parrott, Gregynog professor of music at Aberystwyth, arrived in Christchurch last evening to examine for the Trinity College of Music; but his personal pleasure was to meet again his Opposite. number. Professor Vernon Griffiths. It was at Aberystwyth some years ago that Professor Griffiths found a model of conservatoriumtype training for activities now. well established here. “We believe in practical musical training and in a combination of ‘executants’ and teachers on our staff. Professor Parrott said. "We have a string quartet (operating in much the same way as your university ensemble) and we also have lecturers who also teach pianoforte, singing, organ, and other instruments. However we take only degree-course students, although degree students from other faculties may enrol for certain subjects.” Aberystwyth also has weekly musical recitals at the university as in Christchurch. Shown yesterday’s programme at the University of Canterbury, Professor Parrott immediately exclaimed: “You have a harpsichord. I envy you that.” He was also impressed with the diversity and quality of the items. • Practical music and composition are tending to take precedence over musicology (study and research) the world over, according to Professor Parrott. “I think there is a great urge in all of us to create something ourselves and this sign of the times appears also in music,” he said. It was "danr gerous” to study -only the theo-

retical. “Young people should there was a great gulf between theory and practice and also- between - traditional ’ theory and modern composition. I believe we have, narrowed down ‘ that gap.” Professor Parrott's department has an orchestra of about 80 players, mainly strings with some wind instruments. And there is no difficulty, in finding a harpist in Wales. There is a big job in reorchestrating large scores to suit the resources. "We endeavour never to do violence to the composer’s intentions,” he said. Professor Parrott’s Gregynog (pronounced Gregunog) chair of music was named after a nearby mansion, the two women occuppants of which endowed the pro. fessorship. One of the early holders of the original chair was Joseph Parry, who composed the well-known hymn tune, “Aberystwyth,” commonly used for tne words: “Jesu, loVer of my soul.” The first Gregynog professor in 1919 was Sir Wafiord Davies. Professor Parrott lives to think that he is fallowing in another grand tradition. Granville Bantok was the first professor composer and examiner to travel overseas. The Canterbury University music department intends to present a full programme of Professor Parrott’s music later in the year. It is also arranging for him to give, public, lectures at the same time as a music school to be held from August 29 to September 3. Pineapple Mark-Up.—The retail mark-up on tinned pineapple from Singapore, has been increased from 17j per cent, to 20 per, cent, in an amending price order issued by the Price Tribunal which came into force yesterday. This brings the markup for tinned pineapple from Singapore to the same level as the mark-up allowed on all other tinned pineapple.