Pops Interest Could Lead To Classics

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30803, 15 July 1965, Page 10

Pops Interest Could Lead To Classics

“The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON, July 14. People who condemn the pulsating rhythm and sound of rock music as an unhealthy influence on the lives of the world’s young moderns will find no friend in the New Zealand’s leading international pianist Colin Horsley. Far from being opposed to the playing of pop, Mr Horsley feels that it can have a beneficial effect on the musical outlook of teenagers and lead them directly to a much better appreciation of serious music. Mr Horsley has returned to New Zealand after 10 years’ absence for a concert tour with the N.Z.B.C. “To me. the rock music on iuke boxes has very primitive rhythm and harmonies.” he said, “But it is encouraging that young people should be interested even in this. Could Be Captured “With a few pushes they could be captured for serious works,” he added. As an example of how this works, he mentioned the conversation he had with a 25-vear-old Australian on the flight over. This man was keenly interested in pop. but then he found his feelings switch to classics and many of his friends followed him. “Classical music is a wonderful -thing, for it has that spiritual feeling which pop music does not have,” Mr Horsley said. “And as you grow older you appreciate it more, it is, of course, a fact that your taste in music is never static, but is changing the whole time.”

Modern Concerto - Having a big repertoire of works by modern British composers, he frequently performs such items as Williamson's Piano Concerto the Rawesthome Piano Concertos 1 and 2 and Lennox Berkeley has also written two for him. “The general public is always a number of years behind in appreciating new works,” he said. “And I know myself that it takes time for me to get used to working in a new idiom. Because of this, one should not make hasty judgment on new compositions. "1 also feel that to understand and play all the standard classics is something which is more than a pain--Ist can do ip a lifetime. “1 have also found that quite often young people approach music best through listening to something which is in their own period and then going back from this to the older classics. The latter are really not for anyone who has not had appreciation of the older world. It does require study of its art, buildings and manner of living in the past.” Mr Horsley will give a recital in Christchurch on July 24. Mr Horsley said his sche-

duie of engagements leaves him very little time for relaxation. “I am travelling frequently,” he said, “and I find that this requires tremendous physical as well as mental effort.” When he returns to England in mid-August he will be involved in rehearsals for a September appearance in the 8.8. C. Proms at Albert Hall. He will also appear with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic for its summer concerts. And the 8.8. C. has also indicated that it would like him to appear as its artist of the month, which will mean appearances over four consecutive weeks.