APPRECIATION OF GOOD MUSIC

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 186, 9 May 1928, Page 12

APPRECIATION OF GOOD MUSIC

Sir,—As indicative of an awakening interest in music 1 was extremely’ pleased to read vour correspondent’s letter in to-dav’s issue. The reproach that New Zealand is musically dead has long been a source of pain and regret to all musicloving residents in this country, whilst admitting that the reproach is substantially justified. Unquestionably, from the musical standpoint New . Zealand compares most unlavourably with many other countries, and in view of the interest displayed in other forms of art one is at a loss to account for this remarkable apathy. Your correspondent touches upon the key-note in reflecting that the present abundance of mechanical means of reproducing music and the consequent ease with which the entertainment is obtained must distort to some extent the listeners’ appreciation of the value and quality of the music. There are, however, even more pressing dangers. Who will deny that the young people of this generation will hesitate to undertake th# labour and study necessary for a real appreciation and knowle Ige ot music—tlm greatest cultural heritage of

our race—when musical entertainment, some of it good and some of it wretchedly bad, can be obtained without the exhibition of any skill whatsoever? It is not suggested, lioivever, that mechanical aids are undesirable. Ou the contrary, these have made possible a more universal acquaintance with and appreciation of some of the linst magnificent musical compositions, but unfortunately much musical ''ubbish lias - been rendered equally accessible. To encourage an intelligent discrimination, therefore, it is desirable that the public should have the means of acquiring some knowledge of the history, form, and expressional method in a broad, and elementary manner. Realising this, the university authorities have entrusted >. to Mr. C. W. Kerry the responsibility'of conducting the W;E.A. "tutorial class in music, but it appears to me that unfortunately bis splendid efforts. Which liavo been directed along these channels for several rears past, will be fin. ified unless they 'receive the support of our leading newspapers, as it is hot possible in any other way to reach the great majority of those desiring such instruction.—l'am, etc., „ „„ R.W.R. Wellington. April 30.