MUSIC IN NEW ZEALAND

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 189, 12 May 1928, Page 11

MUSIC IN NEW ZEALAND

Sir,—ln to day’s Dominion" Mr. Schwartz states that classical music hat failed in New Zealand as compared with jazz. He attributes this to the fact that jazz has been drummed into the people, whereas classical music has not been persevered with. Mr. Schwartz has overlooked the fact that jazz has succeeded net only because it has been drummed in, but because it ha 3 of its own accord captured the popular imagination to a far greater extent than classical music ever will. We in New Zealand are busy, earning our place in the sun.' We have to conserve our resources and devote all our energy to strengthening our economic life. We have neither the time nor the capital to devote to drumming classical music into the masses of our people who have no special nrediliction for it. We must leave this form of altruism to 'he older countries, and get on with'the more important job of setting our own house in order.—l am, etc., VOX POPULIS. Wellington, Mav 3. Sir,—l was greatly interested in Mr. Schwartz’s remarks in your columns regarding the standard of music in New Zealand. Admitting that this is to a large extent a ''jazz’’ age in musical history, Mr. Schwartz is rather vague in stating that "good" music can be delivered with less talking. Perhaps Mr. Schwartz will let your musicall interested readers know how this can be done,.—l am, etc.. MUSIC. Wellington, May 3.