MUSIC, DRAMA AND YOUTH

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 113, 6 February 1937, Page 23

MUSIC, DRAMA AND YOUTH

“I Give Myself Away,” by Dennis Stoll (Hodder and Stoughton). Dennis Stoll is the son of Sir Oswald Stoll, the well-known pioneer of the theatre in England. At the end of “I Give Myself Away,” he states what, may be called a young man’s creed, “to invest my talents wisely; to give of myself unsparingly in what I undertake; to live on this earth as joyously and fully as I can.” The book is an interesting account of the ten years between 14 and 24, which have served to lay the foundations for an eventful life.

In fluent style and with considerable humour, the author shows the keenness and hope of a young man already deeply immersed in the aesthetic side of the theatre, choreography and music. Unusual initiative was-shown at the age of 14 by tlie publication of the "British Oracle,” a magazine to answer questions on any subject, suggested by subscribers. Interesting glimpses are given of musical activities at Cambridge, production of Shakespeare at Stratford-on-Avon, choreography in Russia and London, with many intimate pictures of life behind tlie scenes in the theatre and concert hall. The author has also appeared as orchestral conductor, often of his own compositions, in various parts of Europe. The book will not only entertain, but stimulate any reader interested in music and the theatre in England during the last ten years.