Radio Programmes

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 276, 18 August 1944, Page 4

Radio Programmes

Sir, —Your contributor "Appreciative,” in Tuesday’s issue, tells us that “the classics have many qualities, but usually enjoyment isn’t one of them.” Now, how in the world can a piece of music have among its qualities that of enjoyment. The enjoyment of classical or any other music is situated in the listener and not in the composition. Those who tell us there is no enjoyment in a certain class of music are telling us nothing whatever about the music, but are telling a whole lot about themselves and their receptive capacity. As to music being created to be enjoyed. the truth is .that most popular music is created mainly for commercial profits, and therefore is in a style easily understood by an average listener. Classical music is written bv men and women of genius, who are forced to express themselves this way by the very strength of this genius. Why should be expect their work to be easily understood and appreciated? It is not the classics that are dull, it is some of the listeners. —I am, etc. —C. N. WILKINSON. Nelson, August 16.