MUSIC AND MONEY

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 26, 31 July 1933, Page 6

MUSIC AND MONEY

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—The correspondent who, in Saturduy's "Post," suggested £200 per "annum as an 'adequate ecale of remuneration i'ov the dual position of City Organist and Carillonneur, surely has a distorted idea o£ values. He may, perhaps, be surprised tp learn that there is small likelihood of securing the services of a musician in the former capacity alone—oue euHicicntly competent to make an artistic success'of the job—for less than £500. To j find such a man it would; be necessary I think, to look beyond New Zealand. I'u | I the meantime there is no reason why good- ! class concerts should not be provided in conjunction with the organ,, as is done successfully elsewhere in tin's country. .At present the only regular use of pur civic organ seems to be devoted to community singing, which is hardly in keeping with the dignity of a noble instrument. But regarding tlie matter of the silent Carillon, I think it a great pity that the question of money has been raised at all. To. my' mind it geems incredible that a tempoi'ary cessation :of payment should cause a break in the performances. Playing the "bells of memory" is, I imagine, something altogether apart from ordinary musical experience—it has, or should have, a spiritual significance above all mercenary considerations. Musicians have criticised these bells on purely technical grounds; but •in respect of the higher aspect I think we are all agreed: therefore, I suggest that the appointment of an honorary carillonneur would be a fitting way out of the present impasse.—l am, etc., OEGILLON.