FUTURE OF MUSIC

Evening Star, Issue 19857, 4 May 1928, Page 5

FUTURE OF MUSIC

INFLUENCE OF WOMEN’S CLUBS Ml FRASER CANGE’S IMPRESSIONS An artist of international standing, Mr Fraser Gauge gave an interesting expression of opinion on the future possibilities of music in New Zealand tins morning. Mr Gauge and his wife (Miss Amy Evans) have travelled extensively, and their observations, particularly with reference to music in the United States, are indicative of comprehensive study. Dir Gauge spoke of the remarkable influence which the women’s clubs of America exert upon the music of the nation, and the comparative progress made by similar organisations in this country. “It has been our privilege, said Mr Gauge, “ to be entertained by various women’s organisations since our arrival in New Zealand —the Pioneer Club, of Wellington, the Canterbury Women’s Club, and the Otago AV omen’s Club. It never struck mo until I arrived in Dunedin that there were so many women’s clubs in the dominion, and I understand that there is every likelihood of further advance in this direction. The women’s clubs in America wield a tremendous power and exert, perhaps, the greatest influence in keeping alive the highest standards in music in America, quite apart from their political, social, and other activities. I understand that there are something like 11,200 clubs in the United States, and that number is growing. Many of them have great memberships, some very small. I came across one interesting case once where a woman said that she was president of a women’s club out in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This club consisted of three members, and met once a week to discuss political, social, and scientific problems. The three members, who lived at long distances from each other, held musical evenings and discussed many phases of art. Thus they kept their intelligence alive and themselves ahead of the larger movements in the great outside world. That is one little instance of the value of these clubs. Many of the clubs possess their own halls. One in which 1 was privileged to sing was in Louisville, Kentucky. This hall seated some 1,800 people, and regular concerts, musical and lecture courses were conducted there for the members. At times they were able to open the rooms during concerts for the advantage of the outside public in addition to their own membership. They are also able to let the hall lor various public uses, but the' principal thing is that those clubs are keeping alive a great interest in true music that no mechanical musical appliances or other outside influences can destroy. The standard of music demanded by these women’s clubs is of the highest, and they are endeavouring to lead the public to an understanding of the verv best in music, spending largo sums of money in doing so. They believe that true music is of the greatest cultural value, and only the best will satisfy. Mr Gauge said that he could see no reason in the world that would prevent the women’s clubs of New Zealand from carrying out similar schemes. One heard occasionally that it might bo difficult to find sufficient artists in the dominion to satisfy the demands of the clubs musically, but tins he could hardly credit. “We know, of course, he said, “that there are a great many who may never go beyond a certain standard, but, again, there is always one somewhere who will satisfy. Without opportunity that one could never bo heard. I believe that there arc good artists in Now Zealand—pianists, violinists, and other musicians. Ihero have been singers who have gono_ forth from here and attained to eminence in the profession. Resina. Buckmau and John Prowse are two that come to mind. There must be many others, equal or near to that standard. 1 was able to say a few words on this matter at the reception tendered to my wile and myself by the Otago W omen s Club, ft surprised me to learn that the club had a membership of almost 1,000. With such a membership the execution of a properly-constituted concert and lecture course in the club s own rooms could easily be arranged at almost a nominal sum. I suggested that a small charge of 3s per annum could bring into being such a course, and also that one international artist I do not say foreign artist, because the artist might easily bo a New Zealander who had attained international fame and world-wide recognition—could be engaged every year to appear in the club rooms- and the remainder of the money could be used for, say, a series of five or six concerts, dramatic recitals, and lectures. This would enable Now Zealanders to forward thentalent under the best circumstances. Xo provide & definite biisis ou I would suggest the following pro* gramme:—Piano recital, song recital, lecture, dramatic recital, song recital, lecture, string quartet, with a recital by an international artist at such tune as would be convenient. This programme could be enlarged or_ lessened as funds permitted. if thirty such clubs, more or less, carried out those courses during the year distinct opportunities for advancing musical and art standards in New Zealand would be offering. At the same time it would create more possibilities of bringing one artist of the highest standing out per vear to the dominion too Southern Hemisphere while in his oilier prime.” , ~ , Mr Gauge felt that the young artist should gain experience while ho or she is young. Ho recalled his earliest experience—a tour of Australia with Madam Amy Shenviu when he was but nineteen years of age. 1 bat year was the most valuable he ever had, because tW question of nervousness of tnc punlie and of himself never entered into Ids mind. , . ~ Mr Gauge was asked lor an exprossion of opinion of the actual standard of music in New Zealand at the piesent time. “ I can only answer that, he said, “by looking at it from the point of view- of the receptions the audiences have accorded Os and the quality of the music demanded. tVe have no doubt whatever that the standard of reception is high. It was only this morning that I was called to the telephone to speak to a well-known teacher of singing m this town. He informed me that ho was delighted with the cultural standards in music being desired by his pupils, and stated that very shortly he will be putting on an all-Schubert programme with ins pupils. This in itself speaks volumes, for Schubert is, in the opinion of all singing musicians, the greatest or song writers. lam not qualified to speak on the actual standard of the music from the studios, as I have not had the opportunity of judging in the short time I hare had at my disposal. Both Miss Brans and Mr Gauge were delighted to be able to return to New Zealand and visit many old friends and acquaintances.