THOUGHTS ABOUT MUSIC

Evening Star, Issue 20862, 4 August 1931, Page 3

THOUGHTS ABOUT MUSIC

[Written by L.D.A. Tor the ! Kvoning Star.']

“ Music gives tone to (ho universe, wings to the wind, (light to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything”—Plato.

Jfc would 1)0 very interesting to know at first hand exactly what is taking place iu Russia to-day, not only in the commercial, economic, and social life of that vast country, bub in its artistic activities as well—for, despite all we hoar concerning; the allegedly materialistic trend which is said to lie the Soviet’s outstanding characteristic, Russia has very definite aims towards general proficiency in artistic pursuits. We used to bo told that the extermination of the “ intelligentsia ” was a cardinal principle of the Communistic faith, and .it may have been true. But there has evidently taken place another revolution in ideas; at all events, the Soviet is, in one direction at least, making intense efforts to repair the ravages of Bolshevism. This may bo clearly gathered from statements by various more or less prominent individuals who have recently visited Russia.

For instance, there is Mr Charles B. Cochran, the eminent London theatrical producer. Interviewed after his return from Moscow, ho said: “ 1 was a week in that great city, spending most of my time going to places of amusement, and I noticed particularly how well fed all classes of the populace seemed to be. M.v visit to .Russia was quite fortuitous and unpremeditated—it was, iu fact, Albert Coates, the noted orchestral conductor, who suggested my accompanying him to Moscow, where lie was engaged on operatic work. Directly wo arrived from Berlin ho jumped off tho train and rushed away to conduct ‘ Carmen ’ at tho Opera House —incidentally, be it mentioned, without rehearsal.

"Of course,’’ contiiiucd Mr Cochran, “ I was IroincncloHsly interested iu everything appertaining to the theatre, and I witnessed some wonderful productions—though my general impression was that the producers were inclined In bo somewhat too experimental in their ■desire to break away from convention. The better typo of European theatre has left that stage behind. ‘ Boris Goudouor ’ was the host thing I saw. .It was directed by that greatest of all theatrical producers, Stanislavsky, with whom afterwards 1 spent a pleasant hour. He is a charming, handsome old man, wearing a sad and wistful air.” (Q.: Is this a. legacy front the Bolshie regime?—L.D.A.) “ He is also one of the two directors of the Moscow Art School, which is now called by another name, and is, of course, under the Soviet. In addition lie conducts the smaller .Studio Theatre, so Ids time is fair!}’ well occupied.” * * * ♦ " As au illustration of the Soviet's thorough-going democratic system Stanislavsky told mo that the actor whom I had just heard singing the chiet role in ‘ Boris ’ would, at the next performance, on the morrow, take theinsignificant part of a ‘ super ’ ; and whilst-wo talked that actor was playing hand ball with the other members of the company in tho courtyard outside the window. This ‘ Jack’s-as-good-as-his-master ’ attitude is generally characteristic of Russian life to-day. * * * * " Later 1 went to the Moscow Art Theatre, but -was, most impressed by tho performance of * Carmen,’ conducted by Albert Coates, seen on tho following night. This was a superb artistic achievement; both singing and orchestra were absolutely first rate. Curiously enough, 1 did not hear of ipiy ballets during my visit, and from what I was told'l gathered that, contrary ty popular impression . elsewhere .Russian ballet is not being maintained so well as the opera. . . . Regarding the important subject of Soviet propaganda, I was naturally handicapped by not fully understanding tho language; but from what 1 was able to learn from friends it seems that a certain amount of propaganda is insisted upon by the authorities, though .1 cannot say it was in evidence” in ‘ Cannon.’ Tho only thing I can assert as having definitely noticed was a profusion of red hunting decorating the pillars and circles of the theatres in honour of May Day, which had just passed.” * * » • Mr Cochran further said it was extraordinary to note tho immense numbers of very young children who thronged all tho theatres and concert halls, it being definitely a part of the Soviet plan to cultivate aesthetics in the younger generation. Outside the opera . house there is prominently displayed this notice; “ In order to ho preeminent we must know all things, lb must never he lost sight of that the Arts form an indispensable part of civilisation. You

are, therefore, to cultivate the Arts, among which opera is conspicuous. Visit the opera.” And as al! good J’ussians realise that tiiis exhortation is a command, not lightly to be disobeyed, wo can understand the apparently precocious cultural development among the young people.

Mr Cod mm remarked further; “1 could not help wondering how these children, living of necessity under deplorably drab conditions—duo to the rigours imposed by the Five-year Plan —reacted to the magnificence (f Pons Cloudonov/ in which the prorevolution stock costumes and stage settings were largely used in an astonishingly lavish manner. But it became very clear to mo that'the Soviet Covoriuncnt regards music and the theatre as an educational and social force of vital importance. The ultimate result can only dimly bo imagined. At present almost every sorb of artistic entertainment is frill at each performance, and tiro pi-ices of admission are arranged to suit tlic purse of the individual patron, whoso financial status is known to the authorities. The theatres, in short, form a vast Statu organisation, and all the employees in thorn arc State servants.” In tho light of these revelations, Mr Poniard Show’s recent outburst becomes more rntelligible. Sir Cochran’s recital of his experiences ended ou a humorous note. “ I am decidedly of opinion,” he said, “ that Russia is much too serious, and is in urgent need of more light entertainment: but rny offer to take out one of rny revue companies was not pursued when I learnt that payment could only be made in timber and oil!”

Mr Cochran saw. iu fact, little prospect of packing up his roubles in Jus old kit bag.

Without exception, I believe, every visiting artist to Dunedin lias expressed pleasure at the comfort a.nd acoustical excellence of the Town Hall. Mrs Mark Hainbnurg is reported to have saitl that she was able, when iu Dunedin, to discard her fur coat for the first time at any concert since tbo lour began. There is scarcely room for doubt concerning tho discomfort incurred by the majority of concert-goers in this country. Not only aro most of the town and other halls draughty, and fitted with obsolete sitting accommodation, but flic lighting is often faulty and distracting. hi many eases largo, miked electn'c bulbs Jiang from the ceiling directly in front of tho circle audience, and they are seldom dimmed during the performance. This accounts for the nervous headaches from which many patrons suffer, but which they usually assign to some other cause. The important question of draping and furnishing the platform is ail too frequently neglected. My ideal of the performing arena is one that resembles as much as possible a perfectly-appointed drawing room, with deeply-shaded standard lamps placed here and there., Tbo atmosphere thus created radiates an indefinable but none the loss positive effect upon the audience. Discomfort and musical appreciation aro antonyinous terms. May all concert-givers take heed.