WORLD OF MUSIC

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 16 January 1926, Page 18

WORLD OF MUSIC

PROSPECTS FOR 1926. Tlic interregnum always reigning a: the end and beginning of the year has practically finished, and all the societies are either just beginning again the work for another season or are in preparation for that work. The 1925 season must be considered in every way a marked success and all societies did fine work and showed effective results and a record of progress that is most cheering. Music is distinctly on the up grade in Hawera. and it behoves ail connected with its direction to see that any work performed is given as well as it can possibly be done, with an ever uplifting standard. Only so will the performers and the public gain in education, which should be one of the great aims and aspirations of ail art societies, in whatever branch they may be.

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY. The programme for the first concc-t of the season is now arranged and shows that the conductor and his com inittec are wisely aiming high in their organising and directing for the society. The main “piece de resistance' will be the . great “1812 Overture,” considered a pretty severe test for any orchestral society. It is a remarkably fine composition and is certain to be popular. The society are setting before themselves high and worthy ideals. Another outstanding number will be th 3 “Guillaume Tell” selection. This also is going to be well received. In addition there will be a series of‘smaller works, but all good and worth hearing. The concert promises to be easily tin best given by a local society.

MUNICIPAL BAND. The band had no interregnum over Christmas, but was practising as usual, ami is making still good progress. Their work is consistently good whenever they appear and gains in public favour every week. The weekly “play” in the park is a distinctly good idea. It is due to them to add that, even with a much reduced number on parade if the unveiling ceremony at Ohawe, the effect created bv the playing of the part of the Dead March was distinctly good. The sustained effect of the inside parts was really good. It was played, too, in a fine spirit of reverence and true feeling.

ORCHESTRAL MUSIC. SIR. H. WOOD’S COMPLAINT. Sir Henry Wood, conductor of the Queen’s Hall orchestra, at a luncheon given in his honour by the' EnglishSpeaking Union, contrasted tlie attitude .prevailing in America towards music with that which existed ill England. On his last visit to America he had been struck by the delightful conditions under which his distinguished colleagues worked there. The conductor in England liad practically to keep one eye on the clock during rehearsals. Here, he said, conditions are very trying and fatiguing. A,Vo have to do in one rehearsal what in America is done in ten. We have the most wonderful orchestras in London, but we have never yet been given a chance. And now no more orchestral concerts on Sunday in London owing to lack - of financial sopport! It is an absolute disgrace to the British nation. After losing thousands of pounds iir fighting the Lord’s Day Observance Society and other religious bodjes, who. said': ‘You must do nothing but sing sacred words,’ you are struck down like that. Not only is it bad for the public; it is bad for the orchestral musician You must not blame, him for playing in the cinemas and playing rubbish. He lias to make, his living and provide for his family.”

In America, Sir Henry added, there were very rich people who devoted their money to music because they loved music; but in England it had come under his notice so often that the really rich people when asked for a musical subscription gave os. while a noor musical enthusiast would send a cheque for £SO. “We have yet to learn in England that nothing artistic can be nroduced without financial backing. Without that, musicians can do absolutely nothing.”

A -STKAD” FOR NOTH INCH. THE UNKNOWN PLAYER. a story of Edinburgh: A story ol a Stradivarius violin is published by an English newspaper Once the famous violinist, Mr. Ariel (tow, went to Edinburgh to play at a concert, and it occurred to him that he might look round and see if there was a fiddle, worth buying. He wandered through the streets of the beautiful oid city and at length stopped at an excellent music shop. Mr. Gow walked in and asked for violin's. The assistant brought out liis best collection, and was rather annoyed when the stranger, calmly trying one after the other, said they would not do. “I have shown you the finest in the shop,” said he, “and they are really very good. I am afraid 1 cannot do anything more for you.” At that moment the proprietor of the shop appeared and he assistant explained matters to him. The shopman glanced curiously at the customer who was so hard to please, and, after a minute’s thought, said: “Will you just wait a minute arid I ’"'ill . show you a violin.” He disappeared ana came back with an instrument, which he handed to Mr Gow. “Try that, said he . , Mr. Gow tried it.. “Tins will do, said lie. “How much?” “I urn sorry,” said the proprietor, “but it isn’t for sale.” Then, a pleasant fancy striking him. fee said: “I’ll tell you what. We wiTT strike a bargain. it - on can nluy to me on that violin ‘The Ewie with the Crooked Horn’ and all its variations, and then The Punch Bowl,’ you can take it for nothing.” The showman was enjoying himself. He knew that- he had suggested an intricate rendering that very few could achieve and he thought that- very soon the stranger would be out .of the shop and the violin back in its place .“All right,” said Mr. Gow, and he took up the violin. “Wait a minute,” put in the other; “we will have a proper judge. Ill©

organist of St. Giles lives a few doors away. I’ll get him in to decide whether you can play the thing or not.” Mr. Gow made no reply. He was stroking and turning over the violin that pleased him so. Out went the shop assistant, running to . the organist’s house, and a few minutes later he came back with him. The organist glanced at Niel Gow, heard the story, said nothing, and sat down to listen.

Had anyone been passing then a most beautiful piece of execution would have been heard. Mr. Gow played the air and variations not only perfectly, but in a masterly fashion that took the shopman’s 'breath away. “This is an exceptional young man,” said he to the organist. “He is,” was the smiling reply. “It is Niel Gow.” A uleasant five minutes followed. Mr. Gow offered to pay for the violin, but" the proprietor, a thorough sportsman, insisted on keeping to his bargain. Niel was presented with the Stradivarius, and was never tired ol telling the people the price he paid for it. The master of the music shop could not l>e altogether sorry he had lost his Strati, for the manner of losing it had thoroughly pleased him.

GEORGE ROBEY ANGRY. FAMOUS SONG BANNED. ACTION IN BIRMINGHAM

George Robey’s well-known song, “So I Stopped, and 1 Looked, and J Listened,” lias been banned in Birmingham—where a lew gays pievicuslt one of the dancers in Mme. Pavlova's company was prohibited from dancing with her legs bare. • Mr. Robey has been singing the song for ten years. He sang it at the first house of the Grand Theatre in* Birmingham recently. Among the audience were police officers representing the licensing justices. They—but let Mr. Robey, tell the story himself, just, as he told it in his hotel. ' “They sent a note round to the man. agement after the first house, telling me not to sing the song again in Birmingham. I tell you, if it hadn’t been for the management I’d have thrown up the engagement then and there. I was furious. “Of courge I left the song out or my show in the second house. “Understand it? I just can’t. “It’s ludicrous. It’s ridiculous. It’s absolutely insulting. Goodness knows what the Birmingham licensing magistrates could have found in niy song—a thing I’ve been singing for years. 1 never try to force a double- meaning.’! Mr. Robey was also notified that a sentence in bis sketch, “The Cloak,” must be cut out.

The sentence is • not, apparently, in the script licensed by the Lord Chamberlain, and in Birmingham the authorities are very strict concerning such matters. , Mr. Robey contends that with tin* sentence cut out the skech has no dramatic climax. “These sketches are invariably polished up after their introduction,” he says, although lie admits that technically the Birmingham authorities are right.

A lady once- performed a sonata on the pianoforte in the presence of Dr. Johnson, and when it was over she turned to the philosopher and asked him if he were fond of music. No, madam,” replied the doctor; “but of all noises I think music is the least disagreeable.”

THE PIANIST. Her -hands like pure frail butterflies, Go flitting o’er the happy keys, And from their .firm bound cords leaseThe fragrance of eanth’-s melodies. Her hands line eagle-s soaring high Above the storms and -stress of earth. Reveal the dazzling, sunlit peaks . Where melody has found her birth. Her hands like artist’s brushes paint All loves, all. joy-s, all griefs, and then Like wild twin furies tear apart The passions and the greed of men. Oh, hands -so iblesit with grace -and power. Triumphant banners o-f God unfurled. When, at your pure frail finger-tips, He placed the music of the world.