WORLD OF MUSIC

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 21 April 1928, Page 18

WORLD OF MUSIC

LOCAL INTERESTS. Tlie performance of Mozart’s Twelfth Mass, at Stratford, as a linale to the Jubilee celebrations was an outstanding musical event of the town. There was a large chorus, and Hawera singera lent generous assistance. The success prompt# the thought that it would he good for all if there could he arranged periodically, combined performances in music—choial societies anil choirs. The -Male Choirs or Wanganui and Hawera have set a good example, and their/collaboration has been one great success, promoting a friendly feeling not only amongst the members, but also amongst all who are supporters of these two institutions. A ‘'Jinking up” for special occasions, say ol Tateu, Mtham, Stratford and II avera. with support from t lie. adjoining smalled places, would he an excellent scheme. Musical societies are democratic institutions and might he used more than is the case to spread a love of the art which i.s common to the large majority. The bringing together, to one common centre, of people from different places, all actuated by the .desire to foster a love or the art of music, is a great idea and one well worth some trouble to bring to fruition. A leader anu a few enthusiasts are sufficient to. give the matter that start which is essential to success. If that is given the movement would gather force as time went on and the influence of individual members would serve to bring in others. The interest of a, large number once stirred, the scheme could be widened in scope and would develop gradually. It would, too, have a distinct educational influence, which would be ail to the good. It has been discussed spasmodically for some years, hut little has been done. The success, however, of the efforts made prove that, once s£-t going, it would he popular, and have shown that the young people selected to take part possess much ability.

They are doing good work and exercising a really good influence on the pupils and creating a fine school institution, which appeals to the spirit of camaraderie that seems natural in the association of youngsters in schools. They are all really proud of their school and all its allied institutions.

The Grand Opera Concert Company coming to New Zealand under tiie J. C W. banner, will include the young Australian tenor, Browning Mummery who has made a name at Coven I Garden and also in Italy.

Born near Cracow in 1.87(3, Josef Hoimann made his debut as a concert pianist at the age of six. Three years later lie tourned America, giving 52 concerts in two months. Under this toogreat strain, his health broke down, and he retired for six years, studying under Anton Rubinstein. In 1898 Hofmann returned to the States, where lie has -since lived, giving concerts almost every season. He has a masterly technique, hut perhaps the most remarkable characteristic of his playing is liis marvellous variety of tonal shading, almost rivalling the effects of the orchestra. Hifmann is one of the most opewerfully individual artists in the world to-day. In 1927 he was appointed Director-in-Clhief of the Curtis Institute of Music, New York, the foremost school in America

The “Symphony in O. Major” (Jupiter) was the last of the -trio of symphonies that completed Mozarts long lists of works in this form. The three were written between June 26 and August 10, 1788, an astonishingly sjiort time for works of such perfection. As one famous critic has remarkaed '• “Considered as pure music, it is . hardly worth while to ask whether the world possesses anything nearer perfection. Another still more famous, Jalin, terms 'the “Jupiter” the greatest and noblest of all Mozart’s symphonies.