NOTED MUSICIAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 12 October 1926, Page 6

NOTED MUSICIAN

COMING VISIT OF DR. HAIGH I itwfrWkk W V W». %ssW>£Sft j AD.V.ICE FOR PUPILS Pavin.f his third visit to New Zealand.' Or llaigh, Mus. Doc, F.8.C.0., A.ILC.M., who is conducting this year's examinations of the Royal Academy and the Royal College of .Music, will' arrive in Nelson about the 27th inst. ilis work in the dominion will not be completed until December. Interviewed in the North, Dr. llaigh staled that, the standard of pupil presenting lor examination locally had 'treatly improved since his last visit. The piano, he went, on to slate, was the most popular instrument, hut. it would be better if students studied more, orchestral instruments, for the reason that the world's masterpieces could only be satisfactorily presented through medium of an orchestra. ADVICI3 'lO STUDENTS "f consider,'' (he, doctor went on to state, 'that the best and most useful side of examinations is that of obtaining an independent and unbiased opinio?!! on the works .submitted. And whether a pupil passes or fails, the information of the examiner should prove of equal value. The chief causes of failure tire insufficient technical ability to play with accuracy and continuity, a want of "style," 'undeveloped subject phrasing, a. weak sense, of rhythmic shape, the express demands of a piece not. realised, weak sight reading, and the lack of ability tu deal with the various oral tests.

"'the ''marking may at times seem strange, particularly in the case of students who play fairly accurately as far as notes are concerned, but who are not awarded pass marks. This simply means that. the musical contents have not received sufficient attention. And this applies (o vocalists, violinists and other solo performers.

'1 would like to urge on teachers and .'Undents to attend to one particular section, which, the world over, is of emphatic importance.; That is sightreading. If students at every newlesson were given even (hrPe minutes lo read about sixteen bars of new' music it. would do much to strengthen them in this particular branch of musicianship."

'i lie visitor then turned his attention f<» organ music—the doctor is essentially an organist—stating that, in England, (here were a. great number of very fine instruments, particularly the one in th e famous Albert Hall, -which when completed, would be as fine as any in (he world. At present it was being rebuilt at a cost of £30,000. There was an organ in course of construction for the Liverpool Cathedral, and though probably it would have larger specifications, the doctor did not think that it would be as fine as the one in Albert Hall. The utmost skill. mitsicianly as well as mechanically, was needed in pipe organ building, anil for the amateur naturally it was an expensive hobby. There was a glorious, wide range 0 f works for the organ and the musician was inexorably bound by the limitations of the instrument o<n which he was performing. IIICH BRITISH STANDARD Touching on the standard of British music at the present day, Dr llaigh stated that more than ever were English composers attracting attention and winning fame. "Many years ago," he stated, "it was considered necessary to go to Germany and other places abroad for a musical education—now thai is all changed and to-day the younger students on the eve of an artistic career slay at home and attend the Royal Academy and the Royal College of Music, knowing that their musical senses will, he as fully and finely developed as in any other centre of" the world. Looking back on established musicians we find the two institutions producing great conductors in Sir Henry Wood, Sir Landau Ronald; great composers in Gustave Hoist, John Ireland and Sir 11. Wall'ord Davies: great vocalists in Harry Dearth, Clara "Butt and Kirkby Lunri (the three have been in New Zealand) ; great pianists in Irene Schnrrer, Myra lless and York Bowen ; great organists in Sir Herbert Brewer, of the Gloucester Cathedral, Dr Henry Ley. and Mr Henry Cunningham, »f the l.i'rminghani Town Hull." And in this category we must also include the distinguished Dr llaigh. Turning his attention once again to examinations and the teaching of music in this country, Dr Haigh staled that, since his first visit to New Zealand, he had noticed that many teachers from Home had settled and were instructing' in the various branches of musical art. Those he had met had high qualifications and were materially strengthening the good work that was being accomplished by Dominion teachers. The standard of the performances dealt with out here was. on the whole, very sal isfactory.

PLAY MORE THAN ONE INSTRUMENT In re-emphasising the desirability of boys and girls playing more than" one instrument, and the value of orchestral music. Dr Haigh stated: "You cannot make orchestras out of pianists. Boys and girls should be encouraged tw take up one or another instrument apart horn the one they may be studying—the oboe or the flute i'ur instance--for the theory is there, us a. groundwork; it only requires the technique, Then there are plenty of ladies who could play the tympani; such things as Indies 'orchestras in England are ' not unknown. It only wants keenness on I lie part of students, and much in the direction 1 have indicated is being done in England. "When I left London," Dr Haigh concluded, "there was no opera, no recitals of note: England was in the worst apparent phases of the eo'il strike."

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