RADIO AND MUSIC

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 18 June 1932, Page 4

RADIO AND MUSIC

MOISIEWITSCH EXPRESSES HIS OPINION In an interview with the Auckland “Herald,” Mr Benno Moiseiwitseh said a few • heartening things about the future of music and the effect of wireless upon its prospects, those of the piano and orchestra in particular, the famous pianist’s remarks are somewhat of a challenge to the pessimists. Mr Moisiewitsch, who will give two pianoforte j concerts in the School of Music next week, said: “The complaint sometimes heard that broadcasting is damaging concerts and the livelihood of musicians will not bear examination. Pianoforte tuition is at present in a transitory stage, due partly to the invention of wireless and partly to the prevailing depression, but the temporary disturbances caused _by these conditions wilT end, and will be replaced by a vast extension of musical culture and appreciation. “Before wireless became general, about four or five years ago, the promising sons and daughters of a family were sent to a music teacher for tuition.

“When broadcasting became popular, parents thought it better to switch on to the wireless than to listen to the playing of their children. It is no use saving that is bad. We are in a state of' transition, and the future will be very different. Wireless is expanding the universe of musical apppreciation to an extent never dreamed of, and in the long run may prove to be a blessing in disguise. “Broadcasting in England is encouraging good musicians, because the 8.8. C., being "a wealthy institution. is able to afford tremendous fees to secure the- services of top-liners. Before the advent of wireless, England could not boast a single good symphony orchestra. Those orchestras that subsisted had to depend upon small specialised audiences, and consequently could not afford high-salaried

conductors nor an adequate number of rehearsals. Wireless popularised such concerts among the masses with the result that orchestras were subsidised by the 8.8. C. and now ranked among the greatest in the world.

“From 24 to 20 symphony concerts wore now given in London each season, the artists were paid higher salaries than they had ever been paid before, and SO per cent, of the scats were sold m advance. Yet all these concerts were broadcast. The fact was that once people really came to enjoy good music, they were not satisfied to stay at home; they had to go to the concert and hear and see the real tiling.” Mr Moiseiwitseh said he would like to see more symphony orchestras in New Zealand. “Naturally, such an orchestra costs money and conditions are such,” ho eontiiiued, “that only State or municipal subsidies will make it possible. Unfortunately,.the import-

ance of musical culture is not usually appreciated by national and civic authorities. They need to be impressed with the fact that music is just as important to a city as art galleries, museums, recreation and playing grounds. Musical appreciation cannot be what it should until you have a first-rate orchestra with a reputation.”