1YA STUDIO ORCHESTRA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22191, 19 August 1935, Page 12

IYA STUDIO ORCHESTRA

Sir, —There is no doubt that listeners are being " let down " by the YA stations in Auckland, both studio items and recordings not " coming over " as they should. I find IZB gives infinitely better quality. It follows also that broadcasting artists are being " let down " —why blame the artists? It is pleasing to see an intelligent criticism of the orchestra in these columns, the points raised being those of pitch and of balance. It would appear fairly definite that the Broadcasting Board intends to replace the obselete high-pitch wood-wind at present in use with low-pitch instruments, as generally used the world over. It would appear also that an additional half-dozen violins are needed to satisfy microphone requirements in order that good balance may appear at the home end of the chain. But it is q lite certain that if a studio orchestra is to be frequently used then its operations could constitute a whole-time job for the artists concerned, so that thorough preparation and suitable equipment may be possible, together with adequate' remuneration. At times, the orchestra, when playing works within its scope, has given exquisite performances. But the greatest pity of all is that all this goes for nothing, is also the endeavours of the Broadcasting Board to provide occasionally a little interesting music for the intelligent listener, when faulty apparatus distorts and ruins everything on account of heavy passages on pianoforte or orchestra '' plaving up." . F, H. Adams. *