OPERA WITH BATH

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18236, 3 November 1933, Page 5

OPERA WITH BATH

WESTERN MUSIC IN JAPAN; SYDNEY, October 21. ■ One of the strangest opera houses in the world—that at Takaradzuka —was described by Miss Bertha Clarke in a lecture at the Music Lovers’ Club on the progress of western music m Japan. An elaborate bathing establishment was combined with a .large theatre, where seasons of opera, musical comedy, and ballet were given in a. style equal to that of Continental production. It was a pity that so much was, heard of Japan’s trade wars and otner activities, and so little of her cultural standards and progress, said Miss' Clarke. Western music was cultivated' at two admirable academies, one in Tokio, and the other near Kobe. Many; Russian musicians who had been expolled by the Soviet had settled in to the country’s artistic advantage. Tokio had two fine symphony orchestras, whose subscription concerts were crowded. Miss Clarke said that she heard a Japanese girl of 12 play a pianoforte concerto with one of these orchestras in brilliant style. The phonograph had familnrised the Japanese with the masterpieces of European music. 'ltalian and Russian opera companies made yearly tours. “Carmen” was specially loved by the Japanese, and every performance for it was booked up weeks beforehand. The centenaries of the deaths of Beethoven and, Schubert were celebrated in Tokio with splendid orchestral concert*.