THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

Taranaki Daily News, 25 July 1931, Page 8

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

FEELINGS OF KING GEORGE.

REMARKS TO CONDUCTOR.

London, July 16.

The King’s attitude to the National Anthem is revealed in the reminiscences of the great conductor, Sir Landon Ronald, entitled “Myself and Others.”

Sir Landon recalls that after a concert at Albert Hall, at which he conducted, he was summoned to the Royal box, and the King, somewhat perturbed, and not addressing anyone in particular, said: “I do wish musicians would not play 'God Save the King’ so quickly. To me it means a great deal. I regard it almost as a hymn.” . Hurriedly the King added, as if be felt that he might hurt Sir Landon’s feeling, “I. am not referring to anyone specially'but am speaking generally, particularly of military bandmasters, who should know better.” The next day Sir Landon conducted at a Melba concert, and the King summoned him and shook his hand, and said: ‘‘‘God Save the King’ was very well played to-day.” Sir Landon explained that formerly he had played it quickly owing to King Edward’s wish that he should always “hurry it up.”