MUSIC FOR PICTURES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17352, 17 May 1924, Page 21

MUSIC FOR PICTURES.

VIEWS OF MR BELLINGHAM. Mr W. J. Bellingham has been induced to give his views on the music provided in connection with motion picture entertainments. “ The value of music in picture houses,” said Mr Bellingham, ” is probably one of the most debated policy matters in the picture business. The fundamental fact is that the picture is the chief attraction, and will draw its own class of audience, music notwithstanding. In order to decide on the class of music which should be played, it is primarily necessary to study the pictures shown and the class of audiences which they draw. When these facts are decided it then becomes a matter of technical musical knowledge and showmanship, to decide on the size of orchestra and class of player. With picture and music in sympathy the effect of each is to enhance the other, while with music onz of touch with the picture one will clash with the other. In my opinion,

the. public is demanding a higher standard in both pictures and music.” Referring to picture orchestras as educational factors m music, Mr Bellingham said that probably their value was not yet fully i ealised by musiea 1 authorities. “I could demonstrate” ho said, “by references to my proframmes,. that during a year J ave introduced to the public a greater number of the leading works of the master musicians than would ordinarily be played by the orchestral societies of New Zealand in a lifetime. While, of course, the ‘ small orchestra 9 combination which we use has not the colour of the full orchestra, tho efficiency of the individual players is such that first-class interpretations of considerable musical value are obtained.