EFFECT OF “ TALKIES ” AND RADIO ON MUSIC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18938, 7 December 1929, Page 8

EFFECT OF “ TALKIES ” AND RADIO ON MUSIC.

A HIGHER STANDARD OF APPRECIATION NOTED. That the “talkies” have had no harmful effect on the sale of music is the opinion of Mr C. A. Rendle, manager of Begg and Co., Ltd. “The ‘talkies’ contain theme songs and such like of a tuneful nature, and people naturally come and want the sheet music of the song heard. But though there is an increase in the sale of the sheet music, the number of gramophone records sold, both of a classical and popular nature, is increasing by leaps and bounds. “The radio has a very great influence on the musical taste of the people, with the result that the classical numbers are selling excellently, a good record of a Bach toccata or fugue always retail ing well. We realise the great influence that radio is going to have in the musical world, and are shortly starting a radio department.” Although stating that the sale of orchestral instruments was slightly affected by the “talkies,” Mr Rendle said that the children of his instrumenal class showed great ability in learning to play even the most difficult instruments. “The general standard of appreciation of music was never higher than at the present,” said Mr Rendle, “and the number of children learning the piano and violin is greater than ever before. Group classes were begun in April last, and some of the pupils show remarkable aptitude.”