Radio Programmes.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 521, 2 August 1932, Page 6

Radio Programmes .

To the Editor. Dear Sir,—l have followed with interest the correspondence in your columns re radio programmes, and at this point feel tempted to enter into the discussion. I also am one of those who would like to hear more recorded items. Mr W. Harris does not seem to have grasped the important point that it is the manner rather than tbe matter which causes dissatisfaction.

Personally, I love good music, but am perfectly happy- to hear a mixed programme, alway-s provided it is well play-ed. In fact, I would infinitely- prefer to listen in to a musical comedy- selection played by a first-class orchestra than to a fifth-rate rendering of a sublime Beethoven symphony.

As regards the “ tiny child ” to whom Air Harris refers, doubtless their childish singing was very sweet and charming—but only for the home circle. Were this same little girl to broadcast it is exceedingly- doubtful whether any- but her own family would gain enjoy-ment therefrom. Air Harris also refers to pleasure which any but the pedantic musician should get from “ humble melodious performances.” But surely Mr Harris must see—though possibly as a business man rather than from the artistic angle—that wireless owners do not desire to pay for “ humble performances." Alost

of us listen daily to this class of music issuing from the bathroom. I am perfectly in accordance with Mr Harris’s views upon the. necessity of broadmindedness and of seeking for and seeing beauty in the things around us. But this attitude, as applied to Art, leads to stagnation, and the spirit of contented and uncritical complacency- is not what the public want from its radio stations.—l am, etc., AIUSICAL.