THE WORLD OF MUSIC.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19663, 24 August 1935, Page 17 (Supplement)

THE WORLD OF MUSIC.

Music and Talk Delight Hamiltonians. What a pleasant evening we had at Mr Lloyd Powell's piano recital on Wednesday. His remarks were as informative and entertaining as his playing was brilliant. Mr Powell stated that some of Liszt’s “Hungarian" rhapsodies were not Hungarian at all. They were Gipsy music. Chopin, said Mr Powell, wrote much "society” music. He told of a listener who, on hearing a Chopin waltz, said: "I see Countesses dancing.” Chopin would have appreciated that remark, for he would love to think of society women dancing to his music. Mr Powell stressed the need for students to learn as much as possible about a composer’s life and the conditions prevailing in his day, for only by visualising his outlook could a full understanding of his music be acquired. Amusing reference was made to the •custom in Chopin’s day of endeavouring to look ill and “interesting." Chopin, although he was not then suffering from the tuberculosis * that eventually ended his life, found the sympathy of the ladies, aroused by his delicate looks, very agreeable I Dumas, continued Mr Powell, although he ate about ten times as much as the ordinary man, endeavoured to look delicate, because it was the fashion. Mr Powell mentioned that at one time the waltz was looked down upon by some people just as jazz was today, though all musicians wrote them. “Some people who object to arrangements by musicians of other musicians’ works," said Mr Powell, “should remember that the original compositions, notably some by Bacli, were not written for the piano as we know it, therefore they may gain by arrangement." In speaking of “modern” music, Mr Powell said there was really no such thing, as all music was modern when it was written. Some people said they did not understand modern music; others turned up their noses at anything written earlier than yesterday. Tlio thing to do was not to consider whether music was new or old, hut whether it was good or bad. The best would always survive. Groat Contralto for Now Zealand. Madame Muriel Brunskill, contralto, whose glorious singing in “ The Valkyrie ’’ and other operas is one of the most vivid memories of my holiday in Sydney a few months ago, is to tour New Zealand shortly. Noted Singer May Come. When questioned regarding reports that he was engaged for a concert tour of Australia, Richard Crooks, the noted tenor, informed the Australian Associated Press that it was news lo him. Ho said tiiat. as far as lie knew there had only been a discussion regarding such a lour, hut nothing definite had been arranged. However, if his manager had arranged a tour lie saw no reason why lie should not go. Musical Moments. Dorothy Clark, noled English dramatic eonlraito, is making a tour of Australia for Ihe A.B.C.

One hundred performers look part, in the spectacular revue, "The Surprise Packet, of 11)35," at Hawera 111 is week. Two performances were given.