MUSIC NOTES

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1501, 30 January 1919, Page 29

MUSIC NOTES

(By

“G” String )

Massenet’s opera “Cherubin” was first produced in 1905. “Hail to Thee in the Conqueror’s Wealth,” the Prussian National Hymn, was composed in 1870, by Henrich Harries. On the subject of “Music in the Home,” many teachers compain that their pupils have little, if any, encouragement in their homes for the development of their ideas and that the lack of interest on the pdrt of parents and other relatives or the wrong advice that is given tends to dishearten the young aspirants, who are frequently driven to practise trashy stuff. This is a great handicap, but it has long existed. Brother Jack hears a “rag” at a picture show, and in his ignorance and the full belief that he is doing his sister a kindness, he forthwith buys that piece of music and insists upon the young pianist learning it and playing it as frequently as possible. Meanwhile the teacher is wondering why progress is no.t being made with the better stuff, and why there appears to be a drag upon the enthusiasm of the pupil. It would be better if parents were more alert in the interests of musical education, and it is only in that alertness that the remedy will be found for the evil. Musicians the world over —with the possible exception of some irreconcilable Huns — thrilled with pride on learning of the elevation of Paderewski to the Presidency of redeemed and re-constituted Poland. The great master of his art is an ardent patriot, one whose noble soul and wonderful gifts of intellect have for many years been devoted to the service of his unhappy country, so often ploughed by the hoof of the ruthless invader. Igrace Jan Paderewski was born in the province of Podolia in the year 1860, and as European statesmen go may be said to be in the prime of life.