Objective Analysis of Musical Performance

THIS authoritative work by Willem van de Wall, assisted by Clara Maria Liepmann, Doctor of Jurisprudence, is published by the Russell Sage Foundation, New York [1936, $3.00]. It is comprehensive in thought, rich in knowledge, and invaluable in practical counsel. The compilation of such a work requires an unusual combination of abilities: philosophic understanding, social vision and sympathies, psychological and psychiatric knowledge blended with thorough musicianship, and an understanding of what music essentially is and what it can do for man. If one thinks that no such extraordinary combination of abilities exists, one has only to read the book to be convinced of one's error. It is a matter of doubt whether any other man could have accomplished this task. "Music is a purposeful production of sounds associated with certain definite emotions or with concepts of beauty. " That definition holds up well under prolonged thought. "Music belongs in welfare institutions as part of treatment and education. " "The modern welfare institution . is adopting the spirit and technique of educational instead of custodial care. " Music for education, for treatment, or for recreation in institutions should not be thought of in terms of objective musical results-the size and musical competence of bands or choirs organized-but in terms of "the social education of the individual inmate. " These quotations serve to outline the author's general view. To give any adequate suggestion of the particulars treated under the broad and inspiring outline is next to Impossible. Part I discusses, in four chapters, the function of music in institutional care and treatment. The foregoing quotations were from the first chapter of this section, but their elaboration is powerful and full of additional thought. Social education and the psychological influence of music are defined and probed. The fourth chapter, "Educational Evaluation of the Psychological Findings," is masterful. No psychology of musical effect that I know approaches it in value. Part II treats of the aims and scope of musical activities in institutions variously for normal children, normal adults, the physically infirm, mentally deficient, mentally ill, and in correctional institutions and hospitals for the criminal insane. Again is there power, and a specific authority that rests upon years of deeply studied experience. Prepubescent, pubescent, and adult persons, the crippled, the blind, professional musician inmates, behavior cases-all present different problems and have different requirements that are here deeply, not superficially, studied. Part III deals practically with the organization of musical activities, of every desirable kind in all types of institutions; and Parts IV and V are similarly practical in their statement of the qualifications, methods of leadership, and modes of functioning of the institutional music worker and in the administration of music in welfare institutions with respect to coordination with other departments, rooms and equipment, programs, schedules, and records and reports. The book bears, In addition, a Foreword by Samuel W. Hamilton, M. D. , assistant medical director of Bloomingdale Hospital, White Plains, New York, a Preface by William C. Sandy, M. D. , director of the Bureau of Mental Health, Department of Welfare, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Author's Preface, an extensive Bibliography, and an Index. To give so much space in this Journal to a book dealing with a limited and specialized field may appear strange. It is justifiable because so wealthy a book cannot rightly be reviewed more briefly, and, far more, because it is a book on musical education from which every teacher and supervisor of music can learn. For Dr. van de Wall knows music better than most music teachers, knows education and psychology better than most educational psychologists, and knows and penetrates human personalities and social organizations better than most social workers. His book will, therefore, enlarge and quicken any teaching of music better than most books, even though the reader were to skip every word that applies only to music in welfare institutions. -Will Earhart.