New-York tribune., 1875-09-25
TIE AMERICAN COLLEGE or MUSIC.

OF AL.IIC ATiONS OF MIR. THOMAS FOR TIE IOsl OF
DIRECTOR.
70 me FditOr Of me Trtbune.
SIR: Apropos to Maestro Gounod's letter de-
cining the leadership Of he College OF Music about
10 he naugurated in New-York. would respectfully
offer a few su 5gestiOns.
Gouuod Is right in recommending an American ior the
posi- OF director For provided, Of course, suitable tai
ents can De found in available person. il Is very
important 70 tine OF the new school that the
leader should have that clear understanding OF the actual
state OF music among us and such comprehension OF
the American mind shall serve for the Intelligent di-
rection educational appliances all OF which can
come only 10 director Of American BIRTH or al least Of
long residence here.
The other indispensable qualities in successful drec-
.or are culture tste loyalty TO high ideal % art talent
~ leader the educational Instinct and last but not
least the confidence OF the public These eXceIlences
are all essential to the OF such school rs the
one proposed For although II Will be to good degree
nGrpe nent of the pccunary support Of The public it
) desired nuentaily at once II must start with
director whose competence stands admitted every
hand. and whom the public already know.
To many Of this way II very strange not 10
hear Mr. Theodore Thomas spoken of in connection with
this subject. for the whole world might be searched
through and suitable person Tor the place could
hardly be found As the musical culture OF Mr.. Thomas
that j. sufficiently well known Few men IN the world
have such and varied Acquaintance with scores as
he Nor is his taste less unGue,tOnable. His ele
CANT readings OF old woiks, the dash and
hrilliaucy with which he brings out the new
the exquisite skill with which his programmes are com
posed and coitrasted the delightful sa aud finish OF
MS nan,l and the perseverance with which he has
NOT only brought present state. but has actually
made IL a hold word throughout the United states
md NH this with gradual elevation OF his travelling pro-
cr-nnes 10 standard very lar short Of the
-ryariye PhllharnOnc-all these things are well
kuoWli and point qualities OF leadership of very high
order H. well Il genuine instinct for riucation.
Then. too. consider ThOmas'- attitude toward new
works of American composers Although obliged 10 re-
iuse A great deal matter offered. because deficient In
ideas ur baruru.- in execution. he mas ehcwn hiuse!
always ready H. bring ont wel-vr'tten American
works and give them the subsequent
treatment rhrir or failure might determine
The public bt II not always Trustworthy nut Tor
l. y,nrs I has heard or lcSs OF Mr.. Theodore
Thomas aud now for nearly 10 year it has come to
look !s a. guarantee OF the genuine excel
icncr an, musical performance he puts his name to
ON ne other hand il II well known 90 musicians that
MI Tnoni.s has many years cherished the ambition
nf founding institution. connecting himself win
Que which should 10 working for the musical guilty 4
ton the propl, after his death. and lerpc uai"
whatever was good ia his influence
With -tcl connected with The prupns"d college
as rhcuioie Thoiia- NlI Mason, klchald HOnnal :.
r. Mills dudley Buck. :. L. warren, John PaLl Morgan.
John h. Paine. the Amrri,an public has I'll, ASSURANCE
that tn, vail be To the highest deals OF thc
niac. AIT. and that mere vulgar personal ambition
IN the part Uf s professors VIII be allowed 10 di-
vert y IN sgntcst from t- mission of furnishing III
AInor LdsIoal education more tAoIouga auI pracli'