Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-08-04

That sorry Congressional bungle, the con-
tract labor law, prohibiting the landing
in this country of various classes of persons
under contract to labor, has already been
responsible for enough difficulties without
being dragged In as an obstacle to
the coming of Mr.. Arthur Nikisch,
the newly-engaged conductor OF the
Boston Symphony Orchestra. Yet
here is the american Musician loudly pro-
testing against the expected landing of Mr..
Nikisch as an infraction of that law, baslng
its alleged argument on a recent decision of
the Solicitor of the Treasury, that the play
ers in certain imported circus band did
not come within the saving clause of the
statute which excepts artists and certain
other classes of people from It's prohibition.
If the Musician cannot see how the word
artists" may not include players in circus
band, while it may, and unquestionably
does, include an exponent of musical art
like Mr.. Nikisch, it is useless to attempt to
convince it.
There are none so blind as those who
won't see. The difficulty with the journal
referred to lies IN the intensely patriotic air
it has lately assumed. in denouncing Mr..
Higginson's course in going abroad in quest
of the successive conductors of his peerless
orchestra. Personal abuse of the Boston
Maecenas-who is well known to be ex-
tremely modest and retiring-speakingo of
his abnormal bump of selfesteem," call
ing him patron of music to advertise him.
self figure largely in the Musician's
handling of this topic.
Has it come to this, that no big-hearted
man can open his purse to do a great public
service without having such jackals of the
press snarling at his heels, criticizing his
methods, impuguing his motives and in
every way belittling him to their own
meager scale. A murrain upon such fel-
lowsl
IF Mr.. Higginson's prediction for for
eign conductors ran contrary to the consen-
sus of opinion of every competent judge,
still that would lend no justice to such per-
sonal abuse. One who sustains any enter
prise out OF his own means has the un-
doubted right to chose his own methods.
He is to be thanked if 3y any means he tries
to do public good; especially if he succeeds.
But in the present case, Mr.. Higginson's
course accords entirely with the opinion of
the competent judges, who fully real.
ize the vital importance to the or
chestral player and conductor of the
unwritten traditions that have been
handed down in the older European
orchestras from generation to generation
having originated in the example of the
classical composers themselves or of other
geniuses with the baton. These traditions,
the intangible musical atmosphere" and
the greater prevalence of high grade orches-
tras, are among the points that mark Europe
as still our teacher in matters artistic, and
particularly in matters orchestral
If it were Mr.. Higginson's object to
found training school for native conduc-
tors, it would be well to heed the Musicidn's
braying. But as his object is the yet higher
and broader one of giving to his own town
and the country at large the truest and most
perfect interpretations of orchestral works,
he most naturally seeks players and con-
ductors where the conditions requisite to
such interpretations most do abound.
Therein he does greater service to Ameri-
can music than if he gave employment to
dozen American conductors.
~
The innoculations of professed musical
union with what, when so applied, may be
called the rabies of trades unionism has the
inevitable tendency to cause the "musi-
clan" to look upon his calling as a trade
rather than as profession. To such musical
tradesmen the almighty dollar is all
too likely held so close TO the eye as to OBJ
scure the entire horizon of art. One would
think that the trend of American life to-
in Pittsburg-already
savored enough of Grass, money-making
without being assisted in that
direction by those whose professional activ-
ity is predicated upon public interest in the
higher, artistic side of life.
Yet such is the direct tendency of the
trades-uniou idea as brought into the musi-
cal arena by the NJ. M. P. U. 1t is sought
10 bring all musical engagements within
the membership Of that body-not be-
cause they play best, give the
greatest artistic equivalent, but Just
because they are members. When, as a
matter of fact the best and almost all the
truly artistic players of this city are outside
of the M. NJ. P. o., the obstructionist in
trigues of the latter would. If successful,
lower the standard of orchestral
music in all manner of public and private
Against such steps it is public duty to
protest. The question that concerns musi-
,r band, is not, "Are the players members
,f the NJ. M. P. Union, or OF the A. c. M.
Union?" but "Are they the best players
,btainable for the purpose?"
This latter question is precisely what will |
De addressed from all sides to the managers
If "the peoples Exposition" The people |
It large are not concerned about the diff |
erences between the rival musical unions;
hey are deeply concerned in the wide differ. |
.nce between various bands. The managers |
IT the Exposition having wisely engaged |
he band which by common consent has for |
many years tar outranked all others in this |
.ity, owe it to the people whose interests |
hey are there TO preserve, to turn a deaf |
10 oil off nrnfo 70 rhofs sfrrfo
,and simply because the one engaged |
,elongs now to the younger instead Of the
'lder union.
The enterprising town of Kittanning has
zone in with will to get up Normal
Music School this summer which shall be a |
redit and benefit to the people. The
eading business and professional men have
rganized this enterprise for the public good
md there is every probability that worthy
uccess will crown their efforts.
The school opens tomorrow and closes on
he 30th, offering between those dates in
truction in nearly all branches of music,
ectures, recitals, etc., in great variety and
iaul's "Holy City, are the chief works
ct down for choral practice and con-
ert production. Among the teachers aud
ingers who will labor in this inviting
eld may be named Mr.. s. G. Smith, Mr..
Emanuel Schmauk and Mr.. r. I. Knox, of
Mr.. Byron w. King and Mr..
!. X. Rroadberry, of Pittsburg; Miss Inez
of Cory, and Mrs. e. T. Shoe
Iaker, of Los Angeles, Cal. A round hun
red or more students from the immediate
icinity. and over half as many more from
greater distance, have been booked al
eady.
or interest to Pittsburgers will be the
blowing sketch of home musician, pub
ahad in, tho tto ~ ~ Ex1o pross 1