Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-19

7Y7 HAT progress have we made
MANI 10 the divine art since the
NN Christmas News was last
published? In the year that
has past, have we stood still, have we
advanced, or have we gone baekward2
II would perhaps be difficult TO frame
an arswer to each one of these queries
tbat would be entirely satisfactory. 1t
would be true 70 say that the number
NJ people engaged in the study Of music
IN Salt Lake was never larger than
nav. that our singers who are study
ing away from home, who have gradu-
e,ed. or who have decided on entering
rpoa a professional career, were never
more numerous, and judging by the
multiplying number Of music firms in
Tho clry. 1t might be thought that the
general interest in music was steadily
or The advance. More than all, the
organization Of music guarantee as
ISOLATION, formed to induce and en-
courage foreign artists to include Salt
Lake IN their itineraries, would indi
cate that our musical people are awak
enng to q sense of the responsible
,ty that devolves upon them.
The only circumstance that seems to
make our condition wear a less rosy
hue than might be expected from the
above facts, Is that all this culture,
study, ana interest seems to find no
expression in actual Achievements A
year ago our symphony orchestra had
Just come into existence. If II still
exg.s II is having a struggle for its
llic The Orpheus club has not been
beard Il during the year. The Taber-
nuce choir remains in statu quo, APP
pamniy content with performing its
regulation Sabbath duties, or If not
content. then too much discouraged
over the encouragement CD accorded
4 In the past TO venture out into new
fields.
The only sign Of actual progress Of
late has been in the reorganization OF
the old favorite Harmony club, hope
iul sign, and one that we trust may
mean that other reawakenngs are at
land.
The Christmas News" requested ex-
Nrcsslons from Prof, stephens, Prof.
Mcclellan and Prof. Shepherd on our
musical status. our progress and the
outlook for 1904 and has received re-
1onses rom two OF the gentlemen.
Professor stephens, while thanking the
News for the honor, said what views
be had might not look well In print,
and he would forbear presenting them
at this time
PROF. McCLELLAN'S VIEWS.
At this glad season of the year it
snauhrly pleasant for one to say
mat musical conditions are somewhat
better this Christmas than last year,
me musicians of reputation are better
lcQuaintcd ana have more kindly
regard for each other today than has
o'an The case before in my experience
IN Sal. Lake City. There is no mis-
WAlns TO- the standard of music Is
Ve''or today than year ago. The
Popular craze FOR "rag-time" and cheap |
music generally Is dying out, and the
0emanl now is for sentimental and
Vas'IeaI fwell known music, the
cradle Song or Lullaby" being one
+" the fayorte forms of composition
sought after The hits" from the
operas that are given here are,
VeHe'e the selections most readily sold
" inc ordinary person who is not
student az particular lover Of music
'ua' 'hIs is slightly better condition
'u "NI agree, | believe, our people
'le ouyng nearly double the number Of
pianos and organs this year that were