Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1904-06-30
MUSIC IN PHILADELPHIA.
Where Wealthy People C.sappoint the
Musicians.

Philadelphia Bulletin.-With the ex
ception of the few smaller concerts to
be given by local artists. the musical
season in Philadelphia is at an end.
1t must be admitted that il has not
been a success either artistically or
financially. Some of the biggest and
most important events OF the year
proved to be nothing but fizzles.
Tristan and Isolde" was en- ex,
ample of this. But it seems as well
now to let by-gones be by.gones so far
as these monumental failures are CON
cerned. There is more food for
thought in the conditions confrontins
our local muscians-the men and
women who are located here in Phila-
delphia, and whose best efforts are
being given to improving the musical
taste and knowledge of the people or
this city, Their importance is scarce,
ly recognized. Upon their efforts
must rest the success of the larger
imported events; upon their influence
must be built the musical intelligence
without which no city will support
grand opera and orchestral concerts.
! These musicians are. therefore. or
vital Importance TO the musical life
OF this city, and should be given the,
financial encouragement withosl
which they cannot carry on their
work
What are The coniit ons? In the
studios there is bitter disappointment
that in many cases takes the form on
indignation. Philadelphia does non
support its musicians. its musicians
support 1t. The wealthiest class in the
city, the class which should be de-
pended upon to encourage music AS
well as all other forms Of higher cul-
ture, takes the opposite tack in this
city, and appeals to its musicians for
charity. One of our best known men
and one who is reputed to be of i'm.
mense wealth, is an example of this.
during the season his weekly muse
are attended by persons of the highest
social class. At these musicals the,
program is furnished by local artists
They sing and play free. hoping that
in enlarging their acquaintance among
the moneyed class, they will increase
their chances to achieve better
financial results. But the contrary is
the case. They merely enlarge the
list OF those who expeoa and demand
their services free. This man is no,
the only case. There are many other
offenders, chiefly, it must be said
with regret. among wealthy and in.
fuential women.
AT the end OF each season the
local musicians have a custom of
giving recitals, for which they SEND
tickets to these persons whom they
have helped during the year These
tickets are usually 81 apiece, ana
could easily be taken by the recipi.
ents. Sometimes they are taken and
paid for. In many cases they are
not. In one case the recipient makes
1t an invariable rule to take ono
ticket ard return the other, yet this
man counts his wealth by hundreds
OF thousands and accepts the gratu-
itous services Of the musicians when
ever he can get them. It might be
said in excuse that, if the wealthy
took all tickets sent them during a
season, it would amount to a con
siderable expense. That Is true, but
when these tickets come from artists
who have been kind enough to give
their services free, it seems pity
that they should be refused by the
persons who benefit. Until this con-
dition is remedied Philadelphia must
remain what it is today. a city OF
comparative insignihcance to the
musical world at large.