The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-03
NJ. Zach Says Craze for Money
Injuries America.
st. Louis Conductor Thinks This
Is Greatest Country.
LOVE FOR CLASSICS.
Peoples Regard for Old Masters
Works Growing.
Ragtime Music Has Mighty Hold
on Nation.

NJ Zach, composer, critic and con-
ductor of the ST. Louis Symphony or
chestra, is an optimist. He is more
when the American people are con-
| cerned-thinks they are the greatest
people on earth. But If NJ. Zach's
opinion is correct, we are still in the
nursery of music and not apt to leave
it for some time. Our musical educa-
ton is just beginning but we are be-
coming more and more absorbed with
such studies and are making progress.
"Ah," cried the great conductor,
giving his hair a backward stroke, as
he greeted the reporters last night.
$50 you want to see me, eh? Want to
ask about this evenings concert? And
other things, Ell? Well, am glad to
be able to talk to you. like reporters.
But seriously. the audience this even
ing made me feel good. 1t showed by
it's applause that 1t understood our
work. like that. I like to play to a
crowd that has some understanding.
1t makes me feel better. Makes the
orchestra work harder. It's good for
us ALL"
"Are the American people lovers of
the classics in music?'' inquired the
"Yes," replied M. zach, ''but they
are not students of the old masters
that is the great mass is not. But
they are improving. The classics are
masterpieces to which one must be
educated up TO. There is a hidden
meaning behind the works of Bee
theven. Chopin and the rest. America
is an infant nation Some day it will
understand these studies as do the
aR ia p, ooh" cried M. zach.
hold of that kind of music upon Amer
leans. "Ragtime! Ragtime is music
butt said the conductor.
There is no question but that popu-
lar music has grand hold upon
Americans. The theaters have given it
to them year after year and it seems
thew take to it. A ragtime tune with
swing is often pretty American
spire. Americans love to be thrilled
to feel their blood tingle.
Craze for Money.
1.-THE trouble with America today is
too much money The people love
bow down before it. |
seems to have gone mad over money. |
They study and scheme and work to |
secure it. It's the curse of the hour
this craze for money. 1t ruins the
their love for higher thingsZart, mu-
sic. culture g-,rss --s
Then again. Americans. go faster
than any nation on the globe. They |
long years of study and Work2to |
climb to it. No. They must learn a
little of a subject and then try with |
one leap to mount the top rung in the |
ladder. Boys-colIege boys-who |
hardly know the scale come to me and
want a place IN the st. Louis Symphony |
orchestra. But the country will get |
over these. defects. It will learn better. /
America could become the center of
music, art and culture-all that goes
to make up real life, if it will but give
up to some degree at least its mad
M. zach, is not one of those long haired
freaks, one SO often sees at the head of
a great orchestra. He looks more like
a business man than a composer and con-
ductor. He speaks English plainly, pos
sesses a magnetic personality and had
Of age and has been in this country for
% years. He was trained for his present
position in the musical capitals of the
Did world.
Last Nights Concert.
The st. Louis Symphony orchestra gave
is second concert in Topeka last night,
oest In music We're there to hear it. as
hey were last January The rest Of the
Steer and the girl with the pink mask.
The st. Louis Symphony is one OF the Few
great orchestras of the country, and It's
orchestra that interprets Beethoven prop
srly must clothe its mechanism with in
program last night. of which the prin-
,ipaI number was Beethoven's Fifth
Symphony set out the ability of the
musicians with the greatness Of the com
POSER The first number was Overture
'Leonore' No. g. one of the most i'm
,ressive passages of Beethoven's opera
sFfdelio.'' The fifth symphony followed
This is written in Minor, and its open
ng allegro is a wonderful instance of the
of a great dramatic move
nent from a single motive Of four notes.
which, through changes of rhythm, mel
,dy and harmony, preserves its individu-
Ility. The strong outburst in the slow
movement acts as a foil to the pathetic
character of many portions. The third
movement is unusually long and heavily :
cored The last movement is a march OF
riumph. ending in a sp1endid climax
There was a number from Saint-Saens :
Danse Macabre'' and the Firecharm
rom Wagner's Walkure. The selections
rom the Peer Gynt Suite were especially
,leasing to the audience The blending
,ower of Crieg's music is well displayed
n the last number In the Hall of the I
King" Asses Death probably !
he number of the program most familiar
o the audience, was very impressive.
Sir knights, Attention.