New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-06-06
MAYOR PENS PHILIPPE
ON CLASSICAL MUSIC
Does Not Believe "Grand
OPERA Airs Should Be Played
at Park Concerts.
QUOTES RUFUS CHOAIE
Also Summons Shade of Collins
to Back Him Up-Aborn,
Baird and Volpe
Reply.
QUOTES RUFUS CH0ATE

MAYOR Gaynor does not believe IN the
CITY furnishing free concerts Of classical
music for the masses His BELIEF appears
to be that classical music is grand opera
music He says very few persons undeE-
stand grand opera music, and what they
want is light, simple tunes-eXactly what
sort of light. simple tunes he does mot
specify. Presumably he does not mean
the turkey trot."
To prove the masses do not love grann
opera music he produces Rufus Choate
and William Collins, the poet. All THESE
IDEAS OF musical art the Mayor set forth
in a letter written a few days ago 10 Mrs
Henrietta Spader. of No. PA West gid
street. who had written him in behalf or
free concerts Of classical music. THIS Is
the Mayors letter:
"I think II would be better for you 70
first talk with the Park Commissioner
about the giving Of free concerts OF classi-
cal music. as my time just now is very
much taken up. Also at this time the
city has no money to spend FOR additiohal
music. And then again, am not aole 10
see that the city should furnish grand
opera music. only a few people are able
TO understand II.
"The great Rufus Choate was not able
10 understand II. with all his refinement
and fine nervous system-as me as
stringed instrument. When he went %
the opera ne had TO say 10 his niece: My
dear. please interpret to me the libretto.
Ice, dtlate with the wrong emotion. 1t
Is with music as with poetry.
Nearly all of us are able To enjoy
simple music or a simple poem. but only
few among us are able to enjoy listening
10 grand opera music or the reading OF
Millions Paradise Lost Music Is the ex-
preston or voice of poetry-light music
~ light poetry and heavy and intricate
music q like poetry. When We read
again Collins's delightful ode to the Pas
sions' we fully realize this. You remem-
Der how It begins:
"'When music. heavenly maid. was young,
While yet in early Greece she sung etc.
sincerely yours,
"W. J. GAYNOR, Mayor"
Milton Aborn who, with his brother'
Sargent. is the director Of the new Cen
fury Opera Company, when shown the
MAYORS letter was OF different mind
I'VE have been giving opera for the
masses Tor fifteen years said Mr.. Aoorn.
"and have found that they love II and
understand H. Band concerts are for the
masses and the Mayor is surely mistaken
in his Views that the people Ike only
popular tunes"
Edward Kellogg Baird. chairman or the
board of directors Of the Century opera
COMPANY, was no less emphatic.
THE Mayor is wrong in saying that the
public does not like grand opera and clas-
steal music" ne said Its taste has been
continually improving. and free concerts
of good music are most desirable
Arnold Volpe the conductor or the
vope symphony Orchestra, who for the
last two years has been director Of music
I'm the parks. also disagreed with the
Mayor.
Park Commissioner slower said he was
n believer i'm popular classical music.
For instance. 'Tannhauser'," added the
park official There are many classical
selections which are familiar 10 great
many persons. and II is surprising To see
how much enthusiasm is elected when
they are played"