The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-10-25


hereafter could only be seen on the
stage, Just as We go to see the pre-
historic mammoth at the museum
The only wars to be waged ought to he
against the uncivilized hordes; but a
merciful war. believe. could be evok ed
by teaching them TO sing.
one OF the effects OF the war will be
that many people will take music more
seriously than at present. In time OF
peace certain classes OF people go 10
hear music simply to be amused. They
seek only q light diversion. and Il IL 10
cater to this class that much OF the
very light. meaningless music is com
posed and presented The poorest OF
the so-called musical shows" answer
the purpose. This condition Of affairs
obtains in all countries more or less.
but In countries where musical taste If
not highly developed the musical prod
act IL Of course likely to be especially
dscouraging to the lovers OF good
music.
Now great war tends to arouse all
the great emotions latent In human
nature. There is great suffering. and
the human heart. crushed under a load
OF grief finds no comfort in the tinkling
sic which might content the public. or
much Of II. IN time Of peace Tho songs
which will appeal To a people suffering
from the loss Of those they love. or the
ravages committed in their country.
must Of course strike very much
deeper and more sincere note. Here Is
The opportunity for composer. II h.
has tho talent or genius to rice to the
al 81. sN.l- n
reate really great composition
The music inspired by n great war 8.
not OF course limite,, TO tn pathetic and
sorrowful The victorious nation will
wish 10 find "A fitting melody to express
the glory of their conquest. There IL
an immediate demand for patriotic
songs Of victory. marches which
quicken the pulse and many other
forms Of composition. Some % the An
's' music ever composed has been in
srired by this martial spirit. When
there Is % urgent a demand for COM
.u.ltions Of ms SORT there Will br com
posers who re 10 the occasion.
And although the United States Is
happily not engaged In the present con-
dict and is far removed from the ba tie
line. she viii in all probability profit by
the grca; stimulus eXerted by the war
upon musical composition. We cannot
well escape the influence. No matter
what may he our sympa thies We must
all feel. think a auiCkvning OF the
pulse rs "" read of the deed. Of vaIor
on the battlefield. our hearts are moved
b, tales OF suffering ~ we rejoice with
the victorious armies IN their hour %
In such an hour let W hope
even those whose musical taste leaves
much to he desired will find pleasure in
good music.
IN excellent Illustration Of the quick
en.ng effects of war upon musical COM
pos t:on - afforded in Americas own
history within the memory Of many
men and women. During the civil war
the hearts Of the people were OF course.
profoundly stirred and the emotion
round expression In many beautiful
songs Thousands OF people whose
loved ones were at the front sang these
war songs. and their cara were uncon-
sciously attuned to the beautiful melo-
dies they contained
II seems TO mo that American Compos-
ers have neglected a great and obvious
opportunity In not Selling those famil-
lar melodies and celebrating them. Such
NltlouleS come rom tne neaft and must
always make direct appeal Some
day this opportunity will he realized.
and America Will have great musical
operas and oratorlos
based upon ne&ve musical themes.
No matter what the issue ~ the war.
therefore. music In likely to be the
gamer by the inevitable quickenlns OF
the emotions which follows either VIC
tory or defeat. We all know how
closely the musical situation abroad IN
followed here In America. Let new
composition OF merit appear in any
part Of Europe and America would
hear It In an Incredibly short time.
Never before In history has there been
such an opportunity FOR composer TO
publish his music broadcast throughout
the world. The great music loving pub
lie Of every country j. on the alert con-
stantly FOR something new. and this
great world audience will be found
ready with it's applause and appreci-
alton.
II is noticeable that in time Of great
emotional stress the public finds an out
let for its emotions in music. Take n
familiar example We all remember
that during the late Spanish war any