Evening star., 1914-02-17

In Europe the suggestion that America
will assert her artistic independence-has
begun to assert il
Panied Surprise is greeted with
panied surprise.
over Suggestion. The American life
is thought of by people over the water as
being something directly opposed to ar
tistic development. The phrase al
mighty dollar receives a naive valuation
from the average European and has given
rise to the popular superstition that
Americans have embroidered the dollar
sign in all Of their holy places. To the
placid, inner European vision, the new
| land is a titanic showpiace of material
| triumphs wrung in honor of the national
fetish, success, where sentiment is frisid
and spiritual profundity unknown.
Then, too, there are many Americans
who deplore their counlry's lack of
culture and dense ignorance of art
These Americans are colonlzlng Eu-
rope, and creating demand there for
American sanitary plumbing, mixed
drinks, soda water and chewing gum.
Further. many American artists make
their homes in Europe. where they en-
deavor to conceal their misfortune by
pronouncing their names with foreign
accent. All this does little to detract
from Europe's self-esteem and warn
nef OF
i
Despite the magnificent complacence
OF Europe's conscious superiority in
t things artistic,
Demand Made Tor and the earnest
rK realization of her
are the fountain heads, recognition of
ipo
and a demand for national music and
musicians has been voiced in a recent
country wide propaganda True "artis-
tic atmosphere" is European mo-
nopoly; nevertheless, a considerable
number of Americans believe that such
an atmosphere can be well evolved out
of raw materials on hand in the United
States.
One of the musical leaders of this
country with such belief is John c.
Freund. editor Of Musical America
During the past few months Mr..
Freund has given his whole time to
vigorous campaign in behalf Of Ameri-
cas- musical independence. He has
made repeated proclamation to Ameri-
can music lovers that IL is In now4se
necessary for them to go abroad to
seek capable teachers of good music.
Mr.. Freund has delivered lectures in
music centers throughout the country.
ADVISING 1ndl SOOQ leacNeFS De lOuNu
for American boys and girls at home,
and that home artists and music be
properly encouraged
1t Is not surprising that the articles
of such a creed should start dispute,
especially when considered that among
the Americans there are many who are
conscious that their elusive charms
are directly owing to Europe's inspira-
ton. There are Americans who delight
more in a Chicago sausage with a
Vienna trademark than in an untagged
sirloin. Probably they would be right
II Europe would arrange a reciprocity
Of admiration. Not alone at home did Mr.
Freunds declaration Of independence
attract attention, but, in condensed
form, 1t started over the cables TO
create trouble in giddy Berlin and in
temperamental Paris.
The sensitive nerves of the Berlin,
Milan and Paris maestros were
wrenched by Mr..
Sensitive Nerves Freund's deciara-
p..o; cLal, tions h a I the
American M
poser, musician, singer, music teacher.
player and critic were not only as good
on an average as the European, but a
shade better He told his audiences that
there are just as many fake teachers
Also. there are just as many good
teachers here. This opened an inter
national discussion. whteh shows every
symptom of becoming indefinite and
indetermfnate as a series of Mexican
revolutions.
The maestros were not the only ones
unstrung The equally sensitive nerves
Of the European boarding house Keepers
were set ajangle. 1t is estimated that
American music students spend from
twelve to fourteen millions OF dollars
abroad annually, about eight millions of
which go for tuition.
In the musical industries this country
is winning a high place for itself. Amer
lean pianos are the equal of the best for
etgn makes and their distribution among
the homes Of the country is being accom-
plished in generous numbers and with
liberal disregard of the density of popu-
lation. Also, American harps are the
equal to any made abroad.
America spends about $500. 000ooo a !
year for music. This is greater than the
budgets of the |
Spends $500, 100000 army and navy
Yearly for Music. pot,ts.hea ppohab,v ;nai. aad,
Gates that there is a certain amount OF |
musical appreciation in the country. |
While the money alone, likely, cannot \
cause the evolution of great music and |
musicians. nevertheless the musical ap-
probation represented by so large sum |
should make favorable condition for the |
development of genius.
That there will ever come time when |
the aspiring American music student will /