The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-10-25
INFLUENCE OF PRESENT WAR
ON THE MAKING OF MUSIC

patriotic music was welcomed by all.
The first bars Of a patriotic air heard
In the theatres would start the audience
to applaudtng or cheering. Should n
band march down the street in those
days II was always sure OF an enthusi-
astic welcome.
Even the shabby little barrel organs
were ntted with patriotic airs and peo-
pie paused on the street to listen ia
them. smiling with pleasure at the alb
siird. jerky little notes. The man with
the hand organ, however out OF tune
IL might be, was sure OF receiving pen-
nies. From the top to the bottom OF
the musical world this newly awakened
enthusiasm was in evidence.
highly commercialized community
which in normal times cares little for
music suddenly becomes far more re-
ceptive with the coming OF war. A per
son who would listen calmly to music
ana express calm pleasure in II. but
nothing more. liz likely to take n new
interest once his or her heart has been
stirred
Let us suppose that some night AZ the
opera song or march is heard which
expresses the emotions, the sufrerings
or the jubilatlon Of the people now at
war. Instead of the polite applause
which might greet It in normal times
Imagine the storm Of applause which
would sweep the theatre. The ex-
preston would come from the country
men OF the composer. but all would
share In some measure In the enthusi-
nsm which II so essential to the enjoy-
mont Of music.
To THE Fl
and future ought 10 he exceedingly IA
vorao!e because, not having the worries
OF actual strife and suffering and sor-
rows. the minds OF the composers can
freely utilize any subject. To those who
suffered the inspiration will OF course
bH much more intense and sincere.
one OF the great questions will he
whether touching melody will remain
me desire OF the masses or whether the
new school OF orchestral predominance
without melodious strains. but full OF
wonderful harmonies and often ear
splitting dscord. will prevail
For years there was diplomatic unrest.
ana so there was musical unrest. There
were musical prophets Of this titanic
crash; In France. Debussy; in Ger
many strauss. Their creations have
been challenge To- the status quo in
music; have been defiance "a rules and
regulations. They warred against all
that had been laid down az laws and
tramplcd on melody and harmony as tho
Germans trampled on Lodvain.
II is much the same in music az IN
painting. We find parallel IN the ex-
traord'nary pictures of the flturists
We may admire their daring their
cieverness. but We turn with sigh OF
relief to the great pictures OF all time.
In many OF the newer musical COMPOST
tons we find unmistlkable genius. |
should be among the last TO deny their
cleverness or the marvellous ingenuity
displayed. We may applaud them, mar
vel al them, but the heart is not satis-
Ned We turn with a feeling OF thank.
fulness to the great music which al
WAYS 80 profoundly stirs the human
heart
What then. will be the effect Of the
war upon these new schools Of musical
expression? All this is largely specula
tive To he sure, but does 10 not seem
reasonable to suppose that the profound
sorrows and Joys which the human race
is now facing will md better expression
IN the beautiful harmJnies in which tho
heart may take comfort. rather than
In the amazingly clever elaboration of
these skilful musicians? do not say
that this will be the result, but Judging
from the history OF music In the pas,
q would seem that music in these DAYS
Of great emotions would embrace the
older forms
The heart which IS bowed down with
a f'iiction demands a soul satlsfyin.
melody, deep and rich in expression.
The influence OF the war upon the pres
ent tendencies In musical expression
may therefore be much more immediate
and far reaching in its effects than
was AZ first imagined.
What music shall the composers
write? The song OF the sorrowing
mother? the lament OF the widow? the
crying OF the orphans or the praise OF
the heroes? the hymn 10 bravery or the
dirge to the dead? No doubt period
~ peace after the storm OF the war will
give a new impetus TO all arts and
especially TO music. which feeds the
senses much more than any other art |
There is no doubt that all these sub |
iects win be illustrated according 90
the tendency OF the composers mature"
Some will develop religious inclnations
In the form OF hymns of thanksgiving |
and others will describe the blessing II
peace. Such IL the nature OF men al all |
times
vast fund OF material win be sup
plied by the war. ready to the COM |
poser's hand For many years to come |
We will hear dramatic stories OF bravery |
IN the face Of appalling danger. OF SUI |
'ering. of every form OF misery the