The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-02-08
"HERE is much idle talk to
the effect that art and art
L lists are being commercial


lied in these money mad
times, but it is safe to say that the
premium placed upon high artistry to-
day is greater than ever before"
This was expressed yesterday by Will
lam Hinshaw. the American BARITONE,
who is a close student of the times
and is optimistic concerning affairs mu-
steal.
The artist to-day is as whole souled
as his forebears were. despite the fact
more Interruptions and disturbing COM
pleXities," said the singer. 1T is be-
cause Of these that the artist faces a
handicap in many respects greater than
those which confronted him half a GEN.
fury ago, and an even greater degree
Of courage and persistence IL required
in order to succeed.
Those artists who have survived in
the struggle to best competition and
who have won recognition may be ac-
credited with a talent and achievement
which overshadow similar successes Of
a generation ago.
How vain II il. then. to assume that
commercialism has undermined artistic
endeavor and that 1t has weakened the
support OF the whole artistic scheme.
There are those who would tell us that
the ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of wealth has de-
moralized the singing profession, for
instance, an opinion usually based upon
the sole fact that IA number OF opera
soloists receive a large sum for a single
performance. While being unable to
dispute the fact that these highly paid
artists are admired the world over for
their exceptional talents, they neverthe-
less infer that money rather than artis-
tic achievement is the object commonly
shared.
This view deserves instant condem-
nation. That prices paid concert singers
are raised because OF the seemingly Law
ish sums expended on opera stars is in
measure true, but why begrudge the
singer good livelihood? In propor.
ton to the enjoyment afforded the pub
lie and in consideration OF the distinc.
ton horne by the singer, do not the in
dividual receipts of the artist, who
makes possible this whole system Of
entertainment. seem after all to be
moderate?
"A party OF fashionably gowned
omen seated in box listening to a
concert soprano are quick to observe
her attractive costume. Their Inference
Is that her dress betokens prosperity
and a life Of ease. frightened by her
apparently simple vocal performance.
II they should follow her from CITY TO
city and discover that the same cos
tune graced her presence at every an.
pearance. they could catch a glimpse
OF the many rigid economies practised
by the singer. they might experience
a change OF sentiment and finally be
induced to believe that clothes and
comfort are not the goal OF the artist.
Among the painters and illustrators
the cry Ii heard that they are forbidden
to live up to the light as they see ~,
that they are compelled to cater TO an
inferior taste, to the uneducated rather
than the educated classes. Many be.
wall the fact that money Is not TO be
had for those who devote themselves to
the most difficult branches OF their art
bu' 1t Ia rather those who allow them.
selves to he commercially subsidized
VINO are enabled TO live in fine houses
and drive automobiles.
such argument. Of which much 1.
heard places a wrong Interpretation
upon art. The singer. the painter, the