Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-11-02
Music SUFFERS
FROM THE VAR
Ouslook for Season Here a
Present Time Chaofic-Pro.
fession Hard Hit

BATTERED by the war, buffeted by
d the "fu," the Philadelphia musical
season Of 1s1s-ls made its belated ap-
pearance at the Academy Of Music
yesterday afternoon, when the Phila-
delphia Orchestra gave the first impor-
tant concert In fact, II might almost be
said TO have been the first concert Of the
year.
The war has made itself felt in every
walk of life and music has not escaped
he lot Of the other professions. In
deed, as the active cultivation of the
art IN the form Of learning to play or
0ing might be considered somewhat Of
4 luxury, there Is little doubt that
financially the musical profession has
been harder hit than most others. At
the same time. the value of hearing good
music. with its tremendous, II silent,
eject upon the public morale. is recog-
nixed by those who are directing the
destiny OF the ration. Therefore there
10 little doubt that music will be con-
eidered as an essential" as 1t really is,
IN the last analysis.
THE outlook for the season at this
i time, outside Of the regular orchestra
concerts and operatic performances, is
somewhat chaotic. Comparatively few
concerts have been postponed. because
condition caused by the war were SO
uncertain that few soloists cared to an
nounce recftals until the season began
with the concerts OF the big orchestras
and the musical atmosphere clarified
The most important Of the postponed
fecitals was that Of Jascha Heifetz
scheduled for last Wednesday at the
Metropolitan. which concert was torn
from its moorings by the gale of in
huenxa and swept away to a date to be
announced later.
The attitude Of America towards
music in wartime Ia still more or less Of
an unanswered question. There are
many whose sons or husbands have
made the supreme sacrifice for universal
liberty. and into the souls Of whom the
iron has entered deep, but as a nation
we have not had the real horrors Of war
brought home to us. Therefore, It re-
mains to be seen whether we as peo-
pie will turn to. music for solace in the
same sense as have the burdened,
weary people Of France and England
whether the problems of the world strife
will merely distract our attention from
music, or whether the worlds burden of
grief will drive us to 1t for the solace 1t
unqustionably gives. Upon the answer
to this hangs the fate Of the coming
season.
NVHE concerts of the Philadelphia Or
with the series by the Boston Sym
phony and three concerts of the New
York Symphony Society, form the basis
Of the local season.
The orchestra has unquestionably
been strengthened in personnel by the
changes which Mr.. Stokowski has made.
Andre Maquarre, for many years first
flutist of the Boston Orchestra, takes
the same position in our orchestra, sue
ceeding his brother. Daniel Maquarre.
who left at the close of last season.
Emile F'erir. solo viola of the Boston
Orchestra, takes the same position here,
succeeding Alfred Lorenz, who returns
to the first violins, from which choir he
was originally selected by Mr.. Stokow-
ski to become first VIOLA There are
number of other changes In the person.
mel which have tended to strengthen the
organization.
In one way the influenza epidemic
helped the orchestra, even IL its effect
upon the general musical season was not
90 good. 1t gave them three weeks Of
daily rehearsal. which in a season when
q great many new or at least unfamiliar
works will be performed, will prove to
be decided advantage. AS there were
no concerts during this time, the or
chestra was able to give its undivided
time and attention to the rehearsal of
these compositions, and much was
gained which will be apparent to the
regular concertgoer later in the season.
nFUCH1mterest. not to say curiosity,
Xvl attends upon the first two con-
certs of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Philadelphia musicians are eager to see