The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1919-10-02
Over tones
Being Comment on Things Musica
BY w. Wesley La ViolIette.


| just ahead Of us for the fall and win
ter it may not be amiss here to dis
cuss something regarding the intent
and purpose of this column, and some
of the business of criticism in gener-
al.
First of all, it is the desire of this
paper and of the editor of this column
that it should serve the purpose of pro-
viding news of special interest to mu-
sicians, music-lovers and concert goers,
also, that through its medium interest
should be aroused locally in musical
matters and musicians, and that it
should serve as an educationa factor
and bring to the attention of the pub
lie many of the big movements which
are constantly arousing interest and
getting response throughout the coun-
try. This is one of the few papers in
the country, outside of the metropolitan
papers, which is offering such service to
its readers and is in itself most en-
couraging sign to those who look and
long for really musical America, and
more pointedlya musical Kenosha.
The column is ostensibly coumn OF
the people, and the editor will be clad
to discuss any matter of musical in
terest which its readers may care to
suggest to him If they are of broad
enough nature and Of community inter-
lest, or to make any announcements of
musical events in Kenosha. Informa-
ton is also provided here regarding the
dates and places Of the more important
concerts in both Chicago and Milwau-
kee so that those who care to may at
tend them. 1t is felt that all these
do much to create larger music loving
class of peope in our community.
Musical Criticism and Critics.
There are many lay people, and more
than a few professionals, to whom the
musical critic and his work is a deep
dyed mystery, and who look upon the
critic as one to be stood in fear of lest
he use his privileges of the press as a
bludgeon and hold them up to be pub
ilcly scorned at. Fortunately, the day
| is past for that kind Of critic because
the public does not want to read his
| line Of stuff. And in the past, and
not so very far either, more than one
real artist has been ruined by some
critic who had not properly digested
his dinner, or who had personal spite
for the artist. Any criticism which
! simply picks flaws and makes an eff
fort to destroy the complete artistic
structure is not criticism in its highest
sense, it is simply knocking and
fault finding: which requires neither
Intelligence nor perspective. Criticism
as a business can only justify its exist
ence by constructive and not destruc-
tive criticism. It should be built on a
broad perspective founded on. an ana
| lytical, keen, intelligent knowledge Of
the subject being discussed; and all
opinions arrived at should be govern
ed by spirit Of fair mindedness and
charity, with consideration for all the
why's and wherefores. 1t is no easy OBJ
| legation, and regardless Of how sincere
/ " and conscientiously one may strive
to achieve the ideal there are always
those who cry fsour grapes and hurl
other odious epithets
The Problem in Kenosha.
| One of the most deadly things to the
musical life of Kenosha in the past has
been the spirit Of supercilious back bit
ing and knocking of one another among
the musicians, and real lack of CO.
operation among Themselves And still
many Of them wonder why we can
never do anything musically in our
town. In every other trade and pro.
fession they stand together regardless
of personal likes and dislikes or diff
ferences of opinion. But the musical
profession is notorious for just this
lack, and Kenosha is particularly af
| flicted with the disease. IF we ever
hope to come out of the woods and
darkness, we must join together in a
/ oP1AV "a Lawfully 4d1CAOob dnO CO-Op'
Grafton and work together for the com
mon good. AS community we are on
the verge of a real revival in musical
interest and activities and we must not
fail to grab the opportunity which is
ours now. IF we do, then let US keep
still about it ever after and not be
running down the town because of our
own personal crabbiness and indiffer-
/ ence! Would that we all held lit
tie more charity for the other. Can
we not assume the attitude of the larg-
er cities where one musician will speak
kindly Of another, where credit is Civ
en- where credit is due? Must one
be as old as Methusalah or as wise as
Solomon before they can earn our mig
gardly praise7 Are we not big enough
as individuals to lay aside our ham
mers and toot horn just because we
personally may not happen to be lit :?
Let's either get on the band wagon
with JOY, or stay off it If we must
- Il. - I'M