Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-07-11
REJECTION OF CANTATAS
STTRS MANUSCRIPT SOCIETY
Some Members Criticize Ref A,eard Prize Based
Contention That No Music Submitted Vas " Worthy

Controversy has arisen over the re-
script Musical Socicty's competition
for the best cantata on peace. with n
statement from the judges that not one
of the compositions submitted was
worthy of consideration, and that the
500 prize would not be awarded.
The contest was open to composers all
over the country, but it is understood
that only three manuscripts were sub
mitted, two of them by Philadelphia
artists. Both of the latter, according
to members of the club and artists in
terested in the contest, were worthy of
consideration and recognition should
have been given at least one of them.
1t is believed that Stanley Addicks,
one of the judges, voted to award the
prize to Camille Teckwer, vice president
of the society and successful composer
and artist, but was opposed by Henry
Gordon Thunder and Clarence j. Baw-
den. the other judges.
The prize cantata was TO have been
sung at the Peace Jubilee in November.
One stipulation was that its execution
should consume between twenty and
forty minutes.
Too Long Is Criticism
"The only technical criticism offered
by the judges of Mr.. Ieckwer's COM
position, according to my understands
ing" said Wilton w. Blancke, who
wrote the libretto for the cantata. twas
that it was too long. | have carefully
timed the performance a number of
times and l have heard Ieckwer play
it in thirty minutes. In a few places
he may have rendered it more rapidly
than it would have been when sung.
but, allowing for that, it could not take
more than thirty five minutes for its
performance. So that criticism does not
hold.
81 must admit that the only reason
I can see for failing to award the prize
to Zeckwer was professional jealousy
unless the judges are willing to admit
stultified musical judgment. have
studied music for twenty years. and.
while I am not professional musician,
in my opinion Xeckwer'S cantata is
thing of great beauty and excellence.
and ranks among the best of his many
splendid COMPOSITIONS lie certainly
knows technique and harmony. lie is
no amateur. Several of his compost
tions have been given by the Phila-
delphia Orchestra, and his cantatas
have been sung by the Strawbridge
Clothier chorus. He has published
more than fifty compositions of merit.
Judgment Rests on Music
"I feel at liberty to express myself
in this way concerning the matter. even
though I am personally concerned, be-
cause the judgment in such contests
rests almost wholly on the music rather
than the words. Ny part in the cantata
was small one. was keenly disap-
pointed and indignant simply because |
believe an injustice has been done Ieck-
wer. 1t is not my opinion alone. either.
The cantata was heard by prominent
artists both members of the society and
outsiders. who pronounced it excellent.
"Mr. Zeckwer has hesitated to take
up the matter, even though he felt the
injustice, because he thought it would
be unsportsmanlike. 1t is barely posi-
BILE that the decision will not hold.
Though the judges have announced it,
the matter must be taken up by the
board of managers of the society and
voted upon by them before it is settled.
As the judges are always appointed by
the board, that body usually accepts
the decision without question. But
there is so much feeling over this among
the members that there may be some
controversy There is growing feel
ing that such contests, where so many
local artists are concerned, should have
judges selected from Outside-Judg"s
who will not be prejudiced.
No Ground for Charge
"YOu understand that the judges have
a perfect right to come back in this in
stance with the remark that the decision
was rendered upon their personal judg-
ment Of music, and they have right to
their opinion. There is nothing tangible
to hang any accusations of jealousy
upon, but everywhere there is the at
mosphere aud the feeling"