New-York tribune., 1920-10-24

cpment Of American civic music on
deavors, so have the stadium and the
coiIege campus succeeded the concert
nan IN our most modern and ambi-
tious musical eutertainments-ba
10 hrst principles, as it were. only on
d scale that was not dreamt of few
years ago when only small groups
Went ven to concerts. As for Brooklyn,
the love of music has been IN the
cltys heart for decades back. 1t has
not always found the means to ex-
press itself in a convincing manner
Tor there have been difficulties and
Obstacles greater, perhaps, due 20 our
proximity to New York, than have con-
tronted any other art-loving com
munity.
THE test Of the desire fer musical
expression lies, in my opinion, in
the possession by a city of we'll
regulated and capable symphony or
chestra, Just as symphonic music is
mVslc's highest and most noble utter
ance. With at least two such organ
izations overshadowing the entire
metropolitan territory, Brooklyn has
been compelled to start and stop,
start and stop again, many times.
but the handicap, great though it
may appear, was not great enough to
become lnsurnfountable. It has now
been surmounted. The Brooklyn Or
chestral Society, which made its de-
hut last winter at the Academy Of
Music and is planning one or two great
concerts for the coming season, is an
accomplished fact. It's days Of expert
mentatlon are over. 1t has been ac-
knowledged the living nucleus OF
brooklyn's future great symphony or
chestra
while the forces which have made
this orchestra possible were quietly
st work, superficial observers be-
lieved. that Brooklyn always would
remain dependent upon New York for
the reflected glory Of being a part Of
community which boasts the New
York Philharmonic, the New York
Symphony and the National Symphony
OF lchestras. Yet those who think Brook
lyn incapable of starting It's own music
al bark have only scant knowledge of
cur communitys musical history 9th
ers who know the facts always have
seen the promise Of a great future in
fine past.
First Efforts in 1865
As far back as 1865 great step for
ward was made in our musical devcl-
cpment with the formation of the
Brooklyn Philharmonic Society. The
famous neOQOre nor mas WAS us COIL
ductor, and all his devoted efforts were
in the direction of cultivating Brook
lyn's musical taste away from the com
mon inclination and upward into the
paths OF classicism. At the same time
there grew under his busy hands fine
chorus Of 800 voices, who, with the
Philharmonic Orchestra assisting, rem
dercd many of the standard oratorios
n.ost successfully. The great Sedl Or
chostra, whose brilliant concerts at
Brighton Beach were events Of magni-
tude, was the direct outcome of Mr.
Thomass S inspiratonal work.
Pitched in a minor key, but no less
pra aseworthy and serious in its mean
ing, was the work OF the once famous
Amphion Society. of Williamsburg,
splendidly supported by the music low
ers of the Eastern District, and enabled
their loyal devotion to give
choral concerts Of genuine intrinsic
worth. The Amphion Society is
thing of the past, but the Apollo Club,
called into being quarter Of d century
ago, is to-day still in its fullest expan-
sion, and its male chorus provides an
nual events which have become in