The New York herald., 1921-02-06
BY w. J. HENDERSON.

II HE amalgamation of the Ma
tional Symphony Orchestra with
the Philharmonic brings to a
conclusion a delightful chapter in the
musical history of this village. 1t is
an open secret that the foundation of
the National Symphony Orchestra was
caused by the wrath Of persons Of
Tended by the actionssof certain Phil
harmonic powers when musicians were
needed to compose an orchestra for a
brief series of concerts planned to
bring to public notice the superlative
talents Of young conductor in whom
certain amiable women were deeply
interested.
So great was the anger Of these
celestial minds because Philharmonic
musicians were not allowed to play
under the youthful idol that they de-
termined to demolish the Philharmonic
The National Symphony Orchestra
was the weapon. 1t can be said with
out hesitation that some Of the public
spirited citizens who became asso>
ciated with the organization some time
after its inception had no knowledge
whatever Of its first causes.
Their acquaintance with orchestral
affairs was very small and they had
everything to learn. They have now
learned the most valuable fact, to wit.
that orchestral concerts are not a
money making institution. They also
have learned that it is impossible to
fill auditoriums four or Ave times a
week for orchestral concerts even when
tickets are distributed all over town
without cost.
The absorption of the National synis
phony Orchestra by the Philharmonic
and the retention Of Josef Stransky as
conductor must make the old supporters
of the veteran organization laugh in
their sleeves. The action of the busi-
ness men interested in the National
Symphony was in lire with the habits Of
men trained in Wall Street or in the
great commercial life of the country.
Consolidation of interests whose conflict
promised fatal results was natural
and inevitable business proposition"
Strengthens Philharmonic Society.
The Philharmonic Society will be the
stronger through the accession TO its
6fraCf ta nf sound financial
heads as those of Mr.. Kahn and Mr.
Mackay. These gentlemen probably will
not permit their business sense to be
obscured by any of those romantic no
tions concerning conductors which seem
to guide so many Of the we'll meaning
women active In orchestral affairs.
Mr.. Stransky may we'll smile. And
yet on the whole the successful solution
of the problems of consolidation seemed
to make him the logical candidate for
his post. Mr.. Bodanzky already has
been proved to be unavailable. His op-
cratic duties make heavy demands on
his time and strength Furthermore he
is a better operate than concert con-
ductor. and should be where he can
give his best
Mr.. Mengelbcrg has shown himself to
be an excellent drill master, and he has
improved the playing OF the National
Symphony Orchestra greatly But he.
too. has his duties elsewhere. and, fur
thcrmorc, to continue the employment
Of this star of the baton at any such
salary rs he receives for his brief visit
to US this season would be ruinous. No
orchestra conductor could be paid as
much AS he would have to receive at
the present rate for an entire season.
We are accustomed to Mr. Stranskv
and most Of US are very weary OF prima
donnas Of tho baton. Z hose VINO are not
already tired OF them will become so
No music lover can sit week in and weet
out under the insstent forcing home OF
every little point, the graphic demonstra-
tion Of every problem OF dynamics and
phrasing. and the eternal blazing OF the
starry ego. We hunger and thirst fol
conductors like Mr. Stock of Chicago
who makes an orchestra play magnih-
Gently, and yet without any evidence OF
eensatlonallsm.
In the statement issued on Thursday
morning Mr.. Mackav gave sorne uRur
as to the number Of orchestral concert.
for ed upon New York In the course Of
l a sea son. These figures were interesting
and instructive. But they did no. tell
All that should be told. In the coming
musical week. beginning Tomorrow. thore
will be thirteen orchestral concerts. IL
the week just ended there were ,sI.
Last week the Metropolitan Opers
Company gave seven performances
which included the notable revival ol
''IohenRrin" and tho debut OF Miss
Chase The Chicago company gave
seven performances. including tho pro.
ducion Of ''Jacauere.' and The revival
OF "Otcllo" There were thirteen re.
citals OF sufficient Importance 70 'de
nand news aper mention. The 'rmi
week viii be nearly az strenuous Il
Mr.. Maclsay is compelled TO admit fha'
there arc not music lovers enough tc
oil rnc scat az the orchestral 60 icert'
hecausc there are too many sucn enter
.znments he Will doubtless notice tina
operas and recltals are absorbing sorn'
OF the public interest.
Thanks to his action and that Of thu
ctner evei headed business men associ
atcd with him, the field will be clearer
next season But let these business mer
watch tho women. II is not going TO bf
the easiest thing In tho world TO deprive
them OF their 10Y in worshipplng at tho
shrine of conductor on whom they
have established personal claims. In