New-York tribune., 1922-04-09
Concerning the American
Academy of Music at Rome

! the largest received, was helpful, had
it not been for the many IS yearly sub
scriptions promised the department
of music Of tho American Academy
would not have been a reality to-day.
Three scholarships Of $4,000 were
subscribed, one dedicated to tho sub
scribcr. Frederic A. Juillisrd, the other
rosch in honor of the American con-
| ductor's fiftieth anniversary, and the
third in honor of Americas greatest
| composer, Horatio Parker, were made
up OF small contributions. That Of
Waiter Damrosch is probably now COM
pete When Professor Lamond LETT
tho United States it amounted DO
S26 900, but the great concert organized
by Mrs Osborne will probably complete
the required sum.
There are two composers now at the
American Academy--Leo Sowerby, who
! shows great promise, and Howard Han
! sen, whose music was played at the
music festival at San Francisco last
year, and whose "Exaltation" recently
was given at st. Louis. The third Prix
de Rome will be competed for in May
These scholarships allow the COM
posers to study abroad for three years.
The purse amounts to $1,000 for up
keep and $1,000 for travelling expenses.
The student stays in Rome six months,
while for the next six months he trav-.
els to the different musical centers of
Europe, timing his arrival with the
musical seasons when new compost
tons are being given. Professor La
mond, who will accompany the stu
dents not only knows the prominent
composers in England, Germany and
France, but also has letters Of intro
duction to musical circles in the large
cities.
Professor Lamond has received many
letters of encouragement in his ideal
mission as director of this department.
Some are from musicians who regret
that 1t was not founded years ago. The
students are obliged to live at the
so they keep in touch with the art and
archaeological students, all imbued with
the same idea of creative work for the
glory of American art. Martin, Ryer-
son, of Chicago, was heard to saw that
the students of the American Academy
in Rome were Americas best ambassa-
dors.
There is no chance of the students
Laying away their time in Europe,
Every year a certain amount Of work,
consisting of compositions either for
piano or orchestra, must be sent back
to the jury, who will study the score
to learn the students Improvement. In
case of failure to abide by this rule it
is believed the student would be re-
called as unwilling to study. Another
interesting clause is that all compost.
tions executed during the three-year
term are to be considered the prop
erty Of the academy. The jury is very
lenlent, however, and requires only that
the compositions should be sent for
its inspection before being disposed of.
lhis is the case of a composition Cor
two pianos which MIR. Sowerby has Just
finished and will send to the Jury,
which, after inspection. will forward
1t to we'll known pianists who are wait
ing Tor it, This is Mr.. Sowerby's first
composition since he arrived at the
academy, and the director assures ma
1t shows that already his modern style
OF music based on his admiration for
the French school has become beauti
ned by his five months stay in Rome.