Free trader-journal and Ottawa fair dealer. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1920-1927, 1922-10-12
GOOD MUSIC.

The late Theodore Thomas founder OF the Chicago Symphony
orchestra probably the greatest force the country ever had TOR
raising standards defined popular music IN substance
as music with which we are familiar He worked upon the theory
that if the masses could be made familiar with really good Music
that would be the popular music rather than the catchy airs that
have no real musical merit but here today and gone tomorrow
One has but pick request program OF today OF the OaSo
SYMPHONY patrons and of the period shortly following the
organization of the Theodore Thomas orchestra to note the differ
cne in the numbers most popular And these requests for the best
in music fad but because the audiences which
have attended the Symphony Orchestra concerts Cat first perhaps
because was the proper thing socially do have become familiar
with best in music and peaSes them best Unfortunately
however the number Of people who have the opportunity to be-
come familiar with the best music comparatively limited with
the result that catchy airs and the demorang but the masses
aurng Jazz that heard every hand the popular music
of today So that when opportunity offered to hear the best
figure within the reach Of all the opportunity hond he
the OF both by the individual that he idea of what
the best those in the process of education may know
the difference between the best and the worst An opportunity tor
the public to the best will be offered the evening
the musical festival be given this city October 2+th
Goth inclusive when of the finest artists in the state will
participate.
typical example OF how familiarity with good music will alter
that OF the late and wordheoved Mark Twain
conceded everywhere Americas greatest huorst and writer
of truth and hard Mark Twain pker
trimmer but gave the world his impressions truhfuy he
got them Away back 1873 he 8" have attended opera
whenever could help it. for fourteen years now am
know of agony comparable the listening to unfamiliar
opera enchanted with the airs OF Trovatoe and other old
operas which the hand organ and the box have made entirely
familiar to my ear | carried with delight and enthusiasm
when they sung the opera But OH how far between they
have heard enough classic music to be able
enjoy and the simple truth is detest it. Not mildly with all
my heart If base music gives wings,w by should
any other? But do to like the higher and better
because the higher and better like it..
writer asks "Wha then the of the development
of Mark Twains passion for music for that what virtually
amounted the end?'
Mark Twain had daughter who educated and eminent
musician Furthermore she married Ossp Gabrowtch famed alike
pianist and conductor He couldn't from good
he had to hear But that he passed middle life without
music meaning to him than pretty prodgos per
torrance After OF deaths his family, heartboken he
ready to heed the advice OF his daughter Nine Gabrlowtch
seek soace and to this end he had reproducing organ
stalled his New York home and he acted largely his daughters
suggestion as to the records Good music became passion with
him The result given by his daughter
Beethoven, Wagner Schuber Chopin Brahms soon be-
came his daily companions and he presently grew love the very
songs that tried earlier to interest him without