Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-09
Gotham Claims
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Tn Musical World

New York, Dec. S.-(AP)-Con-
| coded to be the worlds financial cap
ital. asserted by stage leaders of the
old world and the new to be the hub
of things theatrical, New York now
lays claim to prominence in the mu-
steal world.
| This seasons musical productions
are declared to be superior in scope,
quality and originality to anything
scheduled in London, Paris or the
| ancient seats of melody in Italy.
Most impressive of the exhibits In
support of the claim Is the Metro
politan Opera, with its constellation
of operate stars and its program
that includes the finest works If ac-
! knowledged masters and innovations
by contemporary composers.
In addition the Metropolis draws
upon the world for it's symphony
conductors, and brilliant instru-
mental artists come from many
countries to appease the musical ap-
petite of the city.
Behind these, unknown to the
general public. is the field of in
struction, marked In New York by
hundreds OF studios and practice sa-
Ions. Whilee-the majority OF the
members of the m1sicai hierarchy
|, are graduates of foreign ataliers, mu,
sicians see the time approaching
when the American student will not
have to so further than New York
for the best training. t
In the field of composition. New
York last week heard the New York
symphony Orchestra play n rCon-
eerto in F. by George Gersehwin,
product of "frin Pan Alley" whose
tunes have enlivened many musical
comedies. From this work and his
Rhapsody in Blue" critics are pre-
dieting the evolution of genuine
American from jazz. ahA
Some of The reasons for New
York's commanding position in fnu-
sic were set forth today by no less
an authority than Arturo Bodansky
Nennese conductor of the Metropol-
itan.
The city's wealth and willingness
to spend 1t for the best were first
cited.
New Workers will pay any price
for the host" Mr.. Bodansky said.
Nothing costs too much. They want
the finest and they will not be salts
fed with anything mediocre"
Americans, he said, have an ''in-
New Workers and in fact Ameri-
cans everywhere are great critics of
execution" he said. 'Tt must be ad-
mitted. however, that they cannbt
always distinguish between good and
bad music, but they do appreciate
good execution"
Jazz. Mr.. Bodansky believes. may
some day find a place in grand on
era. 1t is a form of music and
when we consider how low 1t has
taken other musical dance forms
like the waltz. nlazurka, polonaise
and the minuet to develop, IL Is not
hard to imagine that some day jazz
will develop to a point where IL will
be worthy of place with other
dance forms in the grand opera
beld."
With the Americans love for mu-
sic firmly established, Mr.. Bodansky
pointed out why SO few great singers
are developed in this country.
When a singer walks upon the
| stage at the metropolitan, he or she
must be an absolutely finished mu-
Steal product. 1t is no place for
amateurs or beginners. The public
Is paying for the very best. Thus
we have no time to train singers
who sometimes require four weeks
to master three bars of music"
But 20 years from now, when ev-
cry large American city has its own
| symphony and it's own opera COM
pany. then We may find great Ameri-
can singers who have received all of
their training in this country. And
then too. we may discover great Gre
alive musical genius in this country.
Until then, however EurOpe is like