Evening star., 1926-04-28
Directors Lesson i'm Manners
Applauded by Music Lovers

town New Dominion. There is very
general disregard by audiences of the
essence of courtesy TO musical and
theatrical performers. Theatergoers
have been notorious for their pre-con-
clusion rush for exits. though. be 1t
said to their credit. they have been
more considerate of musical artists.
Why SO many theater and concert hall
patrons feel they must get an early.
start for the exits will remain one of
the mysteries of human nature. Per-
haps 1t is because they have never had
their discourteous habit mirrored as
effectively as Director Stokowski sue
ceeded in doing it at Philadelphia"
X X X x
The Waterbury Democrat adds its
applause Of the director with the
statement. I'VE should like To have
witnessed the spectacle of an Ameri-
can audience being soundly spanked
and thrashed before its very eyes
Nothing on any stage in the country
has ever approached in the richness
of satire this effect TO educate the
American public to do something that
seems hopeless Now, if some enter
prising theatrical manager or pro-
ducer could only perpetrate a similar
effect in his playhouse how happy
lioSC VI uS VIII pl4ue ourselves uIl
getting to entertainments before the
curtain rises would be. There isn't
a nation in the civilized world that
so fiagrantly offends the performing
artists on the stage as the American.
Whether it is New York or Podunk
Hollow. 1t is the same"
The Decatur Review thinks there
are two sides to the question. At
testing that it shares in the CON
ductor's feelings and wishes all who
rudely stalk in late and out early
could have even more done 10 them.
the Review adds: I'VE are glad TO
know how the musicians feel and
have often wondered if they had any
thoughts on the subject of inattention
and disturbance. Our musings have
been prompted by the i'll behavior of
musicians themselves. 1t is not un-
usual for paid singers TO whisper and
grin and, with a pretense of reserve.
arrange a program while the minis
ter is reading. They might at least
try to be a satisfactory part of the
scenery"
The New York World admits that
Stokowski's stunt was magnificent.
as a piece of acting" but asks: As
a lesson in manners? One cannot
help thinking of the courtly old gen
tleman who lived alone on his huge
estates and who, regrettably enough,
sometimes associated with low COM
panions. One Sunday morning call
ers came upon him in his dining
room, brandishing a piece of kindling
wood over the PROSTATE form of
guest. What's the natter he was
asked. What's the natter he bel
lowed. He ate with his knife, that's
what's the matter. I'll teach him to
eat with his knife! I'll teach the
! drunken swine table manners""
''But where the conductor played
his little joke" it is pointed out by
the Newark Evening News, was in
| the fact that the opening and clos
ing numbers We're written by their
composers for that very treatment.
MIR. Stokowski knew that. but a large
proportion of his audience obviously
did not. Even the commentators on
matters musical apparently did not,
as only one of them noted the fact.
The others who attended the concert
| fell into the trap. Which must make
! the job of conducting a Philadelphia
orchestra a pleasant employment for
man with a bit Of subtlety In his
humorous perceptions.
Mr.. Stokowski's effort "to enlarge
MS nel0 as peudSOSue Is IeCOBiHZeu
| by the Springfield Union. which says
''he undertook, successfully. we have
no doubt, to give a lesson in man.
ners," and describes it as directed
first at that intolerably large grouk
to be found in any community thai
makes a. virtue of tardiness." The
Union records that amusement, ba6s
f1ement and chagrin companioned the
audience leaving; that some were
angry, but many more, perhaps, were
chastened," and it continues: "It may
be that Mr.. Stokowski ruined one
afternoon of music in Philadelphia.
If he did so, however, It was for the
good Of other musical afternoons. The
lesson probably will not have to be
gapaateA"