Evening star., 1927-05-08

"HE time is about ripe for q
thorough discussion of the
music season 1907 that is
u drawing 10 a close with 4
few outstanding performances listed
for the month Of May. Next week
this column will be devoted to q
resume of the professional opera
orchestra, chamber music, instru-
mental and vocal performances given
during the season about to close. By
far the most important element in
these resumes, however, is not the
statistical resolution of a season S
productions, but rather the artistic
effect upon the development of the
community as musical center II
is the interior rather than the sur
face values that form the true gauge
of the success or failure of musical
entertainments i'll Washington. Simi-
larlv. it is the amount of active par
ticipation by local citizens in musi-
cal endeavors that is the keynote to
local progress in these lines. One Of
the most commendable features of
the entire season has been the de-
velopment OF the Composers Club
of Washington, not only in the
works produced or published by its
individual members. but rather III
the fine spirit of broad minded com
radeship that is a striking element
in the atmosphere of this group.
1t has been the habit of members
OF the generations preceding the
present group of youngest folk really
interested in music in Washington to
arouse comment for having depre-
Gated each others work, So-called
'cstty" comments, laid too fire.
quent1y TO the door of artistic tenn
perament." have been associated with
the musicians and leaders in local
music circles. The only comments of
such a nature that the writer has
heard in more than four years of
close association with the majority
of those interested in production of
musical entertainment here have
come either from the very old mem
bers of music circles-several genera
tions removed from those at present
most active in the actual production
of music here-or else from business
men and women who have no really
vital interest in music and look upon
that phase of this Citys growth as
superficial and unnecessary adj
junct.
The real musicians and music
lovers of Washington are not mar
row. minded or 'bigoted Neither are
they lacking in generous support of
each others endeayors. There is a
spirit of competition, it is true, but
the old spirit of unreasonable. mar
row jealousy, formerly attributed,
and not without cause, to these cir
cles, is fast dying out. with only two
or three glaring exceptions visible on
the current horizon.
ONE of the finest things that ever
~ happened to arouse genuine in
tefest and sense of cooperation in
local music circles was the meeting
held last Tuesday evening at the
Arts Club of Washington. when that
rare thing-a real discussion of musi-
cal affairs-was INDUCED in by about
twoscore people. all of whom are
vitally interested in music in this
city. William Bruce King opened the
meeting with some of his own opin-
ions on What Washington Needs
in Music" Although he divided his
Introductory paragraph into four di-
visions-operatic, orchestral. cham
Der music, and choral music needs
of this community-fle never got be-
yond the first two, SO interested had
his audience become in exchanging
not only opinions. but real facts on
the situation. This is the healthiest
kind of discussion that one could de-
sire to clear away false impressions
and valuations. May there be many
more such meetings. In fact, the
idea suggested to the writer that
local music lovers and musicians
might perhaps be interested in estab-
fishing a letter forum through the
91nedium of this page as the New
York Times has conducted for some
time past and as the Philadelphia
Public Ledger seems to have found
of interest to the readers of their
music columns. Will any who read
this who are interested in the sug-
gestion please send us a line on their
opinions regarding such a plan?
1t is all very we'll to have ones
friends hatter ones efforts in any
musical endeavor, but there is moth
ing like wholesome, kindly comment
on the why's and -wherefores of any
individuals or groups performances
TO help raise the standard and change
the much excused amateur into a
worthy professional.
In speaking of local musical efforts
special attention is called at this
time to the big massed concert tc
be given Wednesday week, May Is
when choruses. choirs, quartets and
soloists that are active in giving pro-
grams in the churches. and concerts
Nor various organizations here, viii
participate. John Finley William.
son, the conductor who established
himself as a genius i'll his line wher
he showed what could be done with
natural unframed voices through the
medium of the Westminster Choir o.
DAYTON, Ohio, will be the director.
Most important in this connec
ton, however, is the project of Mr.
Williamson having been engaged Il
give FIVE lectures on choral conduct
ing. These lectures will be giver
Thursday and Friday of this weel
and Monday, Tuesday and Wcdnes
day of next week at 4 As O'Clock il
the afternoon. The whole series o
FIVE lectures will cost only s., AM
all who are interested III music gen