New Britain herald., 1929-11-22
"NIATED ONE DAY AT THE ORGANo

AT THE ORGAN"
 Just about the time when Joseph C. Beebe began discussing music prior to the beginning of his recital at the South Congregational church Tuesday night a lot Of harmony was
 flowing over the air. A famous clim- iAation competition by aspiring sing CTS vas being held. The 5o000 wat ter in Hartford was radiating the 1 Schubert "ROsamundc" overture. i The movie palaces were attracting thousands of folks seeking mechan- ical entertainment. And so on.
 But regardless how many organ ists are heard over the air, the mu- sic they play is nothing like that which Organist Bcebc was dispcns- ing 10 such auditors as came within earshot organ music over the radio for long has been a travesty upon the dignity of the instrument If the Lew Whites are not playing theme songs they are pleasing" with what Mr. Bcobc would call trash" Nobody need expect to hear thorough cXcmpilication O. the glorics Of Bach over the air.
 Hence, in spite of all the supposed musical competition given to con- c"rts nowadays, we doubt whether this competition really exists from the standpoint of quality. If some star organist" in q New York cine ma holds forth over q radio chain i1 is certain that the bulk or his offer ings will be little melodies which are as far removed from true organ art as nursery rhymes are from Shakespeare. How the great or gan is traduccd over the radio is c distressing subject to most sincere opponents Of its maximum potcntial- ities
 In Portland, Me, the city now pcs sesses | lars" auditorium, but il has municipal organ and d municipal organ8t. In Chattanooga, Tenn. the same system prevails. Dozens of other cities think equally well of cultiyating the higher life among citizens In Great Britain town halls usually contain auditoriums and an organ for public concerts and other uses.
 It is true that in most instances Of municipal auditoriums and mu- nicipal organists in the United States thcy have been made possible through private generosity. at least in part. But most cities in this coun- try spend large sums for public parks, which are only used in sum- mer, and neglect to make cxpendi- lures for the benefit of citizens in winter
 In New Britain tho city's greatest organ is in a church. The church provides the skilled performer, and the rccitals are free. The city is get ting all that could be secured in municipal hall with q municipal or gan and organist in it. with the cx- ception that the attending publicity has not been very forceful. It is not enough merely 10 have in attend ance a circle of music lovers who go wherever there is music, but it ought 10 be essential to interest the general public 10 better purposes The cultural values of a high class organ recital are undcniable; but such values can only attain a maxi mum distribution through wide pub lie interest. It may be true that the public is nearly suffcitcd with mu- sic due to mechanical distribution but after all there is nothing like the real thing amid dignificd and proper surroundings. The educa- tional value that goes with such a program as was given the other eve ming deserves to become a pleasant memory in the minds of the widest possible number of Ctizcns.