Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-06-09
M y SIG
BY HELEN FETTER.

| in a national sense, but ephemeral
alongside the comparatively ever
lasting monuments of national
| greatness raised by creative ar
lists, thinkers and scientists"
There would seem to be quite
a bit of interesting material for
thought and discussion in the
chief points brought forward by
both these eminent musical au-
thorities. 1t is true that, with the
high price of symphony orches-
tras, almost prohibitive even in
New York, where it was found
that one large orchestra could be
supported much better than two.
and also with the cut in needs
| for motion picture orchestraS
with the canned" symphonic &C
compartment for synchronized
pictures, the outlook for large
numbers of musicians to make
their living by playing in orches-
tras is growing less favorable
daily. On the other hand, any
one interested in the development
of a truly musical Nation in this
country is only too glad to hear
OF the increased interest through
out the country in choral, orcheS-
trail and band groups, for it shows
two fine indications: First, the
gaining of real musical back
ground by the individual student,
and. secondly, encouragement Of
cooperation and teamwork neces-
sary in ensemble work, which
makes for a love of music for
music's sake and not because Of
opportunities to exploit the in
dividual's talents as in solo work.
AS for Mr. Grainger's point,
namely. that the practical assist
ance given few obviously talent
ed young composers would do
nation more good musically than
the giving of hundreds of scholar
ships for developing performers,
that, too, has its laudable appli-
cation. In addition to emphaSiz-
ing the superior values Of Gre
ative work over that of the mere
interpreter when considering
country's heritage Mr.. Granger,
too, points the way to encourag-
ing interest in music in general,
Subordinating the Importance Of
particular performances.
It has been interesting to note
within the past few years that in
many lines educational author
tiles have realized more and more
the fallacy of the star system"
In athletics and dramatics, as
we'll as in music, distinct efforts
have been made to increase the
number of participants and sub
due the publicity given particu-
larly brilliant individuals. After
all, no matter how great a few
dominant personalities are bound
to become; no matter how much
mechanical invention will make
higher standards of musical per-
Torrance available to wider audi
actual participation in musical
events will retain its supreme ap-
peal to those who have any talent,
however modest, and the way for
giving such talent opportunity
will be found inevitably.
TT used to be that grand opera in
1 America was a luxury, enjoyed
by the wealthy folk, accompanied
with all the glitter and panoply
of which the aptly-named "dia-
mond horseshoe" of the Metro
politan Opera House, in New
York, was symbolic. In Italy,
Germany and France grand opera,
through the medium of the pro-
vincial opera houses. has become
as familiar to people generally as
motion pictures are to the Amer
lean public. Recently. with the
radio as the instrument, various
individuals and groups have broad
cast arias, scenes and even en-
tire operas to the American pub
lie. Also more recently the syn
chronized photoplay concerns are
announcing the imminent pro.
duction of various grand operas,
even attempting such ambitious
subjects as Wagner's famous
Ring"
Herbert M. Johnson of the Chi
cago Civic Opera Co., writes in a
letter from London:
"All England is much exercised
over the effect of the talking
movies on opera and the theater,
but now most of the critical writ
ers take the position that there is
a field for both, and that the
talking movie cannot supplant
either opera or theater. Indeed,
the general impression seems to
be that there will be an opposite
effect. One writer says: No loud
speaker can ever take the place
Of the beautiful human voice"
Mr.. johnson also mentions that
operatically London seems more
interested in German than italian
and French repertoire. This is
particularly interesting, as sew
eral musicians who came back
from Europe last Winter said that
in Germany the general trend of
favor was toward italian opera.
especially the operas of Verdi,
rather than the native German
opera.
Jules Falk, director of musical
activities on the famous Steel
Pier Of Atlantic City, announced
that beginning today IS Sunday
evening performances of opera In
English will be given in the ball
room of the pier. Principals from
the Metropolitan, Chicago Civic,
San Carlo, American, Philadelphia
Grand and Philadelphia Civic
Opera Cos. will appear in the
| different productions. Tonight
the opera will be Leoncavallo' 5
II Pagliacci," with Natalie Hall,
George Fleming Houston, Charles
Hedley, John Uppman and Ray
! nannd 0,Rrien all Of the An1eri-