The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1930-12-12
important to Bismarck

V6lCANO Anew AOASA1
important to Bismarck
Presentation of Handels o~ratorio, "The Messiah"
scheduled for Sunday night at the city auditorium, may
easily be the start Of a musical movement IN Bismarck
which may be far-reaching in its effects.
In the kaleidoscope which we know as life we have
seen Bismarck grow In a relatively few years from an
uncharted spot in a wilderness to one Of the most mod
ern cities in America. Men still living can recall
the erection of the first log hut in the capital city Of
North Dakota.
During what might be called the formative years OF
our city, our citizens were kept busy with the arduous
labor which pioneering entails. To be sure. there always
has been a keen and adequate appreciation of the finer
things of life but, as q whole, the arts and cultural prac-
tices have not thrived to quite the same extent as else
where because the people Of Bismarck were too busily
engaged in other things. In addition the city was small
and those who might have been SO minded were unable
to find a sufficient number Of kindred souls to accom-
plish lasting results.
In recent years Bismarcks adult musical activities
have been confined largely to the churches. It Is true
that we have a relatively large number OF excellent
artists but they lacked the organization necessary to
achieve results on a community basis. The large num-
Der Of studios at which our children learn the musical
art is ample testimony to the interest which we take III
musical education for our children. Bismarck stands
second 10 no CITY VI III DIN >Af uC O"AVA IA "'"V
respect. As the artistic and cultural center for a vast
area in this section Of the northwest, the best teachers
and artists have naturally g~ravtated to this city.
But we have lacked participation by the public In
musical affairs. Except for congregational singing IN the
churches, the lusty hilarity at the luncheon clubs and an
occasional home talent minstrel, the vocal chords Of our
residents have been permitted to atrophy. At the very
best the singing Of B~ismarcks adults has been of q
~desultory and haphazard character. ;s5t&h.
We have good voices in abundance and our fail
proportion of musical organizations as compared with
other cities Of this size, but few will contend that thu
average Individual has had either the opportunity or thu
incentive to lit his voice before the public in song. <Ow
bathrooms resound with hearty bellowtngs but our public
halls are silent.
And so, the presentation of an oratorio as important a
The Messiah may well be taken as the beginning OF
new musical era in Bismarck. The 60 members Of tht
production cast are starting something which may hav
far-reaching results. Since the presentation is non
sectarian in conception and execution it enlists the in
terest Of everyone.
It is not to be expected that those who attend thu
performance Sunday night will hear the most perfec
rendition of this famous piece. Inaccuracies, tnade
quacies and errors are sure to crop up. They always d.
even in casts with highly-paid performers. Caruso i
gone. There IS only. one CALI Curci and only on
Schumann -Heink- But there are thousands Of goot
voices In North Dakota today. Hundreds Of them RICH
here in Bismarck
There are men and women living in this city toda!
who hardly ever lift their voices in song but who woult
confer q favor both upon themselves land their friend
II they would give more serious attention to music.
As q diversion there is nothing so soothing to tn
nerves and the soul as to lull ones cares away with
favorite melody. As q social accomplishment there l
nothing more certain to insure ones popularity than t
play or sing, at least moderately well. As a cultural in
fluence there Is no force more powerful than music.
This is a hurly-burly world we live in and the presen
tation Of THE Messiah" does us q favor by calling to on
attention the fine thing we are missing by not ~participat
ing in such affairs II we are qualified to do so. We ar
certain that the production will be an artistic success
and that those participating Will perform their part
with credit to themselves and pleasure to their audience
But II this Movement. results in a new awakening {
musical interest on the part Of Bsmarck's people It wi
have accomplished . real and lasting good.
If this happy end is achieved 1t will mark the beginnin
Of q new cultural epoch for North Dakota's capital city.