Evening star., 1934-12-16

more has been done it is because the
Americans were not up to the required
standard either in composition or
presentation. A man to fill Mr..
Gatti's place will be more difficult to
find than one to replace Mr.. StokoW-
ski, for the position demands great
flnesse in handling its ramifications.
All of New York City has been
aroused over the talked of merger of
the Metropolitan Opera and the Phil
harmonic Society. The pros and cons
regarding the advisability Of such
combination and the many difficulties
that confront the realization of the
plan have been heatedly dicussed in
every quarter. 1t seems that the final
decision was left to the judgment Of
Toscanini. who was to have the
artistic direction Of both organiza-
past midweek. however. a cabled mes
sage from Bruno zirato, assistant
manager Of the Philharmonic, who
had gone to Milan to consult with
Toscanini, announced that the cele-
brated conductor was against the idea,
and the proposed merger has been
abandoned.
One of the troubles was that both
organizations had recently campaigned
for funds, and how to arrange the
budget with this in mind was not an
easy matter Contributors had very
definite ideas regarding a mingling of
the two branches of art, and much of
their generosity was due to desire to
keep both opera and the orchestra as
they were. Then. too. there was the
question Of location. The Metropolitan
has already gone to considerable ex-
pense for remodeling. but the orches-
ira patrons claimed that the orchestra
on the opera stage would not sound as
well as in Carnegie Hall. one Of the
best concert auditoriums in the coun-
try, with view Of the stage from
every seat. The Metropolitan, with its
horseshoe curve and pillars. is notably
unsatisfactory for comfortable seeing.
The arranging of a schedule was
also a problem. Either a short operatic
season and short concert series, or
concerts and opera alternating, seemed
to be the only solution. yet the or
chestra directors claimed the operatic
work too exhausting to permit of good
symphony performances. ToScanini's
decision will without doubt please the
majority. The two institutions con-
tribute SO much individually to the
music life Of the country that any
change that might jeopardize the con-
tinuance Of their excellence is not to
be thought Of. The use of a promi-
nent orchestra for operatic perform
ances has been tried in Philadelphia
with fair success and the plan seemed
q feasible solution Of financial troubles
In the New York field.
While these events will undoubtedly
Induce new era Of the musical world.
the passing of Philip Hale has silenced
pen that would have been of great
value at this time. Too few of our
musical reviewers realize their duty as
did Mr.. Hale, and few musicians to-
day can match his extensive educa-
ton and experience. A man unafraid,
he encouraged or blamed with Justice.
but without regard for anything but
the truth. His name has become sy-
nonomous with erudition and honesty,
and while the fine work that has been
accomplished by Mr.. Stokowski and
Mr.. Gatti remains principally in the
memory, Mr.. Hale has left to posterity
IN concrete form the richness of his
thoughts and ideas and opinions.