Evening star., 1934-10-28

While perhaps the richest collectlon
of music and books on music in the
world is to be found in the Library of
Congress, it is not circulating COL
lection and therefore does not sup
ply the same need as will the music
section of the Public Library. With
the present nucleus of 5000 pieces of
music, covering every department Of
music, and its 800 books on musical
subjects, it will be at the disposal of
all the students, teachers, musical
organizations and professional must-
clans and music lovers. This col
lection will be enlarged as funds per-
NIT and by transfers of material from
the Library of Congress.
A serious musician has constant
need of access to a musical library,
not only to study the music itself, but
for the purpose Of seeking inspiration
from the writings of experts on va
riouS angles of music. While the
general idea for which every one is
working remains unchanged, the
method of arriving at that idea
differs with the individual. 1t seems
that nearly every one who has thought
largely about technique or interpre-
tation has an urge to give out their
thoughts in print. Even if one can
not agree entirely with the authors
point of view, there is always some
stimulus to be gained from reading
these books on the mechanical side
of music.
The development of musician re-
solves itself into a thoroughly per-
sonal affair. for after all explanations
have been made by teacher the stu
dent must make the application and
many obscure points are cleared up
through reading as a supplement to
the teachers principles. One can
learn equally we'll what to do or what
not to do from studying the books
that have been written by sincere
people who feel what they have dis
covered can be of assistance to others
There is nothing more delightful or
stimulating than the reading of biog-
raphies or books on musical history,
which form a large part of the COL
lection now available at the Public,
Library. Those who have won ever
lasting fame in music have been be-
ings who, although formed in a diff
ferent mold from the ordinary run of
mortals, were nevertheless subjected
to these same trials and their reac-
tions are of great value in helping
the public understand the master
pieces they have given posterity. To
listen to great symphony with the
circumstances surrounding its con-
ception clear in the mind, to be able
to visualize the mental and material
phase through which the composer
was passing when he thought in the
particular musical terms he uses, is
to listen with keener sympathy and
broader understanding.
These are but few of the splendid
opportunities that are to be at the dis
posal of student or lover of music
through the institution of a circulat-
ing musical library. Time can be
taken now to refresh the memory or
become more intimately acquainted
with the compositions of The worlds
musical geniuses. Everyone, rich or
poor, can I've access to this collection
and personally aducate himself with
out expense, by studying and reading
the material at hand.
On the occasion of this auspicious
opening Of the music division of the
Public Library the good wishes of all
true music enthusiasts will be offered
to the librarian, DR.. Bowerman, the
trustees of the library and the un-
known donors of funds who have made
the division possible with the hope
that 1t will bring a gratifying return to
them in the increased growth of mu-
sical understanding through the open