Evening star., 1935-09-08

we nave stepped into the nmellght
country is talking about what is being
done musically in the Capital and we
are gradually wirning our way to that
place of musical prominence which is
particularly the birthright of the city
which already enjoys that prominence
in other ways.
For the first time in our history,
there is union of ideas and a uni
formity in planning for which every
one should be profoundly grateful. The
record-breaking concert attendance of
the past season, the deep appreciation
Of the significance of music and the
willingness to permit it to count in q
personal way, are the essential factors
that stand out in reviewing the extent
of the progress toward the goal that
still lies before us. But with all the
rejoicing at the successful consumma-
ton of a rich musical season and the
great projects of the future one, there
Is no lesseling of the sense of re-
sponSibility and no abating OF the
need for further preparedness.
At this particular moment it is the
educational side Of music which claims
the attention and which Is the chief
responsibility In all musical plan
ming. Right now the future Of music
lies balancing on the decisions that
parents will make regarding the mu-
sical education of the children which
are destined to form the musical pub
lie. Shall they devote a little or a
considerable time to the study Of
music and will any kind Of teacher
do, or Is 1t worth while to have the
very best at the outset? Has every
thing been done for the advanced
student, or are they considered ready
to face q critical public with some
thing of value to contribute? These
are the questions which, whether their
Importance is understood or not, nev-
ertheless are vital in deciding what
the following years will be able to
accomplish.
There are several truths that can
never be heard too often. First, there
Is never a time when the best in
music Is not necessary. There Is
never a time when a musical educa-
ton is complete. A smattering of
knowledge in music is as dangerous
as in other things, therefore little
time devoted to music can never plumb
the depths of this inexhaustible art.
but, rather, give that dangerous small
ness of vision that retards a gain
in the fundamental benefits that in
dividual or community can expert
ence. And, lastly, if one would be
active in music one must be able to
contribute something new, a personal
angle or a greater depth or a finer
poetic sensibility, no matter how
small it may be. This Is the great
and inescapable duty OF the musician
whatever his line of work.
For some mysterious reason certain
attitudes are sustained toward music.
AS regards no other activity does one
say so smugly, II like it very much
but don't understand. anything about
It," nor. I'm not musical so I don't
70 to concerts or study music" If 1t
had to do with political, literary or
sports affairs one would be ashamed
to say as much, yet music Is dis
missed in this fashion without any
realization that 1t Is possible to know
something about music even if not
musical in the accepted sense Of the
word. For music has this advantage
that a knowledge is born in any one
with enough listening to it which. If
not technical in any sense, Is never
theless constructive in its result.
The concert schedules for the COM
ing Winter are varied and replete with
interest. The school of music and
private teachers announce additional
courses to meet every need and round
out the students education. The lat
ter are designed to help the musical"
while the former provide delight
full yet complete opportunity to others
to remedy their don't understand"
hindrance. Prices will not stand in
the way for some good music can be
had for the smallest amount of money.
The immortal Goethe wrote. "a man
should hear a little music, read little
poetry and see fine picture every day
of his life in order that worldly cares
may not obliterate the sense of the
beautiful which God has implanted in
the human soul"
While the major interest lies in the
concerts by the great artists on the
series sponsored by Dorothy Hodgkin
Dorsey, Mrs. Lawrence Townsend,
Concerts Intimes and the symphonic
programs of the National Symphony
Orchestra and the Philadelphia Or
chestra, it is worth while to take note
of the significant number of moving
pictures on musical subjects and fea-
turing good music. Tomorrow night
sees the reopening Of the Rialto Thea
ter in the first photoplay to immor-
talize an American composer. In
Harmony Lane" the life story of
Stephen Collins Foster will be por-
trayed after the fashion of Blossom
Time" and 1.-The Unfinished SYM
phony."
So closely have the songs by Fos-
ter become a beloved part of every
Americans life that they seem de-
tached entirely from the personality
Of their creator. This past year the
MISS GOODWIN