Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-06-02
Imagination Is Necessary
For Musician and Student
Colors Attitude and Determines Standing of
the Northumberland Be Replaced by
Scientific Formula in Composition.

the kind that only such an art can
bestoW.
If one approach any problem with
the assistance of the imagination, half
of the solving is already accomplished.
This marvellous faculty with which the
human race is endowed is the basis of
every progressive enterprise which has
improved the conditions of the world.
In music, it is the lever by means of
which the curtain is raised on visions
of beauty, on ennobling thoughts, on
enhancing sounds of another charac-
ter than is to be found in any other
connection. To imagination is also
closely allied the desire and the power
of creation. Music, from the moment
the first note is conceived to every re-
production thereafter, is creation.
Unfortunately, whether from the
standpoint of a musician or from that
of an enjoyer of music. the personal
quality of creation is not always al
lowed its freedom 1t is so simple to
initiate, either in performance or in
forming an opinion, especially in the
question of music values, and that
frailty is responsible for much of the
ordinary music that is TO be found on
all sides. The individual idea is al
ways recognizable and commands re-
speCt. even if one does not agree with
it. II is true that one has the right to
an individual opinion only after hav-
ing aScertalned an accepted viewpoint,
yet many never attempt to pass be-
yond the boundary of this first knowl-
edge. But if one would claim the title
of artist or be a real force in aiding
music 10 circulate in our midst, then
must one cultivate free play of fam
tasy and permit the ideas and senti-
ments that are thus born to be the
guiding light directing the accomplish
ment Of purpose.
True Imagination, totally differing
from a mere indulgence in dreams, is
allied to the reasoning faculty and the
will. The power of this trinity is
boundleSs and the motivating element
in progression. Resolved to its funda-
mentals. the study of music, the inter-
probation of music and the develop
ment of music is based on the use of
the imagination. All the negative
qualities that may seen great in work.
Ing with music disappear under the
influence of the mind aglow with the
visions of what might be. A divine
discomfort" is engendered that urges
on to new attainments which carry
the allure of a promised land. The
entire color of life, thought and en-
deavor is established through the
mental imagery, and art is completely
dependent on its force and originality.
The surest way to keep the magma
ton active in music is by reading. Not
all OF us are capable of noteworthy
creation by our own powers, but these
may be stimulated and directed. The
lives of the composers, analytical
studies of their works, are the first
resource which should be supplement-
ed by a broadening of interest in
other arts in particular. Poetry aids
in lyric comprehension, prose and
drama, in the emotional, the two ele-
ments constantly found in music in
depreciation.
Nor is this solely the privilege of
the artist but is necessary for the
music lover who welcomes the devel-
opment of music in community. The
civic tolerance of musical program
is not question of dollars and cents
but of the spiritual influence which
any right-minded citizen will &C
| knowledge is obligatory if there is to
be no deterioration. The proper use of
the imagination in art and civic af-
/ fairs repays the world in beauty and
/ lightens the burdens of this lifes
/ passage.