Evening star., 1937-04-17

the presence Of the vital forms OF
music, even under the guise Of unfa-
miliar terms. But most Of it is
purely superficial, conceived under
the urge to be different and with the
neurotic idea that the fevered imag-
inings Of nerve-tortured brains are
valuable contribution toward music
growth. The effect Of such music is
disastrous on the listener and more
vitally on the ideas OF the coming
generation.
Shakespeare calls music concord
of sweet sounds" and again "the
cause why music was ordained-was
it not to refresh the mind Of man
after his studies or his usual pain?"
If one go no deeper than in the
physical effect which the modern
harmonization has upon one, one
would realize that composition
which leaves the mind fatigued and
the nerves jangling is not producing
the age-old accepted properties of
music. Were a man to live in an
environme.-t of piercing noise, he
would soon feel a reaction, and be
advised by physician to seek more
soothing atmosphere. Yet, in the
name of art and of duty, we sit
through the same condition in con-
cert hall and think we are assisting
at the development of music.
The same lack of nervous stability
is back of the attitude toward music
study which every teacher will be-
moan. How many students are will
ing patiently to lay a foundation
through study of the mild classics or
the soul revivifying works of the later
geniuses. 1t is SO much more exc1t-
ing to have music in which noise and
rhythm predominant, where the har-
monies are calculated to arouse quite
the contrary from the spiritual con-
cepts which have long been hailed as
the particular reward Of fine music.
In the artistic development Of pro-
fessional musicians the state Of the
nervous system must be taken into
consideration. How many careers
have been wrecked or hindered be-
cause the nerves were not under proper
control All ideas to the contrary,
a real artist can be made only from
a thoroughly nervously healthy indi-
vidual. For the basis of artistic work
is physical and mental control, con-
stantly exercised. The wear and tear
of public life are enough to shatter
the nervous system without allowing
the tension Of living to exceed nor
NAL. Musicians who know their only
never be artists nor will they ever be
composers of lasting repute. Relaxa-
ton, quiet, contemplation, and general
good health are the most necessary
requirements for the making of artists.
It is high time that We take stand
against the superhcialities which sur
round the music of the present day
This applies to the layman as well as
to the musician, for nothing is to be
gained in encouraging the output Of
music which harrows the nerves Of
the listeners. Real music will soothe
the nerves, will give strength to the
SOUL and will awaken noble thoughts
in the mind.
Could one ask for a better standard
by which to judge music, the full
properties Of which 60 far deeper than
the mere clever invention of har-
monies? And unless the nerves are
soothed, the more spiritual develop
ment can never take place. Remedy
the nervous desires of the present gen.
Grafton and our new music will pro-
gress along the paths that have been
made glorious by the genius of those
gifted ones whose like has never been
euualed in modern wears,