Evening star., 1937-03-13


to light another of its duties toward
the community which supports it.
Not only intoxicating a love for the
classics and recognition of the later
masters of composition, but also max
Ing its public acquainted with every
new trend in musical thought, is the
responsibility of every large organiza-
ton, and particularly of the Ma
tional Symphony, created for the edu-
cation, the pleasure and uplift of the
citizens OF this city.
Time has proven and noted musi-
clans have acknowledged that the
music which has had its origin and
impetus in the United States is
worthy Of serious consideration by all
music lovers. 1t is not said that, in
its present stage one finds the finished
product, nor that it is more than a
link between the music of the past
and the music of the future. But,
however regarded, it is important to
note that 1t cannot be overlooked nor
lightly discarded because it is reac-
tionary in idea and form from what
has been the standard for several
centuries. And as regards the import
ance OF this American-born music, We
have the encouraging interest of Eu-
ropean musicians, whose musicianship
Is above reproach.
MOT long ago, in an article in the
New York Times, Arthur Selma
bel is reported as of the opinion that
"the next renaissance in music is
likely to have its chief sources and
inspiration in the United States" In
speaking of musical appreciation, he
says: People sometimes come to
me and say, I like music. but what
can do to really appreciate it2' But
II q person likes music. then he does
appreciate 1t. What more can We
expect Of him? After all, to like 1t
is the fundamental thing. II man
likes jazz, I do not consider him
low fellow for 1t. He merely reflects
the spirit OF his time. 1t may be
that he will grow fond Of Beethoven
and Mozart In time, but II he does not
do not blame him. His reactions
are at least honest"
Whatever the more thoughtful mu-
siclanS can say against Jazz and
SWING music, one thing can be said
in favor of lit has the SpOntanety.
the sincerity and the color that should
always belong to the gerateSt of music.
1t is arousing musical fundamentals
IN the American people, giving them
their own form Of expression, and
there Is no telling where, once begun,
this feeling for music will end. Not
long ago the book, Swing That
Music by that outstanding repre-
sentative Of this particular type Of
music, Louis Armstrong, came into
this writer's hands, and a few thoughts
from 1t may be worthy of passing
on for wider consideration and are
quoted herewith.
Il had been brought up with
group Of great musicians They didn't
know Bach from Beethoven or Mozart
from MendelSSohn, and maybe hadn't
even heard Of them, and, strange as
1t may sound, ! think that is exactly
why they became great musicians.
and not many Of them having proper
education in reading music of any
kind, they Just went ahead and made
up their own music. They made
music for themselves which truly ex-
pressed what they felt, they created
swing.
IF THOSE early swing rn,sicians
had gone TO music schools and
been taught to know and worship
music, and been told it was sacri-
legious 10 change a single note of
what was put before them to play.
swing music would never have been
born at all. They would have gotten
the idea that written music, whether
1t Is great classic or Just a popular
sir, Is something sacred that must
never be touched, especially by
beginner. Now, do not believe that
books ,tL