Evening star., 1940-02-13

EdDin Macarthur rehearses
When he was a 'teen-age Denver
bank runner aspiring to q musical
career. Edwin Macarthur more than
once was advised to change his name
to Arturo or Leopold.
Musicians with foreign-sounding
names seem to get ahead faster in
this country" his friends said.
But the 32-year-old Macarthur,
who will be guest conductor of the
National Symphony Orchestra to-
morrow night at Kristen Flagstad's
appearance as soloiSt at Constitution
Hall, owes his comparatively early
success as conductor primarily to
the fact that he is unmistakably
American-in name and personality.
And, paradoxically, this success is
attributable in large degree to
foreigner the Norwegian soprano,
Nine. Flagstad.
On her arrival in the United States
for concert tour, Nine. Flagsted re-
ceived large number OF letters from
pianists who wanted to be her ac-
companist. The first letter came
from Edwin Macarthur, who had
been accompanist for John Charles
Thomas, Elizabeth Rethberg. Eno
Pima, Richard Crooks and others.
Liked Tall Appearance.
He was the first and only appn-
cant to get tryout.
Il liked your playing all right" Mr..
Macarthur said Nine. Flagstad told
him later. but the main reason YOU
got the job was that you were tall
and ! thought YOU would look nice
with me on the platform"
Mr.. McArthur Is 6 feet tall; Nine.
Flagstad feet 10 inches. ..f =
The Norwegian diva, wishing to
show her appreciation for the en-
thusiastic reception American audi
ences gave her, decided to obtain
what musical opportunities she
could for the young American ac-'
companist.
Proud of Confidence.
Mr.. Macarthur is proud that Nine.
Flagstad "has suficient faith in me
and my talents to use her influence
in my behalf. It's true that through
her have got number of engage
ments I could not possibly have OBJ
tanned otherwise, but it is equally
true that it will be up to me and to
me alone to make good in these
engagements"
Critics in California, Chicago and
other Western and Midwestern
cities have praised Mr.. McArthur's
work as a conductor, particularly
for his Interpretation of Wagnerian
music.
Not only is Mr.. Macarthur the
youngest conductor of major SYM
phony orchestras in America, he is
one of the few conductors who sing
the music they direct-at rehearsals.
Sometimes I forget myself and
start singing during a concert" he
admitted yesterday after a rehear-
sal at Constitution Hall. Usually,
my wife signals me to hush before
I get too loud" he added, smiling
at Mrs. Macarthur, who identified
herself as strictly amateur singer
and pianist.
Mr.. Macarthur this afternoon was
to present Walter Reed Hospital
patients with an advance copy of
the Wagner album of five records,
which Nine. Flagstad, Lauritz Mel
chior and the San Francisco SYM
phony Orchestra made under his
direction. The album is to be re-
leased nationally tomorrow.
Engaged by Crooks.
As far back as he can remember,
Mr.. McArthur's ambition was to be
an orchestra leader. He got his
start in big time" music at the
age Of Is. Richard Crooks arrived
in Denver, needed a new accom-
panist, heard young Macarthur play,
and engaged him on the spot. But
the young man never forgot his
early aspiration. He practiced with
baton and tried his hand at music
arrangements while a student at
the Juilliard School in New York,
while a teller in a New York bank
earning money to supplement his
music scholarship income, while en-
gagged as pianist and arranger for
the Broadway production Of George
Gershwins Girl Crazy" and while
employed as accompanist on con-
cert tours.
Conducting before large crowds
even at his initial concert-did not
frighten Mr.. Macarthur, he said.
'"The only thing that ever feel
apprehensive about" he said, "is
that I might not hit it OF with the
orchestra. That happens to con-
ductors sometimes, you know, and
often through no particular fault
of the orchestra or the conductor.
They just don't get along"
Hasn't Happened to Him.
He brushed back his dark, not-too-
long, curly hair thoughtfully and
knocked his knuckles against the
wooden chair in which he sat.
Thank goodness, it hasn't hap
pened to me so far"
Asked about rumors that Mime.
FlagStad planned to retire at the