Evening star., 1940-04-14

VeTSaTy OF the ran. american O0
for its success In preserving amity q
and not an inconsiderable part Of
the kindly feeling prevailing is due
to the effort to bring about an ap-
probation of the art life, and, par
ticularly, the musical life of our
southern neighbors. That the value
of this purpose Is becoming more
and more realized was evident at
the Conference on Inter American
Relations In the Field Of Music,
which met at the Library of Con-
gress last fall.
Whatever may be accomplished In
the future, the breaking Of the ground
was done with the establishing OF
q series of concerts in the beauti-
full Hall of the Americas at the
Union, where works Of prominent
composers of every country OF Latin
America and the appearance OF tai
ented soloists have made known the
music of the southern countries
through Nationwide broadcasts.
Anniversary Event.
It was Franklin Adams, former
counselor of the union, who first
conceived the idea of stimulating
interest in Latin American music
by means of concerts broadcast
throughout this country and Latin
America. The first program was
sent out over the air from WASH
ington on May IS, 1924; the 95th
program will be broadcast on April
80 as part of the anniversary cere-
monies. Mr.. Adams sought local
cooperation for the Inauguration Of
these concerts, end the first to re-
spond was the Army Band. Later
the Navy and Marine Bands shared
the series and contributed their
musicians equally toward the forma-
ton of the United Service Orchestra,
which was directed in turn by each
of the three leaders of the famous
service bands.
After the first few broadcasts in
the studio of WRC it was decided to
give the concerts in the great hall
of the union. At first the dificulty
of getting the proper music was a
handicap, as the supply in this coun-
try was limited. AS the opportunity
which these concerts offered became
apparent, governments. publishing
houses and composers began to CO.
operate, many of the composers TAX
ing special pains to make their music
accessible.
The encouragement which this
open door to public hearing gave to
the musicians of the Latin American
countries was deeply appreciated by
their compatriots, while the musi-
clans of this country soon began to
feel the spell of the gay rhythms
and languorous melodies that are
the birthright of these gifted peo-
Piles, as well as the charm of their
folklore. The concerts at the Union
have. contributed in no small meas
ure to the present popularity OF
this music of Spanish coloring and
have paved the way to q wider
recognition of the talent which Is
therein represented.
Offer Instruments.
Not only has the substance Of the
music of Latin America been made
known, but the indigenous instru-
ments that give it such special
coloring in performance. The Pam
American Union has in its posses
sion a native Peruvian harp, q
quena, the flute used by the Indians
of the Andes, and different kinds Of
gourds, the maraca, species of
rattle and the guayo, which gives
forth q rasping sound when scraped
with a stick. The marimba is an
instrument that has been quickly
taken to the hearts of American
musicians, but at the beginning of
the union concerts it was still
comparative stranger. It must have
been gala occasion when, at one
Of the earlier concerts, the program
was given by '"The Presidents Own"
Marimba Orchestra of Guatamala.
The concerts are financed jointly