Evening star., 1949-07-03
Water Gates
Setting Ideal
For Music
By Alice Eversmon

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By Alice Eversmon
Today marks the opening of the
Water Gate series of concerts by
the National Symphony Orchestra.
Limited to IL events. the series as
outlined represents one of the most
interesting in the years the con-
certs have been given at the Water
Gate. 1t differs from others, how
ever. in that the National Sym
phony begins new life under the
direction of Howard Mitchell, and
the type of work 1t will present
forms preview of what the winter
season will be.
There have been objections and
criticism of policies, program PLAN
ming and direction of the orchestra
in the past. That IS all over now
and the important fact is that the
people of Washington have demon
strated by a monetary response
that they want the symphony to
continue.
Money is not everything, how
ever, and the sympathetic en-
couragement of the young con-
ductor, the attendance at the
summer concerts and the spread
ing of enthusiasm regarding the
programs are necessary. Through
this psychological means, the
public of Washington will be re-
minded constantly that it has a
great musical organization N its
midst of which it can be proud end
which deserves its unf1agglng
backing.
Cite Far Superior to a Shed.
Criticism comes up from time to
time of the Water Gate as site
for concerts. True. 1t is at the
mercy of the weather and it Is not
especially fortunate In transporta-
ton facilities. Other cities have to
contend with the same difficulties.
however, and such detractlonS
should be accepted in good spirits
and without complaint. If one Is
to have QUITO door concerts, the
condition of the weather must be
of supreme interest at all times.
Concerts given in a shed are not
al fresco events in the full mean
ing of the word. The guarantee
that concert will be given, even
if it rains, is not such great COM
pensation for the enjoyment OF the
freshness and the beauty Of the
open air that the open spaces OF
the Water Gate do provide. even
though constantly carrying the
threat of a cancellation.
Weather conditions also affect
the amplification system that must
be used if every one is to hear the
music. If there is a strong wind.
it may force the quality Of sound
unpleasantly, depending on which
way it blows. AS yet no system has
been devised by the engineers to
counter-act that possibility. The
men who direct the amplif1cation
at the Water Gate know their
business and are conscientious in
seeing that everything is in per-
feet order only to find that the
wind can play havoc with, their
efforts.
Airplane Color-and Noise.
Another annoyance at the Water
Gate stems from the airplanes that
persist in flying low over the barge
and by some quirk, seem to choose
always the moment when the
music is softest.
Perhaps one should be lenient
with the pilots. They know that
the glamour of flying planes has
not lessened for the public and
that they can compete with
Beethoven, Tschaikowsky or even
Gershwin without any trouble.
For the moment Of their flight
over the barge, all eyes will be
turned to them.
Nothing can be done about this
and it must be admitted that the
incoming planes with lights ablaze.
are as decorative to the spot as
are the canoes that cluster around
the shell.
Washington has a place un-
matched throughout the country
for its summer concerts. There
is also a deeper significance at
tached to it. There. with the
beauties of land and sky out
stretched before one, with the
silent reminders of the greatness
of this country all about, the soul
and mind can commune with the
masterpieces created by men more
spiritually endowed than the ordi-
nary person.
The whole atmosphere Of the
Water Gate is a reminder of high
minded living. In these days when
such manner of life is being un-
dermined, it is well to reflect upon
it's values while attending the con-
certs. All about is evidence of the
vision of the noble men who start
ed our country. Covering and
surrounding all is the beauty Of
nature designed by the Creator
for our enjoyment. And in mans
hands lies the power to reproduce
immortal music. speaking in in
gratiating tones of sublime things.
Don't go to the Water Gate just
for entertainment. Go to seek
strength from the spiritual forces
concentrated there to be firm and
upright in adhering to the prin-
ciples for which Lincoln, in his
solitary shrine. and the sleeping
soldiers in Arlington. gladly gave