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Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1787, 27 June 1913, Page 7

The degree of Doctor of Music is to be oonforred upon Richard Strauss by the University of- Oxford, England. In commenting on this tho London "Musical Standard" pertinently remarks: "Wo do not suppose the honorary degree will make Strauss a raoro ronmrkablo composer. Is not tho whole business rather ridiculous? Will tho Royal Philharmonic Society make the distinguished composer n 'gift of its Beethoven medal in due course? Anil why on earth should Oxford's appreciation of a great composer be considered such a crowning glory? What in particular lias Oxford over done for progressive music? We fancy Oxford has always been overflowing with a bcbso of its own importance." Oxford lins conferred a similar degree ou other foreign composers, including Max Brucli, Hans Richtcr, Grieg, Tchaikovsky, SaintSaens, and Boito. Musical historians will recall that Handel refused to accept the Oxford degree, but Haydn considered himself much honoured by it. Mora than 2000 patients aro operated upoii oacli year m. St. Qcorgoa Hospital, J/in foil.