COMPOSERS' WAR TALK

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2290, 26 October 1914, Page 7

COMPOSERS' WAR TALK

DEBUSSY AND DUKAS. • Arthur Hartmann, the violinist, reached New York from Marseilles recently, and he related a memorable conversation which he overheard between Debussy and Dukas, at the home of the former when the Germans were only twenty-five miles from the Fronch. capital. "Looks bad for Paris," commented Hartmann sentontiously. "Bad? What do you mean?" demanded: Debussy. "Yes —what do you mean?" seconded Dukas. "Well—er—l just thought—l should eay " "My dear Bir, you forget that Joffre is in command'. He will not permit the German advance." "He is unalterably opposed to it." This from Dukas. "But one should face possibilities. Suppose Paris were taken " "That is impossible, eh, Dukas? He does not know what he is saying." "It is impossible. He knows not at all what ho iB saying." "If the French fail to retake Alsace and Lorraine " "Fail? Ridiculous." "Fail? Absurb. We shall not have to tako Alsace-Loraine. It will come to us." "I hope so. And for your sakes I hope, too, that the Germans do not get into Paris." Debussy whistled and winked. Dukas whistled and winked. "Tho bayonet—that's what we'll give them—swish —swish—like this—square in the stomach." Debussy imitated the motion. "We'll fight them with forks if necessary. Zit—zit—in the face—in tho eye through tho eye." Dukas imitated the motion. "Do you suppose," persisted Hartmann, "that if the Germans got to the gates of Paris thoy would stop for bayonets, or even for forks?" ' Debussy whistled again. So did Dukas. Then Debussy drew himself up to his full height, put his right hand on his heart and declared: "Cher ami, I give you my word of honour as a gentleman that the Germans will not tako Paris." I "Bravo! camaradc," shouted Dukas, 'I too, give my word of honour as a gentleman." They embraced furiously. ''Do- you believe us?" they cried in unison. "I do," replied Hartmann, eloquently, and hastening to the steamship ofiico lie bought his ticket for America.— "Musical Courier."