MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2600, 23 October 1915, Page 9

MUSIC.

IBx Tbeblb Clit.l Choral Music In Wellington. No originality is claimed for the thought of how much better Wellington should fare as far as choral music is concerned if there were only one society instead of two or more as at present. It is not intended tc express any doubts as to tho excellent intentions of those Who control both of the loading societies in Wellington, bat to many who sit in tho auditorium and listen to all the performances given, some good, others indifferent, and some that really deservo no kindly consideration whatsoever —and after all these aro the peoplo who reallycount —tho idea must have been inborn that some form of alliance must mako for bettor performances, for a nearer approach, to an ideal. Tho difficulties of such a rapprochement may be greater than I can see, but as to the result there can only ho ono opinion. Tho war is making for attenuated male sections in both societies, particularly in the tenor division, and ono cannot confidently look forward to this almost chronic defect in balanco being remedied. Rather the roverse. In theso days of alliances, ententes, and National Cabinets, a singular opportunity presents itself of bringing about an alliance between the Choral Socioty and the Musical Union, both of which bodies liavo in tho past done so much good work. At prosont both bodies aro sapping cacli other's life blood by giving choral performances within a few days, of ono another, purposely or by accidcnt, and next month wo are to havo two performances of "The Messiah" within reach of ono another. Lookers-on somctimos seo more of tho game than jiarticipants, but in this tho box-offico receipts of recent eoncerts given by both bodies must indicate tho direction of tho draught and the need for a working arrangement, if not an amalgamation of forces.

"faken to Task. In tho courso of a recent article in the Now York "Musical Courier," in September, there apptared an article headed "American Singers' Chances," in which Mr. Oscar Sacnger, tho prominent New York teacher of singing, said that "an unusual opportunity is opening abroad for tho Amorican singer on account of the war." Whilst paying his respects to Mr. Saengcr as a teacher, Eleanora de Cisneros, the operatic contralto, who for all her name is American to the backbone, replies in an eloquent lettor, deprecating Mr. ftaenger's meaning. The following is an extract: —

"The words of Mr. Saenger have caused mo profound emotion. It is true that art has no country, but. it cannot be possible that the American singer must look forward for her 'unusual opportunity' to profit by the .misfortunes of her comrades in Europe, while we have in our own country men and women giving millions of dollars to the support of opera housos that open their doors widely to tho European artist. Can it be that we are less welcome at those dcors, that we must look for opportunity abroad, and intrude our ambitions upon the sorrows and domestic economics of operatic Europe, where for a time at least the first thought must bo self-preservation during which wo cannot but be considered outsiders? "Would it not be better for us to make a dignified appeal to the patriotism of our countrymen, make thc-m understand our singular position, make t'kein realise that we are practically "wandering Jews" on the operatic ocean? Have them instill in the minds of those people directing operatic enterprises in the United States, their obligation to give first place to the American man or. woman if by their artistic merit and reputation abroad or at home they have proved themselves the peers of the European artists singin" in America; and they should be told to encourage in the broadest way the American debutant, to give him or her the opportunity of a debut in an important role thoroughly rehearsed and directed under tho supervision of a firstclass conductor and 6tage manager, to ' lot them be supported by the best singers in tho coDip&n.Yj fl-nd to nxa-ks their first appearance a real event in tho artistic life in America.

Music and Health, ■ In tie Now York "Medical Journal" of August 7 was an editorial oil "Music and Health," from wliicli wo quote the following paragraph :—"Tli0 i power of music to iniliience the health of the listener lias been recognised from early times, and becomes historical m the attempts of David to drive out Saul s distemper. We believe 110 one lias been bold enough to ascribe any direct influence of tonal vibration upon the material of tho body, but' through the medium of tho nervous system marvellous changes, physical and chemical, come to pass; and tho cffects of the art, which, above all others, plays upon tho emotions, must certainly be more than trilling. Even tho unmusical, those who are not especially susceptible to sweet sounds, are affected differently by a jig or a funeral march.

"Elijah." On Thursday next the public is to be given an opportunity of hearing once more Mendelssohn's "Elijah," 0110 of the greatest works in the sphere of oratorio, and with tho public 0110 of tho most' popular. The ltoyal Choral Society lias had tho work in rehearsal for tiie'past tlireo months, and tho chorus of 200 voices is said to bo singing remarkably well. The performance has an added interest, ill that it will be the first occasion on which Mr. Bernard Page (the City Organist') has appeared in the rolo of a conductor of oratorio in Wellington. Tho cast looks well upon paper. Mr. John Prouse, who has a reputation as the finest "Eiljah" heard in Now Zealand, will once more sing the splendid music allotted to the prophet. Mrs. Gowor Burns, of Christchurch, -will sing tho soprano, Miss Mina Caldoiv tho contralto, and Mr. Martin Duff the tenor music.

Notes. Not only is Herr Hugo Goerlitz, formerly of Now Zealand, controlling the American tour of Miss Stella Carol, the English soprano, but he has the management in i'he United States_ of Mr. Desider Vccsci, an Hungarian pianist, and Miss Mary Lentay, an Hungarian violinist. Speaking of tho Goerlitz people, the New York "Courier" says-.—"There promises to be a permanent reunion of the Goerlitz family in America before the war is through. Louis Sherwin, the wellknown dramatic critic of tho New York "Globe," is his son. Jeannct'te Sherwin, the nctress, his daughter, who is just now playing leads in South Africa, has a New York engagement wliich will bring her here later in tho season; and it is very probabls that Amy Sherwin (Mrs. Goerlitz) will come here during the winter and make New York the permanent scene of her teaching activities." A cablegram received by the. New York "Musical Courier" on September 22 read as follows: —"Afraid, to cross ocean on account of mines and submarines. Sorry not to be in America. My thoughts aro always there. Await tho settlement of tho traveller's >safoty. Compliments.—Tetraziiini."