MUSIC BRINGS RELIEF

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 86, 8 October 1940, Page 8

MUSIC BRINGS RELIEF

ENGLISH PIANIST'S VIEW

"Music will survive long after the dictators are forgotten, and it is most important that during the war1 years the musical life of the country should not be forgotten," said Mr. Clifford Huntsman, the well-known English pianist, who left Wellington yesterday for Auckland before leaving New Zealand at the conclusion of a lengthy stay in this country. "Music,' 5 he said, "has become a necessity. It is no longer a luxury, and in these days, particularly, it can provide welcome relief and relaxation and take our minds temporarily away from thoughts of war."

Mr. Huntsman, who has completed two broadcasting tours here, was one of the artists who took part in the Centennial musical celebrations, and in addition gave a number of concerts on the public platform. He has made frequent tours of the world, and has given concerts in India, China, and many European centres. Recently, Mr. Huntsman has given concerts for patriotic purposes, and has been responsible for raising £135 in various towns in which he has played. He is to give some concerts in Suva in aid of the Fijian aeroplane fund, and will later perform in Australia and India. He hopes to be back in New Zealand next year, "war or no war."

The standard of orchestral work in New Zealand was surprisingly good, he said, and the Centennial Symphony Orchestra and the N.B.S. string orchestra were really fine combinations.

The question of improving the public taste in music through the medium of the radio was a very difficult one, and he was forced to the opinion that there was an enormous number of people who would not listen to classical music at all, Mr. Huntsman continued. It would be better if they listened to any music, rather than that they should turn off the set, as if they had any aptitude for appreciating good music it might be subconsciously developed as an occasional good item came over the air.