MUSICAL GERMANY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 January 1931, Page 1

MUSICAL GERMANY

No matter what'the conditions Germany will always have its music. Empires may totter, and kings lay down their crowns, but it is a queer week in Berlin when, one may not hear the nine symphonies of Beethoven. Dr. Greta Short, who has just returned from a visit to Berlin, told a Dominion reporter that she had' heard a good deal of Stravinsky’s mad music during her recent visit, and like a lot of other modern music, she was inclined to think it was composed as a joke. Without form or expression, and devoid ol sentiment or romanticism, it seemed to go on and on, until the composer was tired, and then stopped suddenly without any reason. “T think die is jolting half the time,” said Dr. Short. “But all this modern music has not the slightest effect on the popularity of the classics, and Beethoven is played all the "time. They must have tlieir Beethoven. 1 was fortunate in being present one night at the Philharmonic when Sir Thomas? Beeeham conducted at the invitation of "Furtwaugler. The great hall, which seats 3000 people, was filled, and Beeeham was given a great reception. The symphony was the Cesar -Franck, aqd it was beautifully conducted. T also (.heard a great performance of ‘lsrael in Egypt in. Berlin. jind was thrilled by it. While T was in Berlin, Casals, the Spanish ’cellist, gave one recital at the Philharmonic, and seats were sold for as high as £6. The place was packed to the doors. It is the largest hall in Berlin.”'