TASTE IN MUSIC

Hokitika Guardian, 24 November 1932, Page 2

TASTE IN MUSIC

THE EFFECT OF THE DEPRESSION

ELIMINATION OF INFERIORITY

CHRISTCHURCH, November 23: “The most pronounced effect that the depression -hay had upon music has been the elimination of inferior art. •Recorded and mechanical mus*c has reached such a stage of technical perfection that music-lovers wiil pay to hear nothing but the very best,” declares Claude Kingston, director ol the Williamson Imperial Grand Opera Company. j Mr Kingston is optimistic concerning j the future of the legitimate stage, and particularly of grand opera. He has been associated with Williamson ton re ove r a considerable number of years, and has watched , the successive triumphs of isuch great artists as Paderewski, Heifetz, Levitsky, and Chaliapin, all of whom have made their visits to this part of the world in times of comparative prosperity. “There could be no .sterner testing of the musical heart of the world than in 1932, when the depression is .causing people the world over to study very carefully their least expenditure. When a company, built purely on art lines, can -achieve an outstanding success in Australia and New Zealand in these circumstances, it 'is surely conclusive evidence that the standard of musical appreciation has not declined," Mr Kingston said, He remarked that in both the Williamson Melba tours of 1924 and 1928 he had endeavoured to induce his principals to extend the itineraries- to New Zealand, but they had refused on the grounds of expense. It was remarkable ' that the Imperial Grand Opera tour, a much more expensive undertaking, should be extended to New Zealand .in times of depression when other project*;, equally meritorious, had been turned Mown in times of prosperity. The - ompany -had been wonderfully successful in Australia, rand it had been no less well-supported so far in New Zealand, where- it was evident that the people were keen to i hear good music. “I am quite certain that an inferior company making isuch a tour -as this would not have a chance,” remarked Mr Kingston, in supporting his argument that the depression had caused ademand for music only of _ the Highest class. “During the last few years the renowned concert artists who have toured New Zealand have been excepj tionally well received and well supported by the public.-The hard times, to my mfnd, have caused people to support amusement with a foundation. They are not k e en on anything that is fickle, thin, or light. Good music, whether provided -by operatic or concert -artists, is fo 0 d for future os well as present enjoyment. It is definitely inspiring ahd uplifting, helping one to fight the battles of. life.” ‘“lt is one of my chief hopes that thore will one day be a conservatorium of music in New Zealand,” eaid Mr Kingston. “It would undoubtedly stimulate musical interest, embracing, a-s it would, all' departments of musical culture.”