BRITISH MUSIC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2645, 13 October 1923, Page 3

BRITISH MUSIC.

NEW ZEALAND STANDARDS. MR, MALLINSON’S IMPRESSIONS. A distinguished member of the musical profession is visiting Palmerston North in the. person of Mr Albert. Mallinson, examiner for the Trinity College of Music, London, who is conducting examinations in that. town. Mr Mallinson made some interesting observations on British music when interviewed by a “Standard” reporter the other day. Discussing British music and the standards obtaining in New Zealand, Mr Mallinson said: “The -musical standards I have met with in New,Zealand are on a high level, particularly in some centres I have visited, -including Auckland, Wanganui and New Plymouth, and from what I have seen in Palmerston N. there is no danger that this town will prove, to be the exception. With reference to British music, there is a fine band of young composers -whose work shows great promise and is doing much to elevate existing standards to a higher plane. This is an age of technique and music is no longer a mere pastime, but is becoming more and more a mind • 1 training- process and is being recognised as such by teachers and school authorities also.” THE JAZZ MANIA. Asked to speak about the jazz crazepHr Mallinson said: “I do not think that jazz is bad music or that certain vaudeville songs are bad music; they are simple songs for simple people and are all right in their correct place. As Shakespeare remarks: ‘All things by season are to their right place and true perfecv lion.’ Jazz is due to the hustle and bustle of the present day. Of course, it will pass, but we shall pro- _ bably find something equally novel to take its place. In any case one does not take jazz seriously.” Discussing matters of temperament, Mr Mallinson remarked: “New Zealanders certainly have the musical temperament. In all countries you wifi find indifferent work and you will also find very good work. Those children in New Zealand whom I have met appear to have been well taught. The trained child of the Dominion shows great pro-rr-uaise; -Prom what I have seen of the young people in this country I am satisfied they are moving along the right lines and they distinctly possess the musical temperament.”