Does Britain Neglect Music ?

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 78, 23 June 1927, Page 14

Does Britain Neglect Music ?

BRUNO WALTER’S OPINION STATE SUPPORT WANTED “In France, Italy, and almost all other countries the State or the municipalities support music. The art is looked upon not as something that must pay dividends but as something that has an essential educational value." In the above words Mr. Bruno Walter, famous Continental composer, sums up the attitude of the English—as he finds it, toward But the British people under-esti-mate the importance of musical art. Yet without music life would not be worth living. Music counteracts the meaner distractions of modern life: music is the very nourishment of the soul. Without it a nation starves its imagination. The British nation does a good deal for painting.l It should do more for music. It would be in the interest of the State for music to be cultivated here as in France, Austria,' the United States, and Germany. It is no less important a thing in the life of a nation than universities and churches. Music is of a greater civilising value almost than painting, yet practically no official support is given to music in England. There are wonderful opportunities. British orchestras must be the quickest to learn in the world. It is not only this quickness that I like. I like also the beauty of their tone. The players are enthusiastic and spontaneous. “I have suggested that England should support music more. Rather I would say England must!”