KINEMA MUSIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 244, 5 January 1928, Page 14

KINEMA MUSIC

IMPROVING THE STANDARD GOOD MUSIC WELCOMED The appearance of Sir Edward Elgar conducting a kinema orchestra during the screening of the British film, “Land of Hope and Glory,” has again raised the question of introducing a higher grade of music into the kinema. It was stated that he had no reason to complain of his reception which was such as was due to an artist of his eminence. But as a musician he would probably have been content, with less applause at the conclusion of the overture in exchange for the truer courtesy of close attention during its performance, in place of which there was incessant chatter. In Auckland the standard observed at th-e leading picture theatres is very and there is no doubt tl. t this is going to prove of great value in educating the public to a higher standard of musical appreciation. People who would not attend a performance of classical works apparently do not object to a little served up as an interlude between films or as an overture or entr’acte. On the contrary, judging by the applause and, sometimes, very decided recalls, they evidently appreciate it. AUCKLAND AUDIENCES At present light orchestral fare of the calibre of Suppe and descriptive music of the “William Tell” variety appear to be representative of the standard of appreciation, but from the success attending the performance of works of the masters something better may be looked forward to in the near future. Taken on the whole lit+le fault can be found with the general demeanour of Auckland picture audiences during the playing of orchestral numbers.

Some there are, of course, who will persist in maintaining a running fire of chatter. And worse still, others like to advertise the fact that they are familiar with the piece by more or less successfully humming what they can remember of it, but, speaking generally, an appreciative silence is maintained. In the musical field the professional players of the picture theatres, who are regularly playing, and, what is more, regularly rehearsing together, are destined to play a big part in raising the general standard. That is, of course, providing that managements are willing to co-operate, and judging from present Indications there is every reason to believe that they will.