CRITICS CRITICISED

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20821, 3 June 1939, Page 17 (Supplement)

CRITICS CRITICISED

BOY VIOLINIST ANGRY AUSTRALIAN TOUR UNSUCCESSFUL “Critics will perish, but art will live forever,” says Grischa Goluboff, the 16-year-old violin prodigy, whose tour in Australia has come to an unexpected end. Goluboff expressed disdain for bis critics during his Australian tour, but his manager and guardian revealed that. the lad had been deeply hurt. “I don't care a bit what they say—they won’t come between me and rny musical career,” Grischa said over the telephone from Newcastle, where he had gone for a concert. “1 put all I’ve got into my playing. It’s the best I can do, and that is all that concerns me. “I arn going to live for my music, as I always have, and whether financial and worldly success comes my

way* or not, I won’t be worrying very much. “I’ve been touring the world playing the violin for 10 years since I was six, and I’ve never had such a grilling from the critics as in Sydney. I just can’t understand their dislike for my playing. Your guess as to why is as good as mine. Does Not Believe Critics “Luckily for my self-confidence, I don’t believe what the critics say, nor do I worry abo-ut the effect my music has on them. All I want to do is help the people who come to hear me. Music can sometimes do that. I want to prove myself to my listeners, not the critics. ‘‘l couldn’t say whether their attacks have made a financial wreck of my Australian tour. I’m really not very interested in that.” Grischa’s manager and guardian, Mr I. M. Nobel, said: “Grischa is only a sensitive boy, and the attacks of the critics have demoralised him and undermined his confidence. “He hasn't complained, but I know that he has really been deeply hurt, as he reads everything they say. I know, too, that he wants to prove his ability, no matter what they say abouthim. Never Had Such Criticism Before “We welcome criticism, but it should

be constructive and encouraging, particularly for a youngster like Grischa. “We know he Isn’t perfect—no artist is—but the Sydney critics don’t know what they’re talking about. In 10 years of world tours, Grischa has never had criticism like that In Sydney. “They compared him with Kreisler, and such comparisons are ridiculous and odious. Kreisler himself has a very high opinion of Grischa and thinks he will go far. “You can! compare different violinists. Kach is great in his own way. Hut Grischa-is keeping a stiff upper lip. He has got himself a new hobby now—collecting shells on your wonderful beaches.”