LOVER OF GOOD MUSIC (Mt. Roskill).

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 60, 16 August 1940, Page 5

LOVER OF GOOD MUSIC (Mt. Roskill).

MODERN MUSIC Sir,-I should like to join issue with Mr. L. D. Austin, who wrote to you recently on the subject of modern music; and also to make a plea for greater tolerance by these "musical" men for the views of others. Surely it must be agreed that the reason for the present state of the world is because of this

lack of tolerance of other peoples’-and nations views. Mr. Austin doesn’t like modern music. I person ally care nothing for Bach, Beethoven, et al., but do I write scathing letters about it to the papers? No, I try to find a bright programme to suit my taste (though on Saturday night this is difficult, and on Sunday well-nigh impossible). I realise that there are people who like high-brow music, though to my mind most of them are musical snobs, who express a liking for it because it is the correct thing to do. If this is not so, will Mr. Austin please explain why practically all the great composers died in abject poverty, unlettered and unsung? Their works appear to have been "discovered" long after they were dead. Mr. Austin states that the appeal of dance music is a sensual one! Surely this is an insult to the thousands who like good light music, and get genuine enjoyment from it, I would advise Mr. Austin if he wishes to hear a bright programme-how necessary cheerfulness is these days-to tune in at 8 p.m. every Friday night to 2YA, to hear the best programme of the week: "Every Friday Night at Eight." It may help him towards a more tolerant outlook.

HONI

(Wairoa).