MUSIC OVERSEAS—AND HERE

New Zealand Listener, Volume 17, Issue 438, 14 November 1947, Page 20

MUSIC OVERSEAS—AND HERE

HINRICHSEN’S MUSICAL YEAR BOOK: 1947-48, Hinrichsen, London. HIS is the third volume in this series issued by the firm of Hinrichsen. The first (1944) took Contemporary Music as its main subject, while the second (1945-46) concentrated on British Music. The scope of this third volume aims to be truly international, and it appears to be a very valuable reference book for all aspects of music, taking in its stride such diverse subjects as Opera: and Ballet, Church Music, Film Music, and Bell Music, to quote a few. There are also. comprehensive regional surveys of music in the British Isles and overseas. Gratifying as it is to see our country represented in this musical "concert of the nations"--Owen Jensen, of Auckland, is our spokesman-it is disappointing to sense a rather parochial leaning towards the North Island, particularly the Auckland district, in his résumé of musical activities in New Zealand. From the dates supplied, one would a%’sume for instance, that there were no Chairs of Music in South Island Universities prior to 1939--and although the late Dr. W. E. Thomas is mentioned as Professor Hollinrake’s predecessor at Auckland University College, Dr. Griffith’s equally distinguished predecessor at Canterbury: University College, Dr, John .C. Bradshaw, is not named. Dr. Bradshaw was at Canterbury from 1902-1941, and has had an enormous influence upon the (continued on next page)

(continued from previous page) moulding of musical taste in that province during this period-indeed, it is interesting to remember that Frederick Page and D. G. Lilburn (both mentioned by Mr. Jensen) received their sound basic training from Dr. Bradshaw. Another distinguished musician (almost entirely ignored) who hes exerted a similar influence, is Ernest Jenner, of Christ- . church. It is rather unfortunate that overseas readers will réceive such a limited and incomplete picture of our musical ventures, for from Mr. Jensen’s report the inference drawn would be, I fear, that practically all New Zealand’s musical élite dwell north of Cook Strait!

Bessie

Pollard