APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE

New Zealand Listener, Volume 20, Issue 500, 21 January 1949, Page 5

APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE

Sir,-May I express my appreciation and gratitude for the efforts of both performers and broadcasters in connection with a recent work, New Zealand composers have sometimes complained, perhaps rightly, of neglect by the broadcasting authorities, and of indifference of performance when a composition was finally brought to hearing. If one has something to express, it is stultifying to suffer such disappointments and setbacks. But whatever was the position in the past, nowhere in the Broadcasting Service have I received anything but the greatest help and courtesy. The fact. that each department so willingly gave its time and assistance to an unknown artist shows that a different attitude towards New Zealand music now exists. The creation of a National Symphony Orchestra here also means that a higher level of performance will be available

for chamber music. That this work seems to have been appreciated by its radio audience was, I feel, largely due to the excellent playing of all performers and to intensive rehearsal. I understand that reception of the music was not equal on all sets, in some cases the strings being a little in the background, especially in the muted second movement. This may explain certain comments in a recent review in The Listener. Having been present at rehearsals and performance may I emphasise that thé string playing was neither matter of fact nor evér intended to be. I have already expressed gratitude to the Director of Broadcasting, but I should like to suggest to the New Zealand radio public through your columns

that if it so readily ventilates grievances and complaints in letters to The Listener, it is but fair also to return due thanks when one is very well satisfied.

H. J.

FINLAY

(Karori).

-ee Sir,-I am a very constant listener to’ Tadio programmes and I want to say how much I appreciate the very popular records, request sessions, and other music that Stations 3YZ, 1YD, 3YA, 2YZ, give us in the mornings and evenings. I like cowboy songs and band music, and I also have a lot of time for old dance orchestras.

TOM

TITREE

(Far North).