Sedate and Deadly
ANNA RUSSELL SINGS (from 1YA) was admirable both for the sedateness of the method and the deadliness of the aim. Whether it was the Italianoperatic complete with cadenza, the English nymphs-and-shepherd song ("utter purity’), German lied and French art-song (for singers "with so voice and great artistry"), or contemporary music ("for the tone-deaf singer"), the parody was invariably on the mark. Yes, one thinks, that’s it; that’s showing ’em; Songs are Bunk. But what am I saying? After all, these are still Verdi, Schubert, Faure. . . Does parody appeal to a secret urge in us to destroy what we admire? And should we applaud Miss Russell for correcting the self-esteem of
artists (a very necessary task) or suppress her for giving aid and comfort to the Philistine? It is probably an academié question, for her art is surely meant simply to be enjoyed. And it was Clear from the laughter of the audience that they already knew very well just . what was being parodied.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19530904.2.19.1.3
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 29, Issue 738, 4 September 1953, Page 10
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166Sedate and Deadly New Zealand Listener, Volume 29, Issue 738, 4 September 1953, Page 10
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Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
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