MUSIC WEEK.

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 6, 22 August 1930, Page 4

MUSIC WEEK.

(QUITE an interesting discussion has been proceeding in the Press upon Wellington Music Week. A general sympathy is shown for the aims of the Music Week Committee in popularising a love of highclass music. This sympathy extends to the unfortunate outcome, from a financial point of view, of the venture. . It is, however, very much to the credit of listeners that the deficit of approximately £50, which was the outcome of the week, is steadily being reduced by voluntary contributions from their ranks. So far £24 has been received and more is expected. This shows that the lovers of genuinely good music in various parts of the country who are numbered in the ranks of listeners are prepared to contribute when appeal is made to them. "THE discussion, however, reveals that the point of view of the average _ person and the average listener must not be overlooked. If it was the purpose of the organisers of Music Week to popularise good music, then the point we made last week that that object would best be achieved by tactful incorporation of popular numbers to draw the crowd would have been: desirable, holds good. From the listeners’ point of view, too, a more diversified programme would have been welcome. Genuine music-lovers attending a chamber concert will revel in the full performance of a number extending to an hour, but listeners in their own homes, unless their taste is of a high order, wiil find such a protracted performance a little tiring. From their point of view, therefore, greater diversification would have been desirable. ONE point that we think commendable is the consideration shown by all classes to the aims of the Music Week Committee. Even those whose taste runs to jazz and other forms of musical entertainment accepted without undue question the full programmes as arranged by the Music Week Committee. This we think very much to their credit, and shows a breadth of view that should be appreciated. From it the Music Week Committee may derive the comfort that definite good has been done. At the same time we think it would be definitely desirable and commendable if the organisers of Music Week were to assess the value of the experience gained this year in future efforts and aim at a greater popularisation of the occasion. It might also be advisable to stage the week slightly earlier in the year, before the weather has definitely broken into its winter characteristics. —