Radio and Music

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 48, 10 June 1932, Page 2

Radio and Music

Moiseivitsch Expresses His Opinion N an interview with the Auckland "Herald," Mr. Benno Moiseivitsch said a few heartening things about the future of music and the effect of wireless upon its prospects, those of the piano and orchestras in particular. The famous pianist’s remarks are somewhat of a challenge to the pessimists. Mr. Moiseivitsch said: "The complaint sometimes heard that broadcasting is damaging ‘concerts-and the livelihood of musicians will not hear examination. Pianoforte tuition is at present in a transitory stage, due partly to the invention of wirelesSiand partly to the prevailing depression but the temporary disturbances by these conditions will end, and will be replaced by a vast extension of musical culture and appreciation. "Before wireless became general, about four or five years ago, the promising sons and daughters of a family were sent to a music teacher for tuition. "When broadcasting became popular, parents thought it better to switch on to the wireless than to listen to the playing of their children. It is no use saying that is bad. We are in a stat of transition, and the future will be very different. Wireless is expanding the universe of musical appreciation to an extent never dreamed of, and in the long run may prove to be a blessing in disguise.

"Broadcasting in Hngland is éncouraging good musicians, because the B.B.C., being a wealthy institution, is able to afford tremendous fees to secure the services of top-liners. Before the advent of wireless, England could not boast a single good symphony ororchestra. Those orchestras that subsisted had to depend upon small specialised audiences, and consequently could not afford high-salaried conductors nor an adequate number of rehearsals. Wireless popularised such concerts among the masses, with the result that orchestras were subsidised by the B.B.C., and now ranked among the greatest in the world. "From 24 to 26 symphony concerts were now given in London each season, the artists were paid higher salaries than they had ever been paid before. and 80 per cent. of the seats were sold in advance. Yet all these concerts were broadcast. The fact was that once people really came to enjoy good music. they were not satisfied to stay at home; they had to go to the concert and hear and see the real thing."

Mr. Moiseiwitsch said he would like to see more symphony orchestras in New Zealand. "Naturally, such an orchestra costs money and conditions are such," he continued, "that only State or municipal subsidies will make y it possible. Unfortunately, the ime portance of musical culture is not usually appreciated by national and civic authorities. They need to be impressed with the fact that music is just as important to a city as art galleries, museums, recreation and playing grounds. . Mysical appreciation cannot be what it should until you have a first-rate orchestra with a reputation."