"Entries Were Not So Good"

Radio Record, Volume VII, Issue 12, 29 September 1933, Page 46

"Entries Were Not So Good"

Judges Report on Sixth of Series of Programme Competitions

KNTRIES for the orchestral and instrumental classical programme competition-the sixth of the series being conducted by the "Radio Record"-showed a falling off in number, and the judges in their report indicate that generally speaking the standard of entry was not as good as in the preceding competitions. A rather surprising feature of the. various entries, which again came from all parts of the Dominion, was the fact that no competitor hit upon the idea of arranging a programme by one orchestra, with assisting instrumental soloists, as would naturally be the case in an actual orchestral concert.

A FACTOR overlooked by many of the competitors was the requirement that the programme should prove suitable as a two-hour broadcast. programme. Many of the programmes submitted, while exhibiting a comprehensive. knowledge of orchestral and instrumental music on the part of their compilers were far and away too heavy in their content to hold the interest of listeners over a two-hour period. Other competitors failed to draw a definite line between true classical music and popular selections.

Two very interesting programmes were submitted by two youthful com-

petitors-each 13 years of age-ld Maxwell Rogers, of Masterton, and Harry Davey, of Runanga, West Coast. The programme submitted by the first of these competitors showed not only fan extensive of ~‘e‘y

corded classical music, but also a remarkable flair for balance and arrangement in the setting out of a programme. The judges were unanimous in placing this programme at the head of the list, but they found it impossible to discriminate between it and a programme submitted by Mr. C. L. Crombie, of Gordon Street, Invercargill. The prize for the competition on this occasion, therefore, will be divided between these two competitors, As usual Mr. F. G. B. Broad, of North Auckland, came to light with a series of excellent programmes, and another consistent entrant, Mr, J, Morgan Davies, of Hataitai, Wellington, also submitted a highly interesting programme, which would probably have carried off the honours had it been

confined to classical numbers, as required by the conditions of the competition, Pntries for the next competition-a recital programme by individual artists, not exceeding four in number, will close on Saturday, September. 30. In this programme competitors are’ free to use the four performers in aly way their may think desirable, either. in solos, duets, trios or quartets, .

THE PRIZE-WINNERS. E. Maxwell Rogers (aged 13), 41 Essex Street, Masterton; . C. L. Crombie, 9 Gordon Street, Invercargill. (These competitors will divide the prize.) Highly Commended. Mr. J. Morgan Davies, Wellington; Mr. F, G. E. Broad, North Auckland; Harry Davey (aged 13), Runanga;) W. White, Papakura.