JOLLIEST AUDIENCE

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 42, 26 April 1935, Page 44

JOLLIEST AUDIENCE

’ . to . Radio "The night on which I broadcast for the first time is still fresh in my memory,’’ writes Albert Sandler. ‘Except that behind a screen two. men were. fiddling with, controls and dials and that in front of me hung two white octagonal instruments, I might have been ignorant..of the fact that 1 was broadcasting. I took my usual stand in front of my orchestra, and certainly did not suffer from ‘mike fright’ I picked up my violin and played just as if no one but the audience in the lounge could hear me. When I. came down to breakfast the next morning; I was astonished by thé letters pile high on the table. As"I tore open on envelope after another, astonishment gave way to pleasure.’ Dozens of listeners had written to congratulate me on the concert! Then for the first time I realised that listeners are enthusiasts. They had taken the trouble to write letters and post. them late at night-simply to express their appreciation of my music. I also realised, though, the responsibility that was mine, I had been accustomed to audiences of a few hundred-now I had to play before millions! The few hundreds who heard me every night would forgive me if I had an ‘off? night, but the few millions, who were accustomed to hearing the finest music every night, would judge me critically. What is. the music that listeners like? My experience is that it is the music that appeals to the heart rather than the head. A day’s rest behind them, a week’s work in front of them-isn’t it only natural that ordinary men and women like music that moves them? It makes them forget the worries of the past and the resposibilities of the future and they go to bed feeling happier. One of the greatest compliments I have ever been paid, came from a man who said that my concerts on Sunday evenings banished that Monday morning feeling! Broadcasting has saved me from any danger of becoming a highbrow. I have realised that the man in the street is by no means so unappreciative of good music as some people would suppose. I like broadcasting, because it has taught me more than | could learn from years of ordinary concerts, because it inspires mé to-give my best, because it: enables me to reach a bigger audience than. the -greatest violinist can. hope to. command, but above all because it.gives me the opportunity -of ‘meeting .the most appreciative, kind-hearted and jolliest audience a lt