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Radio Record, 10 June 1938, Page 42

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Points From Letters "Fiddlesticks" (Wellington): It has been said that criticism is a gift, an intuition and a matter of tact, I like to read criticisms, particularly musieal ones. but, like your critic "Scherzo" who "has yet to hear Bach played properly by a New Zealander," I have yet to read a sound musical criticism from: his pen. After reading "Scherzo’s" "Music of the Week" notes for some time past, 1 have come to the conclusion that he wouldn't be able to recognise Bach if he did hear it played properly by a New Zealander or anyone else. -In last week’s issue of the "Record" he referred to a pianist who | played Bach and Chopin, and tells us .that Chopin suited her best. If his knowledge of Bach is no better than his kuowledge of grammar he has but a shallow understanding. Crities are supposed to rectify errors and improve our judgment, so he tells us that "it is restrained singing that sounds most effective." He picked up this tip from yoealists after hearing the Orpheus Sextet sing’"Ma Curly-Headed’ Baby." That musie is just about: his standard. Had he stopped right there no one would quarrel with him. Kut in the same article he gives his opinion about Cesar Franck. We are told that the great maestro’s "rhythmical sense is at times lacking." ‘Truly to be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant. In this beautiful symphony by Cesar Franck which he refers to "Scherzo" had an excellent opportunity of improving our appreciation for the great composer’s music which expresses sympathy with humanity, but "ScherzO" is hopeless. The beauties of Cesar Franck, like the beauties of Bach, will always remain coneecaled from him. However, he tells us that "the conductor is to be congratulated on a good reading of the score" and that "Miss Symons has a good style. and-has been well taught." I wonder how this gifted violinist who has climbed the heights of Parnassus will appreciate such ecrudity from "Scherzo," Will this critic also tell us what he means by this statement-"There was a little untunefulness noticeable inside the orchestra." Finally, before saying good-bye for eyer to your critic, I would like to point ont that his pen-name "Scherzo" is an apt one. It means "playful," "humorous." Therefore, no one should take him seriously, but if we should, we will nll he happier through our ignorance than our knowledge. ["Fiddlesticks" is as well entitled to his opinion of the eritie and the critic is entitled to his opinions of the music he hears, but "I"iddlesticks" should find much of educational value to him in Stewart Maepherson’s essay on "Rhythmie Weakness in the Art of Cesar Franek.’ Practical musicians know that the "inside of the orchestra" refers to second violins, violas, ’cellos and lower woodwind. ‘The phrase, "Good reading of the score," is used, in *Scherzo’s" sense, quite frequently by leading Knglish critics -Editor.] Miss Moana Goodwill (Muritai): I am sure most artists who appear on the aip are keen to read your "Music of the Week" column, as your writer,

(Continued from previous page.) generally speaking, shows capable knowledge of subjects musical. Yet I was rather astounded to read in the issue of June 3: "I have yet to hear a New Zealand Bach player,’ and in the previons issue, "Bach Italian Concerto. was delightfully played by Noel New. son." These contradictions should surely be avoided! (There is a wide difference between being a Bach player and playing a Bach concerto delightfully. --Fditor. J