Fear of ‘Commercialisation’

Te Ao Hou, September 1964, Page 39

Fear of ‘Commercialisation’ As far as commercialisation is concerned, Maori chant, despite its literary and musical value, holds little appeal for most people. And even if the appeal were wider, what is wrong with an honest man receiving honest money for honest work? Surely the important thing is that people should have access to the chants, for only in this way can they survive. Because of all these difficulties, I feel that Maori chant is not likely truly to survive in its strictly traditional form. It is absolutely vital for the collection, preservation and study of Maori chant to continue, and I am delighted and grateful that Mr McLean is doing this so thoroughly and well. As well as studies of this kind, I would myself like to see composers adapting and interpreting the chants, for perhaps it is in such interpretations that its best hope for survival (as distinct from preservation) lies.