The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 37

MT 5 The Confusions of Our Musical Life Notes on Jazz and the Art of 'Swing9 BROOKLYN D'ATLY EAGLE, NEW YORK, SUN'DAY, MAY 5, 1935 A Survey of Recent Jazz Recordings With a Digression on Native 'Swing' Hans Langc Mr. Lange will conduct the nevcly-formed Philharmonic' Symphony Chamber Orchettra in a prin of fivr ranrprls at the Town Hall next teuton. Music in Everyday Life: Eric Clarke Considers a Few of Its Many Problems By WINTHROP SARGEANT tions play so Important a part.fneed. It may be languishing, but it surroundings is coniparable- piaing. The oi.hrr side is a wild and uncontrolled affair about a "chittlin' rag." in which some one indulges in Wpm Indian Jive and By JOHN HAMMOND AS I LOOK over the stack of populai records which has accumulated since the start of this column I sometimes won- der both why 1 undertook the sta: ces it takes an extraordinary -t evu came trom his Horn, tmpnat-thsnklrss task of commenting on; amount both of sympathy and icalij, it Is a record that should be Bruadway jazz and especially why knowledge ot the medium to re- heain the music pages of The Eagle should cei i the requisite stimulation.

Hy all odu the funniest record be cluttered with it. After all, 1 do wish that there were more of the month is Victor's "Basin is vorv iittm in thp work of Debbie who annreciate what a gold Street Blurs '25007), in which the There is the matter of financing and the problem of unemployment among musicians. All these things are of enormous consequence to the health of our musical culture, of more consequence probably than the more publicized doings of virtuosi and so-called creative musicians. Yet the situation is such that very few people are sufficiently acquainted both with music as an art and with music as an ingredient in the lives of the people to offer constructive Criticism of our musical activity as a whole. As George Bar-rere is credited with remarking: "What music needs is a good traffic cop." Rudy Vallee and his contemporaries to interest the person who reads Mr.

Haggins writings with To be sure, it would be even less sop-sts of the highest natural mu-exclung to have to comment on I siciaiihhip ana inspiration. And in the work of such American com-; adiition to interpreters they could as Aaron Copland, Roy Har- fmo in Dune Ellington a composer lis. Roger Sessions, Varese, and I the. i fellows. In both the case of tho'igh less spiritual to what one receives from such a magnificent group as the Budapest String Quar tet.

Amazingly enough. both in-1 muie is to tie found in record shelves ot our "hot" music. If musicians could forget their prejudices against strict dance tempo they could hear I ol some depth and considerable chaim. Because of the absence of HTHE downfall of Louis Armstrong as the supreme Jazz artist Is probably the severest, blow of all to aexoss with an old Armstrong rec- oid "King ot the Zulus" and "Lone- I ml ifcltefe3 12 commercial jazz and of our precious wide-spread appreciation it is be-1 most Impressive In many months, modernists originality and sincerity convng move and more difficult to B-S904 has the coupling "Restless" cannot be found, but in the former obtain the recorded masterpieces of ani "Sugar Foot Stomp by Ray at least there is sometimes the tin last decade, which have not Nichols and his Four Towers Or-vtruie of simplicity. At any rate, bcci equalled since, and probably chettra from Newark.

Naturally we the musician can safely forget the will not be. i played the second side first, only would be a mistake to Imagine that it will die down just because our patrons, who have controlled it and for whom it has been carried on, are now feeling poor. On the contrary, the idea of support as a public duty is gaining ground. We are about finished with the easy theory that If every one had full liberty to get what he wanted, every person would get what he deserved. Individual initiative is actually giving place to governmental activity in artistic affairs.

The basis, not music, is changing. Without a doubt, we shall, in a few years, look back upon the present days as the time when the public began to take over the support of musical activities. But concerts are only one aspect of music and a small one at that. So long as we think of music as a professional performance, just so long are we experiencing art at secondhand, continuing to live in a material world, trying to buy our enjoyment." Considering all the aspects of our musical life in turn, the book has a pertinent word for almost every one concerned in any way with music. It is to be recommended to the performer, to the composer and to the critic, who can each gain from it a clearer perspective of his own relation to the whole scheme.

For the musical educator it brings forward social problems that are as much his responsibility as Is the teaching of technique. For the man in the street it offers a searching analysis of the various pathways toward a fuller enjoyment of music that are open to him and to his children. It is the first book of its kind to come to this reviewer's notice, and its appearance is more formal "American music." Occasionally It has been hinted in these columns that I am a par-; tisan of popular music known either as "swing" or "hot," in which (hcitlir "swing connoisseur. In the empnasis is placed upon the in- i midnle twenties Louis had a naivete teuieter. Without question our and sincerity which, combined with country has produced here a type a grasp of the trumpet and of music not anywhere to be dupll- a uultural voice, produced com- Eric Thacher Clarke, a man of wide practical experience both as a musician and as an administrator of musical act'vity, has Just written book entitled "Music in Everyday Life" (W.

W. Norton fc which attempts to solve some of the prob lems of the present musical scene in America. The book, as its title implies, is concerned rather with the background of musical life in this country than with aesthetic mat ters, and in considering the welter of departments and specialties that compose the subject the author shows both a remarkable acquaint ance with conditions and an admirably balanced point of view. It is written moreover with a vigor that is tempered with humor, and makes excellent reading. QUOTATIONS hardly do the book justice.

Among other virtues it has a lively pertinence to the problems consequent upon the depressed economic state of the country. "Concerts are one legitimate aspect of music," the author writes, "Professional performance of course we caied. It Is something of a tragedy pleiciy satisfying results. Fortu-thut neither the average American i nately, Brunswick has just comt The Musical Week: some Blues, which has not been cnoiy Baby and "Lady in Red" obtainable lor many, many years, t5M and 5918). On the Perfect-Thtv plan Ui reissue it with con- Mtlotone lists there is more to be siderablc fanfare as an example ot f0llnd from this company, the greatest of his work.

"Lone- LtCY BROWN, mani.t. Nrw School Auditorium. The pros ram Fresco-baldL Toccaia. Correin nd Fugue. Bach, Prelude and Fugues in F-aharp maior, F-sharp minor and minor, from Book 2 he Well Tempered Clavier.

Beethoven, Sonata. Op. 109. Mnuvsorgky. Pictures at, an Exhibition.

nor the serious musician has the remotest appreciation of the sub- Ject, both because of the fact that thi best ot "swing" artists have either died, like Bix, Jimmy Harrison, Teschmaker, or have declined with tile passing years, of whom there are too many to cite. The excitement one can get from a smil band ot virtuosi improvising for their own pleasure in appro- sor.it Blues Is really a masterpiece: two of ihe only authentic blues voial choruses Louis ever recorded 1 pli: a few oars of matchless trumpet Wide Observance Planned For Wlusic Week' Festival City Offers Free Concerts: Symphonic, Band, Chamber Ihe National Music Week convchuial groups will close Music Week in such states as Connecticut, Min- neo-ita. New Jersey, New York, Ohio, ln 8 Grcat BiB Way" Wy. Virginia and Wisconsin. New "Hooray for "You're a Heav-York's celebration will also Include Thing and "Restless." Not a series of programs to be presented on lh the recording excellent, but at 3 n.m.

dailv as a Dart of the I tn superlative arrangements are hobby roundup at Commerce Hall, uni.rr the direction of Sigmund Spaeth In Brooklyn This Afternoon NEW YORK CIVIC ORCHESTRA. Eu-xrne Ptotniknff conducting Seltna Kramer, pianist, soloist. Brooklyn Muftfiim. The program: Scriabin, Symphony No. 2.

in minor. Chopin. Piano Co nee no No. 2. in minor.

Brnhms-Dv orak. Three Hungarian DillK'L'S. Tuesday Evening CONCERT under the auspice of ihe Frottvtant Bur Sister Council. Academy of Music. Participating arlisiv: Edna Wreie, snnrano; Donald Relte, baritone: the Drane Sister, violinists; Antonio Lora.

pianist. The program: By Miss Weese: Masr.agni. nria irom "Cava lie na CaMelnnovn-Tedcscn. "Ninna-Nanna." Tirlnriell. "Prtmavera Bach.

"Ah Lovp But a Day." P'lntow. "The Lau Rose of Siimnifi." Group of violin duels; group of souks by Mr. Beliz. Group of piano solos by Mr. Lora, Saturday Afternoon 1JRONX SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

Louis Green conducting: assisting artists: The Chelsea Si Hirers anil Terry Home, tenor, and Tom Morgan, baritone. Brooklyn Museum. The program Tschaikowsky. Symphony No. 6.

In minor. Beethoven. Overture. "Leonora" No 3. Wagner.

Choral, Prize Song and Finale, "Die Mei.sterslnger." Hippodrome Opera Thin Evening; RKiOLETTO, with Mmf. Rae and Schalker and Messrs, Rufflno. Pilot to and Ruisl. Bamboschek conducting Thursday Evening: CARMEN, with Louise Casplottl and Messrs. De Muro and Pllouo.

Bamboschek conducting. Saturday Evening MADAME BUTTERFLY, with Annun-rista (iarroto and Messrs. Ruff Inn and PUotti. Bamboschek conducting. Orchestras Friday Evening ORCHESTRA OF THE INSTITUTE OK MI SK'AL ART, Willem Wileke conducting.

Juilliard Auditorium. ThP program: Golcimark. Overture "Sak Uniala." Rossini, aria from a Cen-prentola." Mendelssohn. Piano Concerto In minor. Brahms, Symphony No.

2, in Recitals This Afternoon RACHEL MASTROTA. pianM. Barht-ni Plata. The program: Barh-TVAlben. Prelude and Fugue in Beethoven, Sonata.

Op. 27, No, 1 Chopin. Fantnsie. Schumann- Schumann. Three Caprirp.

Paganini-Liszt-Barth, "La Campa-nela." This Evening JEWISH NATIONAL WORKERS ALLIANCE CHOIR. Zavel Zilbrrlo conducting. Town Hall. Assisting artist: Cantor I.eib GlanU, baritone. Program delayed.

Monday Afternoon THE MTTKi TRIO. II I l.in n-Plaa inn op. 1 ntd in Concert Hall. The pro; inn del. lor in Beethoven.

Trio ill Mozart, Sonata in A in no. Arthur Footf, I'i it minor. Monday Evening AN A TO APOPORT. pianist. Town Hall.

The program: Bach-Busoni. Prelude and Furup in SrarlaiM. 8onaLa in A. Ramcau, Gavotte Varlee, Rat h-Busoni. Charonne.

Brahtn. Two Intermezzos. Schubert, Impromptu. OP No. 2.

Debussy. HommaKe a Ramenu, Goriowskv. Moods from Tnkonianiernn. Proko-firw, Tocattii. Liszt.

FuneraiUe.s. Paganln-LiszL-Busom. "La Campa-aella." Tuesday Evening BERNARD (1ABRIEL. pianist. The Barbuon.

The prow ram: Short. pifces 1 rom Coupenn, Bach, Handel, Mozart. Chopin. Schubert, Mendelsaohn. Debussy.

Prokofipw. Szymanow.sk), Liszt and Motetl-Gabriel. Wednesday Evening SPRING CONCERT of tho Mm-ic Schnol Settlement. Town Hail. Participating fnrces; Junior Orchestra aiwl Chorus; String Quartet, Instrumental and ocal Sohtists.

The prnpram will include a first performance. "Carnival." tor nrcheMra and chorus, by Sylvia Smith. Ill LEN SCHAr MUSTEK, pianist. Can-rUetight rental, Aeolian Hall. The program: Schumann, Pasrhinsssch-want a us Wein.

Chopin. Two Nocturnes and Ballade In minor. Debussy, "La Fillie aux he veils lin." Serge Study. H. Murray Jacoby.

Moon Over the Caribbean. Torch. The Juggler Delibes-Dohnanyi, Waltzes from Naila." Saturday Evening TH MIA "SABANIEEVA. soprano: Mila vtellerson. cellist, and Pierre Lubo-schiitz.

pianist. Under the auspice of the Women's American OKT. Town Hall. The program: Bv Mila Wellerson: Sammarttm, Sonata; Concerto: Pieces by Faurc. Ravel, Boccherinl.

By Miss Sabi-lifeva Anas and sonns by Handel. Ghick. Mattets, Donaudy. Strawin-y, Prokofiew. Moussorttsky, Rim--kv-KorKnkow.

Strauss. Debussy. Res-niKhi, Bainbridee Crust. Amy Worth. Dancers Tuesday Evening MOP! RN DANCE RECITAL (last of prtes).

New School Auditorium. Pa icipatinB artists Elnu Lillhach nnd ernup. Jerome Andrews Lillian Sha pero, Friday Evening IM.LHORC. TORRI'P. Biubinn Plaza nncerl Hall.

Program ol miIo dances 1 mtiMc by Ihenisky, Schubert. Bcethoen and Ones. MU3IC has a way of breeding fanaticism among its devotees. Its emotional power Is such that almost anyone connected with it is likely to lose his sense of balance. The opera singer will see his art, and particularly hi voice, as a sort of cosmic center from which radiate, in various degrees of decreasing importance, the opera house that is honored by his presence, the composer who Is honored by his interpretations, the public that is privileged to listen to him, the millionaires who finance his appearances, and the critics who are mostly a bunch of soreheads and who don't matter much anyhow.

The composer (by "composer" Is meant, of course, anyone who has ever had the distinction of writing a few notes down on ruled paper) Is likewise the center of a universe, this time a universe in which the complacent "reproductive" interpreter, the hopelessly uninformed public that will be sorry when he's gone, and the critic who ought to be put in his place as a third-string sports reporter, all revolve as very distant satellites. The critic, sitting solemnly in his aisle seat, formulating judgments that are to achieve the dignity of print and the attendant honor of igniting tomorrow's kindling, is also a solar center. It is likely to be his particular delusion that some measure of intrinsic dignity attaches to the rather widespread capacity for having opinions. He may even subconsciously regard the whole art of music as being primarily conceived for the express purpose of being classified and evaluated. One is reminded of an old German orchestral anecdote that is good enough to bear repetition here.

It concerns an old man who was retired after many years of service as "assistant librarian" in a symphony orchestra. During his active years one of his principal duties, as is usual with this dignitary, had been to carry the bip copper kettledrums on and off the stage before and after concerts. Shortly after his retirement the management invited him to attend one of the concerts as a member of the audience. He came to the concert in his Sunday best clothes, arriving early and remaining in his seat long after the rest of the audience had left. They asked him afterward how he had enjoyed the performance.

He shrugged, "Good in spots," he said. "Well, you don't seem to be very enthusiastic," they remarked. "What was wrong with it?" The old man shook his head despondently. "Is it possible that you didn't notice? The new man who carried the kettledrums. Why, he's a mere amateur.

And they expect me me! to sit through that kind of a performance. My dear friends!" He smiled sadly. "There are assistant librarians and assistant librarians." rpHK lack of perspective which dis- anguishes so many people who are involved, directly indirectly, in the various departments of musi-rnl activity only serves to aggravate the already sufficiently chaotic state of music in America. The limited field of concei ts and audiences is by no means the only musical manifestation that comes within the experience of the general public. Perhaps it is not even the most important one.

There is the highly valuable activity of the musical amateur to be considered. There are the vastly matters of the radio and the phonograph. There is a virile American popular musical idiom that remains largely outside the interests of the average concert addict. There are the fields of musical scholarship and musiral education in which Ihe various music libraries and founda- Soloist for Goldman Conceits The Goldman Band is this Summer to have a new cornet soloist for the Daniel Guggenheim Memorial concerts. David C.

Rosebrook, who was born in Maine, has lived In San Francisco, the greater part of his life. Mr. Rosebrook has had unusual training, having studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and later becoming a pupil of the great cornetist Jules Levy For many years Mr. Rosebrook had his own band in California. He was also first trumpeter with the San Francisco Orchestra.

Among former cornet soloists with the Goldman Band was Ernest S. Williams, who played during the first five seasons, when the concerts were given at Columbia University. He w'as followed by Waino Kauppl, a. young cornetist who achieved grtfit popularity. During the past seven years Del Staigers has been the cornet soloist.

Mr. Rosebrook will make his debut at the opening concert of the band's season on June 19 and will he hpard thereafter three or lour times a week. mil tee has devised a new type of pro-jiam for the celebration of National Music Week, May 511. The is to make possible a more di ersified participation in the activities of this period. The duration of the festival is being extended this year in deference to local conditions thus carrying the celebra tion in some centers through the i first half of the month.

"Conserve Our Musical Asset" is the keynote of tne various observances, many of which are pianued to further de- suable music projects or activities. J-'cr example, greater musical op- poitunities for young people in rural Connecticut are to be provided as a result of the benefit concert to be given in Hartford by 1,000 singers of the New England Federation of Men Glee Clubs. A stimulus to greater interest in piano study on the part of young people is being supplied through the national piano playing contests, which will be con-diced during mid-May in 31 tournament centers, extending from the Atlantic Seaboard to Honolulu. Thtse tournaments, under the auspices of the Master Piano Teach- Loius blows the strangest notes that very English Al Bowlly attempts to "so.it" In the manner ot Harlem. Ths other side is "My Melancholy which Is more suited to the saccharine talents of this artist.

Bay Noble has concocted rather pretentious backgrounds for both, with va-Ting temp: and numerous "ef- let.s. rne current Bluebird list is the to discover that it was the superlative Fletcher Henderson record issued on Victor a tew years back. "Reckless," however, was by Mr. Ni.i:ols, and we would advise your avoiding it joo riaynes one nf the best bands in the country, even if he t(i he found only on thp 25 and 35-cent labels. All four of his latest Bluebirds are recommended as good istiaight dance music: "Life Is a Song," "Seein' Is Believm "Melan- A OTHER very fine band to make its recording debut on the iu.

lists is that of Oil Rodin, wn.i.n includes most of Hie old Ben Pmlack musicians Their first record is "Restless" and "What's the Rt.aron," the latter being considerably the Detter 'Perfect 13377). benny Goodman continues to both tilt particular and the "vuage customer in his new Victor ail ov Fletcher Henderson. Columbia continues to feature bands, with Johnny Green Duke was recording, but the latter's evu. was excellent enough to assure me that we may expect the usual Ellir.gton standard. The only sad part about some of the sides is that thoy feature Duke's new high-note trumpet Instead of the peerless artist known as "Cootie" Williams, Just about the best trumpeter in the country.

The new Brunswick release brings considerably more invigorating music than has heen coming for the past few months. Ozzie Nelson, who has one of the Oest bands abuu town, has lour new tunes. Including the hits from "Go Into Yoiu Dance and "Ml Never Say Never Again Again" (7425 and 7426). The Casa Loma has two of its mechanical "hot" versions of "San Sue Strut" and "Corrlne Corrina," while Carlos Molina's better than adequate tango band has "La Ray-ela" and 'El Carrcrlto." Then also there is Helen Morgan, who still sounds bad on records (7424). Next time I shall attempt a consumers research analysis of recius and gramophones lor those tlvt are in the dark.

CONCtRTSai.NH,TTA. UIPP0DR0MEli" 11 TONIGHT AT 8:15 RIGOLETTO LA KAK. HI VMS'), I'll. OTTO, Kl'ISI SrjT SUMMER PRICES ZV-W 5M5e 99' nln. r.tra Rilr.

TOWN 1J I IHs'l TOM'H i KITH XI. A Tlll RAPOPORT -SI ILic'iv 3mv TOM fT A I 1 iKt SITTIG TPvIO L. The annual music festival, spon- "ry King heading the list, sorea by tha music department oi Gl'PF made a couple of excellent Teachers College, Columbia Uni- from A1 Jolson's movie "Go verFity, will be held during National 1 Your Dance" 3028D and Mvsic Week. The festival, under M-fU'- the oireetion of Professor Peter nvinp Aaronsnn's first-rate or-Dykema and Professor Norval L. 'litra has recorded two average Church, will attract music organ- pop tunes, Way Back Home" and izations from all public schools lo-J "An Evening in June' (3U37D).

The catrd In the vicinity of New York very inferior orchestra which sig-City. nuicantly bears the name of its Any type ol organization is el- proprietor, Irving Mills, has made igiaie and desirable. Mr Morrisscy two commercial-hot thingamajtga, states. Bands, orchestras, string or Swingin' in Flat" and "African bnics ensembles, trios, quartets. Both are quite bogus, quintets; soio numbers on any ln- stiument.

choruses, glee clubs, a TKERE is excellent news from capella choirs and vocal quartets I Brunswick however. Duke El-or trios are eligible to participate 1 Huston has just recorded four sides in tne festival lwh cn are said to be magnificent, rne festival to be held in Colum-1 1 wandered into the studio while Friday Greenwich Sinfonietta, Bronx County Building, 161st St. and Grand Concourse, the Bronx; 8:30 p.m., Philip Gordon conducting. Saturday Bronx Symphony Orchestra, Brooklyn Museum, Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn; 3 p.m., Louis Green conducting, with Chelsea Singers; soloists, Terry Home, tenor, and Tom Morgan, baritone. Bands and Chamber Ensembles Monday Broe'-lyn String Trio, Carlton Ave.

Branch Y. M. C. 405 Carlton Brooklyn; 8:30 p.m. Wednesday Harlem String Trio, 135th St.

Branch Y. M. C. 180 W. 135th Manhattan; 7:00 p.m.

Thursday Capitol Chamber Trio, Seamen's House Y. M. C. 550 W. 20th Manhattan; 6:30 p.m.

Harlem String Trio, 137th St. Branch Y. W. C. 179 W.

137th Manhattan; p.m. Lenox Chamber Trio, 135th St. Y. M. C.

180 W. 135th Manhattan; 8:30 p.m. New York State Symphonic Band, Brooklyn Museum, Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn; 3 p.m., Anthony Giammatteo conducting. Friday Harlem String Trio, 135th St. Branch Y.

M. C. 180 W. 135th Manhattan; 7 p.m. Capitol Chamber Trio, Eastern District High School, Rodney and Keep Brooklyn; 8:30 p.m.

Gramercy Chamber Trio, Hamilton Fish Park Public Library, 388 E. Houston Manhattan; 8:30 p.m. The following is a list of free concerts given by the Concert Division, E. R. for the week beginning Sunday, May 5: Orchestras Sunday New York Civic Orchestra, Brooklyn Museum, Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, 4 p.m., Eugene Plotnikoff conducting; soloist, Selma Kramer, pianist.

Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra, Bronx County Building, 161st St. and Grand Concourse, the Bronx, 3:30 p.m., Antonia Brico conducting. Bronx Symphony Orchestra, Jamaica High School, Gothic Drive and 168th Jamaica, L. 8:30 p.m., Gerald McGarrahan conducting; soloist, John Corigllano, violinist. The Greenwich Sinfonietta, American Museum of Natural History, 77th St.

and Central Park West, Manhattan; 2 p.m., George Allen Foster conducting. Wednesday New York Civic Orchestra, American Museum of Natural History, 77th St. and Central Park West; 2 p.m., Jacques Gordon conducting. Municipal Chamber Symphony, Roerich Museum, 310 Riverside Drive, Manhattan; 8:30 p.m., Jacques L. Gottlieb conducting.

Thursday Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra, McMillin Theater of Columbia University, 116th St. and Broadway, Manhattan; 4:30 p.m., Franco Autori conducting; soloist, Robert Lawrence, pianist. crs Guild, and with awards in the wn begin ai 9:30 a.m. Saturday, i manager evioently regarded my in-fonu of cerr.iicates for proficiency, May 11, ano continue throughout teresi with suspicion, tor I was are being held during Music Week the nay. Any music group interested promptly ordered out by the gent, in such centers as Washington, in the festival may communicate who.

alas, comes from Brooklyn, so D. Sioux Falls. S. and other Uviin Mr Morrisscy or Student that 1 am unable to give vent to. cities.

Chairman Alfred Lekvolri of the proper rage. What I did hear, how- bia gymnasium and Milbank Chapel, Brown, playing al thr rw high school music con- music department of Teachers Col-tests for bHnds. orchestras and; lege. Columbia University. Three Pianists Who Play This Week Hull tomorrow nighl; lhrnunl playing at ihr Rnrhizon Plum Turnlny nighl; Lury I.pfl lo right: Anulol Rupoport, in rpnliil at ihe Town School Auditorium tonight..