CLASSICAL MUSIC

            Music is the composer's instrument with which he transforms dreams into reality. Music, the reflector through which we see the greatness of the Viennese Opera of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is the music of this era that conductors attempt to recapture in this modern 2Oth century.

It might be asked today why classical music has relapsed so much that it needs recapturing.  The answer is that music was a pleasure appreciated only by the rich, thus, with the raising of social standards, the 'nouveau riche' had to be adapted to new conditions.

This was no easy task, and in this way classical music has suffered a setback which is now being righted, and so we are now witnessing the growing interest in classical music both in this country and, abroad.

This interest has developed greatly since the war, and despite much criticism from the younger generation, these youngsters look on classical music with a far broader mind than many of their parents did.

The reason's for this are that everybody is far more classical in outlook, and thus music is always at the forefront. Also, in this age of television and sound radio, the B.B.C. make full use, of their broadcasting facilities to bring live concerts and opera, into the homes of the public.  Coupled with this is the great movement started by societies and orchestras such as the Halle of Manchester, the Royal Philharmonic and the Promenades of Henry Wood.

These societies all have their own big orchestras, and they also encourage in small towns and cities the up and, coming newer and, smaller organisations. Art and Drama schools also lay stress on classical music, and Universities play their part as well. It is in this way that younger people are encouraged to take an interest in music.

Young conductors and composers are also given all the help possible, either privately by a leading name in music, or by a society.

A good example of this was the recent competition sponsored by one of the daily newspapers for young, and unknown conductors. The prize was the opportunity to conduct, the London Philharmonic for half an evening at the Festival Hall. Parts, of the concert were shown, and the winner had a valuable chance to bring his talent into the limelight by means of the performance.

In all these ways we can see how interest in classical music in this country has waned and revived, and is even now being encouraged throughout this country.

P. LAURENCE, VI.