The Music Society

When called upon to appreciate an artistic work, the modern mind first places the work into its correct category, and then proceeds to compare it with something in this category which has already been specified as a good example—an example of specialisation in the field of artistic appreciation. We seem to be losing the ability to appreciate anything simply in its own right. This may be due in no small way to the speed and urgency of the modern mode of life.

A freer and wider approach to the cultures of our age should result in more open and responsive minds in the younger generation. Let us, therefore, learn to look discerningly upon the beautiful things around us, and to appreciate what we see, instead of always striving to find, in the lesser arts, those points which we already know and appreciate to the fullest extent. In this way, perhaps, we can live more full and more satisfying lives in a world where, all too often, individuality of taste is regarded as a sign of eccentricity. M. L. BYWATER.

Although the Society held only one Saturday evening meeting its activities have been by no means restricted. The Choral Society has had a larger membership than for some time and has met weekly on Thursdays after morning school. It has rehearsed, according to an early colourful poster, "Messiah Part the One", but in fact some numbers from this part were omitted and somehow or other the Hallelujah Chorus was held to come into the category of Christmas Music.

Friday lunch-hour recitals have continued with increased popularity. More scope has been given by including "live" recitals as well as programmes of gramophone records. These "live" recitals have proved very popular. At the first Mr. Waine put the new piano in Big Hall through its paces. At the second we were glad to welcome Mr. Walter Jorysz and his violin, while at the third B. Jones and R. W. Bentley gave an Organ Recital. Gramophone recitals were arranged by Badham, Brown, Hancock and Jenkinson

The one Saturday evening meeting was well attended. A team of four picked by B. W. H. Carter challenged a team representing the Committee to "Spot the Tune". Each member of the teams was asked in turn to identify tunes from works contained in the School Record Library, and then to identify styles and periods. Mr. Hart was question-master and kept the game very much alive with his excellent patter. The Committee eventually won by 23i points to 13+. We thank Mr. Hart for his work as compere and also for the illuminating talk with which he wound up the evening on what he called the music of the spheres. So successful was the event that the winning team has challenged Bootham School Music Society to a similar contest next term. K.B. 27

At 6-30 p.m. on Friday, 23rd November, Frederick Grinke gave a violin recital in Big Hall. His violin was made in 1718 by Stradivari, who was one of the greatest violin makers in history. It is one of the comparatively few still in existence and is on permanent loan to Mr. Grinke from the Royal Academy of Music, of which he is a Fellow and Professor.

Mr. Grinke began his recital with a Suite in A by Vivaldi. This is divided into five short movements, of which most were in quick tempo. He followed this with an extremely effective Adagio by Corelli. This was probably the piece that was most appreciated in the evening. Mr. Grinke lost none of the sentiment from this beautiful melody.

It was the slow movement also of the Dvorak Sonatina which seemed to be the most appreciated part of what was otherwise a typical and straightforward work. The unaccompanied Sonatina by Gordon Jacob was less successful. It was undoubtedly difficult for most members of the audience to extract any meaning from this modern piece, written primarily to display the technique of the performer.

Mr. Grinke delightfully interpreted the Paganini Caprice, a very light and tripping work, and brought out the richness of his violin's tone in the slow and expressive Nocturne by Lili Boulanger. The Lennox Berkeley Toccata came as a complete contrast : it was fast and almost robust. The last item in the recital was somewhat of a disappointment to an audience expecting a fine and simple melody. Sincere and emotional though it was, Smetana's 2nd piece "From my homeland" should have been put earlier in the programme.

Although the music did not always suit the taste of the School, one cannot fail to appreciate Mr. Grinke's soft playing and his splendid technique. Mr. Waine accompanied on the piano.

R.T.B.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Few people who attended the concert realise the amount of work put in both by the performers and the organisers. At the beginning of the term it was decided that the Choral Society should sing the Christmas music from Messiah. At first sight this seemed rather a large responsibility with such a limited amount of time available, but the parts were soon learnt, and attendances at the practices were good. Practices gradually became more of a pleasure than the necessary evil they first appeared to be.

From the point of view of the performers the actual performance of Messiah was satisfying. The standard of performance was not perfect by any means, and it was obvious that more rehearsal had been put into the more popular choruses such as "And the glory of the Lord" and "Hallelujah". But in all the choruses the performers 28