MISS MACAULAY AND MUSICIANS [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—I am assuming that Miss Rose Macaulay is not likely to be elected Dictator of Music in England. It will then be perhaps quite safe and not entirely hopeless to point out that :
(a) Constant Larnbert has found jazz a subject of great interest and he attaches much importance to several of its composers.
(b) That Hadow on Elgar has written : " He has remodelled the musical language of England ; he has enlarged its style and enriched its vocabulary and the monument of his work is not only a landmark in our present advance but a beacon of guidance for its future."
(c) That Toscannini has a high opinion of Vaughan Williams and Barbirolli has told us he is accepted in America as a great composer. He is also not without honour in his own country and has strong claims to be considered the greatest living composer. Sir Thomas Beecham has made Delius almost as well loved as Mozart, and Albert Sammons regularly plays tha Delius Violin Concerto. One of the greatest of living pianists, Arthur Rubenstein, includes the John Ireland piano concerto in his repertoire. Holst's " Hymn of Jesus " and Walton's " Belshazzar's Feast " are outstanding choral works. Walton, some years ago before some of his best work was done, was, on the strength of Portsmouth Point " and " Facade," considered a figure of European importance.
The list of fine works by living British composers is a long one. There is no justification for belittling or dismissing the achievement, and listeners with knowledge, sensibility and judgement will surely affirm that most modern British music is worth while.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, H. J. COOPER.
102 Oakley Street, Chelsea.
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