The Modern Instrument By Mancaro, In comparison with other won Arcus achievements of this modern age, the gramophone has made deplorable Tittle progress, It is, me deed, only within the last year or so that it has been heaved out of the rut of the commonplace, and fan effort made to invest it' with the rank of real musical worth.
For the improvements at_ pres ing made, the—music-lov thanks are due, not so much to the foresight of those at the head of the industry, as to the public ite self whose demand for music of the right kind has set up very Keen competition among producers, Not only is the musical taste of the enthusiast being considered, Dut the vexed question of reproduction too, is receiving the benefit of scientific investigation. Both might easily have boon the same extent many years Ago, the only balm available now is afforded in the doubtful relict of certain old fashioned adayes which the position calls to mind. In spite of the fact then, that there is still plenty of room for advancement, one cannot but admit to-day that' the gramophone bids fair to become an instrument of high artistic value in's Recognition.
The barriers of prejudice erceted as a result of the noise-machines fast being overcome, jans everywhere are ac-1 the modern instrument an importanf"factor in the educational life of the public. Sir Henry Wood, in particular, who for many years held-very decided objections to the gramophone, has now entirely altered his views. This eminent musician, at a recent convention of the Federation of British Music Industries, spoke highly of the instrament and its uses, The Press too, including the most. conservative of periodicals, is profuse in its recognition of the gramophone's popularity, and in addition there are several excellent papers entirely devoted: to the interests of the gramophone enthosiast. One of these, edited by the author, Compton Mackenzie, deserves special mention as a thoroughly interesting and well conducted enterprise.
Symphonic Recordings.
Twelve months ago practically none of the many record catalogues could boast of a composition tending over more than two sides, while to-day the collector may own fully recorded sets of at least four of Beethoven's symphonies, two of Tschaikowsky's, one of Dvorak's, many overtures and symphonic poems, and several quartets and other chamber music works. The cult of the "cut" record is no longer; it will not, one fervently hopes, ever be revived. While on the subject of works of major proportions, it is interest-to note that an outstanding feature of forthcoming announcements is the recording of Cesar Franck's great Symphony in Minor. This work was, by the way, greatest number of votes in a poll recently taken amongst its readers by a Home Paper,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.