An Appreciation the Editor of the "Nowru-Ciano Dany News'
Sm=—It seems to me that anyone who feels the urge to comment drill cally on Signor Paci and his orchestra should not overlook one or two things, Primarily, the Maestro has but a handful of' men to work with, last Sunday just thirty-nine, 'That is not much of a band as modern symphony orchestras go. Moreover, I take it that none of those are European virtuosi. With so scanty an equip: ment there may be some question of the advisability of undertaking' the great symphonies. But Paci is oh ambitious musician and anxious 10 Shanghai some real musie at once a week. Heaven know: Shanghai needs it, what with th awful blare of jazz and the nauscating whine of "crooners" on every hand, Compared to the broad experiences and far-reaching knowledge of the world of some of the youn, contributors to your "Lonely Girl" department, my own understanding, either geographical or cultural, is insignificant, But I have strayed about here and there a little, and without fever encountering a musiepl situation this one in Shanghai, Under the conditions it is rather remarkable that there is an orchestra here anyway. It is even more remarkable that you can hear good music well-played for the sum. of fourpence, It is most remarkable of all that this valiant little Florentine—little in stature but a great Italian worthy of his high artistic herita has carried on steadily and with wardly a break through all these yours and through all the evil days. that have fallen upon this harassed town.
is an achievement supreme, and danishes, or ought to banish, all thought of adverse eritielsm, " And now, behold, he returns from Europe and brings with him $0,000 lira from his Duce. Personally, 'I have litle use for Mussolint but I can forgive him a good deal for that generous gesture. I hope presently to sce it supplemented by his presentation 10 Maestro Paci of the Green-and-Purple Cordon of the Grand Order of What is-it.. And even Britain could do worse than award the musie-master a simple C.B.E. for his services in bringing cheer to Shanghai in her hours of stress, Mane T, Gnemve.
/Shanghal, Oct. 18,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.