I am amused at the sudden swin; over of the press to praise of. Russia. After abusing the Russians and ridiculing their country for years, the papers are suddenly printing flattering travel articles over the lovely country, the charming Russians, the marvelous facilities for travelers and the high cultural level of the Bolshies.
Berlin, Nov. 16.
The loudest wails over clothes rationing come from the women, who happy urgency. effortlessly. So, in equal manner for those who listen, it is absorbed and savoured, without strain.
As to the playing of the work, tonal balance and gradation were achieved throughout all departments save the brass which, as in so many Occasions in the past, was strident. Criticism may also be levelled at some of the rhythmical interlacings of the string sections in the first movement. The fault here would appear to be a lack of unanimity among the violins as to the exact and invariable valuation of notes.
Finally, there was that ever delightful little piece of Richard Strauss, "Lo Bourgeois gentilhomme," of which the Orchestra is so fond. Rightly so, for much of the music of Strauss in lighter vein recognized as his best work.
When he ceases to select grim themes such as Salome and Elektra with which to set to music, and when he lays aside the grandiose, he depends ang becomes very human. The subtle wit of "Till Eulenspiegel" and "Lo Bourgeois gentilhomme," the simple sincerity of his songs and some of the early works, will doubtless outlive thè humourlessly heavy Teutonic excursions into the darx realms of the neuroses.—H. are allowed cne pair of stockings every two months.
Leg lacquer, which, when. applied to the bare gives the appearance of a stocking. is being advertised and sold in large quantities.
Berlin, Nov. 21.
The only good thing that has come out of the war thus far is a marching song "Wir farren ge gen Engelland,"
ich is really a wow. The words ere from an old sailor ditty by Hei mann Loens, the chorus running "Leb wool, mein Schatz, leb wob Donn wir farren, donn wir farren, donn wir farren ge gen Engelland. Engelland." It means: "Farewell, my treasure, farewell: for we're on our way. we're on our way, wi way to England."
Christmas is coming on but ly lacking are the heaps of sweets and Cookies as well as the piles of soft woolens which are a standard present in these parts. The candy department in Wertheim's is now practically filled with small gnarled apples end the garment counters are vacant because nothing can be bought without a ticket. is now impossible to buy gramo-Berlin, Nov. 29. phone records without turning in old ones in exchange. The factories are not given new material and must reclaim old records in order te manufacture new ones.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.