First Musical Review Criticized

The first number of this year's Musical Review well sustains the standard of former years; and the editors are to be congratulated.

Mr. Moderwell '13, has written a timely article on the new poets of scenery, with especial notice of Adolphe Appia. This man is as yet less well known than his contemporaries, Craig, Bakst, and Reinhardt, in spite of his work of inspiring and sustaining the modern movement. The illustrations of his scenes from the "Ring" confirms Mr. Moderwell's enthusiasm.

Mr. Sessions '15 has written an exhaustive article on "Richard Strauss as a Tone Poet," (to be continued). Reverence for his subject has not made him the less critical; but at the end he commits the mistake of attempting comparison of the ultimate worth of Strause Debussy.

Mr. Burk '16, writes on "Browning, the Musician." Browning was ever an explorer into the mysteries: every dusty corner had its fascination; and Browning tried his hand at almost all the arts and several sciences. His love and comprehension of music is revealed in many poems, of which Mr. Burk takes due notice. "Abt Vogler" is reprinted for immediate confirmation of points made.

Mr. Gammons '18 discusses "Moussorgsky and his Songs." Little is known and much discussion is made about Moussorgsky, that strange embodied essence of darkest Russia; and Mr. Gammons is to be thanked for his analysis of the spirit of the songs.

Mr. Clark '16, prints a poem "At Dusk," in free verse; and he justifies the form. The two stanzas describe the same moment, but from the two different points of view of a man and a woman. There are several lines that stir the imagination deeply.

The number as a whole is exceedingly good; but there is a sad lack of editorials! The only one merely discusses one of the articles. This is a fault easily remedied, however.