"Musical Review" of High Standard

In the current number of the "Musical Review," the article by Professor Spalding, entitled "The Need for a Broader Conception of Culture," is easily the most significant, despite the high quality and able critical attitude displayed in the other contributions. Professor Spalding demonstrates with cogent reasoning the appalling limitations existent in the estimation, as to what constitutes cultivation, appeals justly for a more concrete realization of the intellectual and emotional scope afforded by music of the highest type, and establishes the unassailable right of the arts to occupy a position as a means of culture fully equal to that afforded by literature. In view, of the astounding failure to grasp the comprehensive attributes of music as a cultural factor. Professor Spalding's article is timely and its pervasiveness is supported by felicitous quotations, of which those from Carlyle and Nietzeche are the most notable.

Dr. F. Morris Class contributes a vivacious and readable article on Brahms physician and friend, Dr. Billroth, which constitutes an interesting "human document."

Mr. Sessions, a former president of the "Musical Review," continues his detailed discussion of the works of Richard Strauss. If no strikingly novel criticism is to be found therein, there are many facts relating to the genesis of Strauss more important works, their technical and esthetic character which are presented with a continuity and grasp which makes them valuable to a less informed reader.

Mr. Casey makes some thoughtful remarks, under the caption "Opera, Owned and Borrowed," on the ever fresh problem of opera in Boston, one which should be solved if that community is to retain its position in the musical life of the country. Comments on an editorial from the "Opera Magazine," and reviews conclude a number of high standard which must re-affirm the consideration to which the "Musical Review" is entitled as a genuine contribution to the critical activity of our country.