A PLACE FOR THE MUSICAL REVIEW

Adverse criticism of the Musical Review has been voiced recently by such men as the musical critic of the New York Tribune and by Mr. Francis Rogers '91, chorister of the Harvard Club of New York City. Both express the opinion that as an authority on art the Musical Review has little value. The majority of articles are contributed by undergraduates, and the views supported are the product of minds inexperienced and without breadth. A student cannot have developed any real power of discernment in music; hence his opinion can have but little weight. Music is, according to the point of view, a fine art or a science. To discuss it from any angle, however, requires a knowledge gained from years of experience.

An opening for a student periodical in this field undoubtedly exists. The present Review came as a logical sequence in the series of steps which began with the organization of the Pierian Sodality in 1808, and was continued by the admission of the study of music to the University curriculum. The founders recognized such a need in 1912 when they conceived their initial policy. To quote from the first issue: "A magazine which holds itself aloof from all trade connections, which does not aim to supplement the work of music teachers, and which can bring to a large number such lofty musical ideals as Harvard advocates, is virtually lacking. It is as such a paper that we hope to prove our worth." Evidently the magazine is not fulfilling the "lofty musical ideals."

In proposing a remedy, the methods of the Law Review may be cited as an example of what might be adopted. The principal contributions to this periodical are made by men who are authorities in the profession, and the views given are of value to the law students who subscribe to it. The editors of the Musical Review would find ample opportunity to show originality in selecting and editing articles by men of reputation, preferably alumni, and by writing short reviews and notes. Harvard has produced many men of distinction as composers, critics, and teachers. Upon these the Review might call, and by adopting a plan of this kind, the magazine should more nearly fulfill its proper function in the College world. There is at present no standard musical paper in the country, as there was formerly no standard law periodical. The high position which the Law Review has attained indicates that a similar place is open to the Musical Review under a revised policy.