[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—As an ex-schoolgirl I
think I can suggest another reason for the slump in amateur pianoforte concerts, or rather per- formances by ,` young ladies." The girl of today does not sit at home all her life learning fancy work- and practising the piano three excruciating hours daily. She has to work at exams" and fashion for herself a practical career, which will support her without the need of delving into the well- Worn family purse. Her time is entirely taken up with the all- important items of learning, and piano playing to the average performer is in most cases Useless as a means of livelihood. The modem young woman has the sense to cut out all un- necessary adjuncts to her education. In many instances those girls who, in the past, would have strummed on the key- board .realize they have no real musical talent and do not attempt to learn an art which is only made artistic by a few naturally gifted players. -
" Wireless " has certainly helped to oust the amateur per- former, but provided it is well rendered, the piece or song played or sung in your own drawing-room is decidedly prefer- able to a "loud speaker ", or "ear 'phones." No one can entirely conquer atmospheric flaws, and, personally, I dislike being unable to see the performer,. whose graceful motions greatly assist to procure sympathy from an audience.—I am,
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