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Pan-American Union's History Features MusicInternational Interest Won By Development of Talent In Broadcasting ProgramsBy Alice Eversman.Fifty years ago today the Pan-American Union was established, fallowing a resolution agreed upon By the First International Conference of American States, presided over by the then Secretary of 8Ute, James O. Blaine. At this, time in the history of the worldv the anniversary of the Pan-American Union assumes particular significance, for its success in preserving amity among the nations of this hemisphere, and not an inconsiderable part ofa*-—-the kindly feeling prevailing is due to the effort to bring about an appreciation of the art life, and, particularly, the musical life of our southern neighbors. That the value of this purpose is becoming more and more realised was evident at the Conference on Inter-American Relations in the Field of Music, which met at the Library of Congress last fall.Whatever may be accomplished in the future, the breaking of the ground was done with the establishing of a series of concerts in the beautiful Hall of the Americas at the Union, where works of prominent composers of every country of Latin America and the appearance of talented soloists have made known the music of the southern countries through Nation-wide broadcasts.Anniversary Event.It was Franklin Adams, former counselor of the union, who first conceived the idea of stimulating Interest in Latin American music by means of concerts broadcast throughout this country and Latin America. The first program was sent out over the air from Washington on May 25, 1924; the 95th program will be broadcast on April 30 as part of the anniversary ceremonies. Mr. Adams sought local co-operation for the inauguration of these concerts. ?nd the first to respond was the Army Band* Later the Navy and Marine Bands shared the series and contributed their musicians equally toward the formation of the United Service Orchestra, which was directed in turn by each of the three leaders of the famous service bands.After the first few broadcasts in the studio of WRC it was decided to give the concerts in the great hall of the union. At first the difficulty of getting the proper music was a handicap, as the supply in this country was limited. As the opportunity which these concerts offered became apparent, governments, publishing houses and composers began to cooperate. many of the composers taking special pains to make their music accessible.The encouragement which this open door to public hearing gave to the musicians of the Latin American countries was deeply appreciated by their. compatriots, while the musicians of this country soon began to feel the spell of the gay rhythms and languorous melodies that are the birthright of these gifted peoples, as well as the charm of their folklore. The concerts at the Union have contributed in no small measure to the present popularity of this music of 8panish coloring and have paved the way to a wider recognition of the talent which is therein represented.Offer Instruments.Not only has the substance of the music of Latin America been made known, but the indigenous instruments that give it such special coloring in performance. The Pan-American Union has in its possession a native Peruvian harp, a quena, the flute used by the Indians of the Andes, and different kinds of gourds, the maraca, a species of rattle and the guayo, which gives forth a rasping sound when scraped with a stick. The marimba is an Instrument that has been quickly taken to the hearts of American musicians, but at the beginning of the union concerts it was still a comparative stranger. It must have been a gala occasion when, at one of the earlier concerts, the program was given by “The President’s Own” Marimba Orchestra of Guatamala.The concerts are financed jointlyby the 21 republics of this continent aided by a small annual grant from the Carnegie Corp. The library of musical works has grown to noteworthy proportions and there is now compiled in the oflloe of the counselor of the union. Dr. William Mangar, a list of Latin American music which can be purchased in the United States. Thai consists of vocal, piano, instrumental, orchestral and band works arranged by countries, each with tip publisher’s name, the price and other essentials clearly stated. The compiling of this catalogue alone Represents a great contribution to uhe North American public which* for some years was unable to obtain this music. yTalent Revealed.Through the continued effort of the union to present the music of Latin America, now in the hand* of the present counselor, Dr. Mangar, the extraordinary richness of talent of these countries is being revealed. The ancient civilisations of those lands is mirrored in their music that is part of the very life of the people. Modem trends have touched not at all the marvelous folk lore that is still preserved in the age-old festivals and ceremonies. The charm, the variety and the rich sentiment that permeate this music disclosed the tremendous musical wealth that lies in those countries in which music is a spontaneous means of emotional expression.Through music the people of the United States are finding a bond of understanding and appreciation with its colorful neighbors that cannot be estimated. Where language and customs form a barrier, music can dissolve it and this the musicians of this continent are beginning more and more to realize. Whatever will be accomplished toward forwarding the aim for which the Pan-American Union was established, namely, “to promote peace, commerce and friendship between the republics of the American Continent by fostering economic, judicial, social and cultural relations,” will have been aided by the music which we of this country have grown to love and appreciate.*
Newspaper Details
Evening Star
Washington, Washington-DC, US
Sun, Apr 14, 1940
Page 124
Full Page
Clipped by
University O.
TX, USA 15 Sep 2022
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