Correspondence on the performance of Brahms' Requiem
Yorkshire Herald, December, 1914.
MINSTER MEMORIAL SERVICE
To the EDITOR of the YORKSHIRE HERALD.
Sir,–I should like through your columns to earnestly plead that all who can should support the York Symphony Orchestra and the Musical Society in the magnificent performance of Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony" and Brahm's immortally great "Requiem."
Of course in such times few people wish to give themselves pleasures, and that is quite understandable, but I feel sure that those who do not make themselves acquainted with these glorious works, will miss a real spiritual treat. I am sure we all owe a deep debt of gratitude to our splendid Minster organist, and no one who has been present can fail to appreciate his valuable help in the rehearsals. Brahm's "Requiem" is a work which no-one can hear too often. and I say to those who think pleasure out of tune nowadays that Brahms will give then spiritual help—if listened to in the right way—which we all need nowadays, and that is why I plead for a worthy cause. The Musical Society and the Orchestra both deserve our utmost support.—Yours faithfully,
"MUSIC."
York, December 11, 1914.
Yorkshire Herald, December, 1914.
(To the EDITOR of the YORKSHIRE HERALD)
Sir,—l am much astonished to see advertised for York Minster on the 15th instant "A memorial service for those who have fallen in the War" at which Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony" will be played and Brahm's "Requiem" will be sung.
It is surely dreadfully incongruous that German music should be used at a memorial service for British soldiers who have given their lives to save their country from the horrors of German culture. I am unable to understand the mental attitude of those who would add to our sorrows by using the music of an enemy who have deliberately perpetrated the Belgian horrors, and who are united in the fiercest of foul hatred of our soldiers and our nation.
What a strange neglect of the glorious music of our own country and of those nations in sympathy with our nation and our fallen heroes.
I cannot understand any patriotic Britisher contributing to the expenses of this service, as they are asked to do.—Yours faithfully,
" BRITISHER."
11th December, 1914.
