Musical news Volume 15

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: ...or disadvantages were likely to be encountered. If it were found that the rector had treated his organist in an arbitrary manner, that rector would then experience some difficulty in persuading another organist (professional) to serve under him. My object in writing this letter is this: when I read out the case reported in your journal, together with a similar case, one of the members remarked that these were isolated cases, and before he supported the resolution he would have to hearof more instances. The discussion was adjourned until the next meeting, when I wish to be armed with more proofs. Would some of your readers write of any cases that may have come under their notice? I may add that the discussion was greatly in favour of the resolution going before the General Council for consideration, and only two of the members spoke against it, one of whom remarked that hj had been in two places and had been under good rectors. This, he imagined, was sufficient reason why the resolution should be defeated! The majority of those present were not of the same opinion. MAGNUS. We shall be glad to assist in the solution of this vexed question, in any way that lies in our power. There are undoubtedly manyexamples of oppression and high-handed dealing to be heard of. At the same time, each organist who makes any complaint should be quite sure that his own hands are perfectly clean. Touchiness, pretty pride, ungovernable temper, unbusinesslike habits, lack of general knowledge of men, imperfect education, etc. are, we know from experience, faults which afflict the organist fraternity as much as any other profession, and they are responsible for a good deal of the friction. In the casjs, however, where an organist has really suffered unjustly, and where no contributo...