Five Authorities Discuss Trends in Modern Music at Law Forum Talk

Five prominent figures in the world of music offered their opinions on "Modern Trends in Music" at the Law School Forum last night.

First speaker was Karl Geiringer (second from left) chairman of the Boston University School of Music. Geiringer, a musicologist, spoke on the influences of Rennaissance and Gothic music on modern style. He defined musical history as "a spiral upwards instead of a direct climb. At times, we reach a point surprisingly near where our forebearers stood."

Walter H. Piston '24, (second from right), Walter W. Naumberg Professor of Music, talked on the challenge of modern music. He said he has rarely heard a composer who did not have something to communicate, and it is the responsibility of the listener to find it.

According to Jules Wolffers (right), professor of music at Boston University and critic for the Christian Science Monitor, "the function of the critic is to serve as a liaison between composer, musician, and performer."

Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler (left) told listeners that it is the responsibility of the conductor to keep up with the times and give new compositions a hearing. Fiedler was vehement in his dislike of criticism of new pieces which are written after only one hearing.

Moderator of the forum was Martin Bookspan '47 (center), classical musical director for radio station WCOP.