The Operatic Problem

The book is The Operatic Problem. Last autumn, having to speak at an organ recital given by my friend Mr Clegg I took the opportunity of giving what encouragement lay in my power to the Corporation of my native town, in an endeavour they had made during the summer months to provide suitable music in the various parks throughout the city. To my great surprise that speech was quoted in journals of all shades of opinion in the country and brought me also a vast correspondence. The first is the criticism of those who will say it is useless hoping to get public money for a luxury whilst the nation is engaged in a costly war. The second form of criticism is perhaps more easily met namely the criticism of those who look upon all theatres and opera houses as vicious and contra bonos mores.