and it reacts more on the creative than on the
interpretative artist. By this I mean that the interpretative artist,
while reserving the right to his individual expression, should subject
himself to what he considers to have been the artistic impulse, the
artistic intentions of the composer. As to type music to whose appeal I
as an American am susceptible, I confess to a very sympathetic reaction
to the syncopated rhythms known as 'rag-time,' and which appear to be
especially American in character." For the benefit of those readers who
may not chance to know it, Lieutenant Spalding's "Alabama," a Southern
melody and dance in plantation style, for violin and piano, represents
a very delightful creative exploitation of these rhythms. The writer
makes mention of the fact since with regard to this and other of his own
compositions Lieutenant Spalding would only state: "I felt that I had
something to say and, therefore, tried to say it. Whether what I have to
say is of any interest to others is not for me to judge.

PLAYING WHILE IN SERVICE

"Do I play at all while in Service? I gave up all playing in public when
entering the Army a year ago, and to a great extent all private playing
as well. I have on one or two occasions played at charity concerts
during the past year, once in Rome, and once in the little town in Italy
near the aviation camp at which I was stationed at the time. I have
purposely refused all other requests to play because one cannot do two
things at once, and do them properly. My time now belongs to my country:
When we have peace again I shall hope once more to devote it to Art."

XXII

THEODORE SPIERING

THE APPLICATION OF BOW EXERCISES TO
THE STUDY OF KREUTZER

A. Walter Kramer has said: "Mr. Spiering knows how serious a study can
be made of the violin, because he has made it. He has investigated the
'how' and 'why' of every detail, and what he has to say about the violin
is the utterance of a big musician, one who has mastered the
instrument." And Theodore Spiering, solo artist and conductor, as a
teacher has that wider horizon which has justified the statement made
that "he is animated by the thoughts and ideals which stimulate a
Godowsky or Busoni." Such being the case, it was with unmixed
satisfaction that the writer found Mr. Spiering willing to give him t