Abstract

Music

Fourteen New York City-based New York Philharmonic Symphony players whose contracts have not been renewed have admitted the deterioration in the playing of the orchestra which Arturo Toscanini, when he was its conductor, said was the greatest he had ever conducted, but they have charged that they were being made the scapegoats for the errors which had caused this deterioration, the management's errors first in engaging "a young and talented man" who could not handle "the tremendous burden of a complete season's work." By the management the author take it they have meant both the board of directors and Arthur Judson, the business manager, Judson specifically they have charged with neglecting the best interest of the orchestra for the best interest of Columbia Concerts Corp., through which he manages conductors and other concert artists. As for Artur Rodzinski, the newly engaged permanent conductor of the orchestra, they have contended that he recommended the dismissals for reasons of intrigue and politics and not for the good of the orchestra."