The Classic Manner

There are signs that the romantic movement is nearing the end of its course. After Wagner and DeBussy were through with it little remained, save imitation, or " futurism," " imagism," "realism," in a word--unskilled dissonance. The musical world is a little weary of liberty and has turned back to the classical restraint of Bach.

Bach is increasing in popularity throughout the Western world. In Germany, the Max Heger Festival featured Bach, in fugue, fantasie, choral and chamber concertos.

On May 25 and 26, 1,000 admirers of Bach from 16 states and from Canada, were scheduled to assemble for the 19th annual Bach Festival at Bethlehem, Pa. The entire seating capacity of the Lehigh University Chapel was sold out long in advance.

In Paris, Gabriel Faure's opera Penelope has been revived at the Opera Comique, after ten years. This piece is in the " noble and intelligent Classic mask," conceived as a piece of chamber music, with the delicacy and original vigor that is associated with Bach's chamber music. It has achieved a succes d'estime, and testifies to the growing popularity of the classic manner.