Phonograph Monthly Review, Vol. 1, No. 3 (1926-12)

The Phonograph Monthly Review 107 Vai l'-- - . ... from the theatre, but while the feature is being shown, Major Bowes and a small orchestra give a concert in the Studio. In this way, thousands of people who have never been to New York and gone to the Capitol Theatre have become inter- ested and influenced by the work it is doing for music. The Capitol Grand Orchestra consists of eighty-five men, including the conductors and organists. Made up largely of ex-symphony men, its performances under the baton of David Mendoza attain a remarkable perfection. Mr. Mendoza, the present Conductor, studied violin with Franz Kneisel and later was a first violinist under Walter Damrosch in the New York Symphony Orchestra for four years. He came to the Capitol Theatre when it opened seven years ago as concertmaster of the orchestra and assistant conductor to Erno Rappee. Three years ago he succeeded the latter as Conductor. Knowing that Major Bowes takes pride in giv- ing musical performances of the very highest order and is proud to boast that no jazz is ever played by the Capitol Grand Orchestra, Mr. Mendoza feels now (as he felt when he came) that the opportunities offered by the orchestra are great indeed. Most of the players are ex- symphony men and the standards of perfection set are extremely high. A young American, Mr. Mendoza rightly believes, has little or no oppor- tunity to conduct a good-sized, first-class sym- phony orchestra, nor has he the chance of making an influential impression on the public and mould its musical tastes except through the medium of the one-time despised “movie” orchestra. So Mr. Mendoza, like many another talented and ambitious young man, abandoned symphony for movies. The work at the Capitol Theatre pre- sented difficulties for more heavy than those of symphony orchestras, but the field was wider and the opportunities for pioneer work almost un- limited. Few people realize the magnitude of the work confronting Major Bowes, Mr. Mendoza, and the whole Capitol staff each week. An entirely new musical and stage program has to be planned. Rehearsals and all preparations must be made during the previous week with no interruption to the current program. Usually there are three orchestral performances a day, but on Sunday there is a radio concert and a full rehearsal of the next week’s program in addition. It is held at the Capitol Theatre that the music accompanying films must be suggestive of the action down to the last detail. Every week the accompaniment to the “Around the World” news reel must be carefully made up, drawing its music from the countries or scenes depicted in the film. Dr. Max Axt, the chief arranger and the most noted of his profession in the world, collaborates with Mr. Mendoza to prepare accompaniments that are masterpieces of detail and ingenuity. One week, for example, a sleigh ride is shown in a scene from Northern Europe. The music to fit * "" ■■■ is the “St. Petersburg Sleigh Ride Galop,” a well known piece in Europe, from which it was neces^ sary to get the score. Perhaps nine tenths of the people in the theatre were unaware of the source of the music, but all the care was taken so that those familiar with the music could recognize the authenticity of the accompaniment. A moment after there might come a scene of Mexico and a native song or folk tune must be used. Such work enta’ls an amazing knowledge and David Mendoza Conductor of the Capitol Grand Orchestra tremendous pains. The Capitol’s musical pro- grams are not famous by chance. Not the least difficulty encountered is that of arranging the orchestrations to suit the size of the Capitol Grand. The usual orchestration may be for thirty to forty-five men, and so it is neces- sary to maintain a large staff of copyists at the theatre to make extra parts for the additional men. There is a new overture each week, music for the ballet performance, and of course the accom- paniment for the feature picture. Major Bowes believes that more and more emphasis is being placed on the musical portion of motion picture entertainment, and indeed, it is in large measure due to his efforts that music has come to take the importance it is taking in the moving picture theatre world. “The Capitol Grand Orchestra unquestionably has been a powerful factor in the building up of our regular clientele,” says Major Bowes, “and is