Debt Played

Debt Played When Wing Commander John Wooldridge shot down his fifth German plane, the next move was up to Conductor Artur Rodzinski. The New York Philharmonic's genial maestro had made a promise: to give the 33-year-old R.A.F. flyer's new symphony, which he showed Rodzinski last spring, one performance for every five enemy planes bagged (TIME, Aug. 28). Last week the bargain was fulfilled: the Philharmonic played the premiere of Commander Wooldridge's Solemn Hymn for Victory--and the Wing Commander appeared in person to take his bows. Critics and audience agreed that he was a more finished virtuoso with the 50-cal. machine gun than with the composer's pen, but applauded him for both achievements.

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