26 minute read
"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture, every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."— Goethe . "'Tis thine to merit, mine to record."— Homer . BOSTON: LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS. NEW YORK: CHARLES T. DILLINGHAM. 1881. Copyright , 1878, By JAMES M. TROTTER. James M. Trotter...
2 minute read
The purposes of this volume will be so very apparent to even the most casual observer, as to render an extended explanation here unnecessary. The author will therefore only say, that he has endeavored faithfully to perform what he was convinced was a much-needed service, not so much, perhaps, to the cause of music itself, as to some of its noblest devotees and the race to which the latter belong. The inseparable relationship existing between music and its worthy exponents gives, it is believed, full showing of propriety to the course hereinafter pursued,—that of mingling the praises of both. But, in truth, there was little need to speak in praise of music. Its tones of melody and harmony require only to be heard in order to awaken in the breast emotions the most delightful. And yet who can speak at all of an agency so charming in other than words...
2 minute read
line...
5 minute read
W HAT is music? Quite easy is it to answer after the manner of the dictionaries, and say, "Music is (1) a number of sounds following each other in a natural, pleasing manner; (2) the science of harmonious sounds; and (3) the art of so combining them as to please the ear." These are, however, only brief, cold, and arbitrary definitions: music is far more than as thus defined. Indeed, to go no farther in the description of this really sublime manifestation of the beautiful would be to very inadequately express its manifold meanings, its helpful, delightful uses. And yet the impressions made upon the mind and the depth of feeling awakened in the heart by music are such as to render only a partial (a far from satisfying one) description of the same possible, even to those most skilful and eloquent in the use of language; for, in fact,...
9 minute read
T O the inventive genius of man must, of course, be attributed the present developments, and the beautiful, diversified forms, existing in musical art. But, before man was, the great Author of harmony had created what may be called the music of Nature. Afterwards, the human ear, penetrated by sounds of melody issuing from wind, wave, or bird, the rapt mind in strange and pleasing wonder contemplating the new and charming harmonies,—then it was that man received his first impressions, and took his first lessons in delightful symphony. Take from man all creative and performing power in music, leaving him only the ear to catch and the mind to comprehend the sounds, and there would still be left to him God's own music,—the music of Nature, which, springing as it did from eternity, shall last throughout eternity. Passing what must appear to human comprehension as vague (an attempt at the...
45 minute read
M USIC is as old as the world itself. In some form or other, it has always existed. Ere man learned to give vent to his emotions in tuneful voice, Nature, animate and inanimate, under the hand of the Great Master, sang his praises. Of this we learn in the sacred writings; while all about us, in the songs of birds, the musical sighing of the winds, the fall of waters, and the many forms of the music of Nature, we have palpable evidence of its present existence, and assurances of its most remote antiquity. It would seem that not long after "God breathed into the nostrils of man the breath of life, and he became a living soul," he learned to express the joys and yearnings of his soul in song first, and then with some sort of musical instrument. And to man it was given, commencing with the...
19 minute read
"The soul lives its best hours when surrounded by melody, and is drawn towards its home, Paradise, dreaming of its hymning seraphs who adore with ecstasies that can find utterance only in song." "And how can happiness be better expressed than by song or music? And, if the body and mind are both attuned to a true enjoyment of their resources, how much more will the moral nature be refined and educated!" T HE cultivation of the art of music has ever followed closely the progress of civilization; and those nations that have attained to the highest state of the latter have most encouraged the growth, and have been most skilled in the creation and performance, of music. Montesquieu avers that "music is the only one of all the arts that does not corrupt the mind." Confucius said, "Wouldst thou know if a people be well governed, if its laws...
36 minute read
I N giving a brief sketch of the life of the celebrated cantatrice, Miss Greenfield, the writer is somewhat embarrassed by the amount and richness of the materials at his command. For it would require far too much space to give all, or even a considerable portion, of the many press notices, criticisms, incidents, and the various items of interest, that are connected with her remarkable career; while to judiciously select from among the same a few, so that, while justice is done the subject, the interest of the reader may not be lessened, is far from being an easy task, albeit it is a pleasant one. I find, indeed, that the pages of the public journals fairly teemed with praises of the great prima donna, as she was frequently called by them. The musical world was startled, intensely delighted, electrified, by her notes of sweetest melody. Her magnificent voice,...
22 minute read
W HILE nearly all persons have to a greater or lesser degree musical sympathy and capability, or, to speak generally, capacity for the enjoyment or production, in one way or another, of harmony; and while, too, a goodly number there are who possess what may be called musical aptitude,—it is yet only once in a great while that we find those who are thus endowed in a degree which may be considered extraordinary. For the Muses, however often and earnestly invoked, are never lavish in the bestowment of their favors. This is especially true as applied to the goddess who presides over the art of music. Only here and there is some one selected to whom is given great musical inspiration; into whose keeping is placed the divine harp, which, when swept by his hands, the people shall hear entranced. The Luca Family 1. ALEXANDER C. LUCA, SEN. 2. CLEVELAND...
8 minute read
"Thy purpose firm is equal to the deed." "His lyre well tuned to rapturous sounds." A WRITER in "The Progressive American" for July 17, 1872, said,— "Having occasion to visit Boston, I attended one of the unrivalled concerts at the Coliseum, where, to my great astonishment, I saw undoubtedly the greatest assemblage of human beings ever congregated under one roof, and heard a chorus of nearly or quite twenty thousand voices, accompanied by the powerful organ and an orchestra of two thousand musicians. I was highly delighted. But what gave me the most pleasure was to see among some of the most eminent artists of the world two colored artists performing their parts in common with the others; viz., Henry F. Williams and F.E. Lewis. Each of these was competent to play his part, or he could not have occupied a place in the orchestra. I was informed by the...
23 minute read
N o life can be called a truly great one that has not been a truly good one: a very simple saying, and one which, however trite, yet requires frequent repeating, since its importance is but too seldom considered. And the noble fame that sooner or later surely attaches to the author of such a life belongs chiefly, but not entirely, to him; it being in part, in a certain sense, the property of all who would follow in his footsteps, becoming for them an inspiring example; its history, with all its experiences of hope and fear, its occasional failures but frequent successes, its struggles when environed by poverty or other untoward circumstances, and its final triumph over all obstacles, serving as a guide, a beacon indeed, to illumine their pathway as they climb the same difficult but glorious hills of honor. Justin Holland JUSTIN HOLLAND. But such renown comes...
7 minute read
T HOMAS J. BOWERS, who, owing to his resembling in the magnificent quality of his voice that celebrated Italian singer, has been styled by the press the "American Mario," was born in Philadelphia in the year 1836. Thomas J. Bowers THOMAS J. BOWERS. When quite a lad he evinced a decided fondness for music, and much musical talent. His father, a man of considerable intelligence, and for twenty years the warden of St. Thomas's P.E. Church in Philadelphia, being desirous that his children should learn music, first procured a piano and an instructor for his eldest son, John C. Bowers; intending, after he became competent so to do, that he should teach the other children. This purpose was accomplished; and our subject was in structed by his brother to perform upon the piano-forte and organ. At eighteen he had become somewhat proficient in the playing of these instruments, and succeeded...
3 minute read
T HE guitar, although not of sufficient power for general orchestral purposes, is yet excellent for finished solo-playing, and as an accompaniment to a voice. It was much used by the ancient troubadours, its dulcet tones according well with their songs. In Italy and Spain, in other parts of Europe, as well as in some sections of this country, the guitar is much esteemed. It has always been the favorite instrument of the serenading gallant; and to perform upon it, previously to their more general adoption of the piano-forte, was considered as an almost necessary accomplishment for the gentler sex. Among the greatest of guitar-virtuosos that have lived may be mentioned F. Sor, Fossa, Aguado, Giuliani, Carulli, Holland, Douglass: and, as comparing favorably with these, I may mention Demarest, of whom I shall now briefly speak. Mr. Demarest, for many years a resident teacher of Boston, was one of the...
33 minute read
H E is unquestionably and conspicuously the most wonderful musician the world has ever known. No one has ever equalled him in quickness and depth of musical insight and feeling, nor in the constancy with which he bears within himself, in all its fulness, that mysterious power which can be called by no truer name than musical inspiration . He is an absolute master in the comprehension and retention of all sound (and in all sound he finds music); a being in whose sympathetic soul lies the ready, the perfect correlative of every note of melody in nature or in art that is caught by his marvellously sensitive ear. We often speak of those who have an "ear for music." Here is a musician who surpasses all others in all the world in the possession of this quality; for his is a perfect ear. You may sit down to the...
3 minute read
43. Imitations of the Music-Box. 44. " " Dutch Woman and Hand-Organ. 45. " " Harp. 46. " " Scotch Bagpipes. 47. " " Scotch Fiddler. 48. " " Church Organ. 49. " " Guitar. 50. " " Banjo. 51. " " Douglas's Speech. 52. " " Uncle Charlie. 53. Produces three melodies at the same time. 57. "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep" 58. "Mother, dear Mother, I still think of Thee" 59. "The Old Sexton" 60. "The Ivy Green" 61. "Then you'll remember Me" 62. "Scenes that are Brightest" 63. "When the Swallows homeward fly" 64. "Oh! whisper what Thou feelest" 65. "My Pretty Jane" 66. "Castles in the Air" 67. "Mary of Argyle" 68. "A Home by the Sea" 69. Byron's "Farewell to Tom Moore" Programme for the evening to be selected from the preceding....
1 minute read
43. Imitations of the Music-Box. 44. " " Dutch Woman and Hand-Organ. 45. " " Harp. 46. " " Scotch Bagpipes. 47. " " Scotch Fiddler. 48. " " Church Organ. 49. " " Guitar. 50. " " Banjo. 51. " " Douglas's Speech. 52. " " Uncle Charlie. 53. Produces three melodies at the same time. 57. "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep" 58. "Mother, dear Mother, I still think of Thee" 59. "The Old Sexton" 60. "The Ivy Green" 61. "Then you'll remember Me" 62. "Scenes that are Brightest" 63. "When the Swallows homeward fly" 64. "Oh! whisper what Thou feelest" 65. "My Pretty Jane" 66. "Castles in the Air" 67. "Mary of Argyle" 68. "A Home by the Sea" 69. Byron's "Farewell to Tom Moore" Programme for the evening to be selected from the preceding....
13 minute read
THE "HYERS SISTERS."—AN ACROSTIC. O NE day, two little girls, the one aged seven and the other nine years, came gayly, gleefully tripping into the room where their parents sat quietly conversing, and soon began to sing some of the songs and to enact some of the scenes from operas, performances of which they had occasionally witnessed at the theatre. This they did, of course, in childlike, playful manner, yet not without a showing, considering their ages, of a surprising degree of correctness. Hyers Sisters EMMA LOUISE HYERS. ANNA MADAH HYERS. Their parents at first, however, only laughed at what they considered the gleesome antics of these embryo personators in opera. But, the little girls continuing in the presence of their relatives and playmates their performances, it was ere long discovered that they possessed no small degree of lyrical talent; that their voices, considering their tender years, were remarkably full...
10 minute read
These young ladies (as will be seen from criticisms annexed) have created a great sensation wherever they have appeared; and, it being the intention of their father (who accompanies them) to take them to Europe to perfect them in their art, he has been induced, at the request of numerous friends, to make a tour through the principal cities of America, to afford the musical public and those anxious to hear these truly wonderful artists of the colored race an opportunity of hearing them, and judging for themselves. The music they sing is always of the highest order, and their selections are from the most difficult and classical pieces that have been sung by the most accomplished artists. Mr. Wallace King (tenor) possesses a fine voice of splendid quality and great compass, which he uses with marked skill, and is especially adapted to music of dramatic character. Mr. John Luca...
14 minute read
I N musical versatility, in capability for playing upon a great variety of musical instruments, there may be possibly, among the large number of talented artists of this country, a few who equal the subject of the following sketch: the writer, however, confesses, that, if there be such, he does not know of them. But, be this as it may, such an instance as I am about to present is one, which, in its showing of great musical talents and diversity of acquirements in instrumental performance, will be readily admitted as, to say the least, most extraordinary. For Frederick E. Lewis performs with ease and with pleasing finish on the piano-forte and the organ, on the violin, viola, violoncello, double-bass, and the guitar, on the clarinet and flute, on the cornet, and on nearly every one of the wind-instruments. Indeed, you can scarcely bring to this remarkable musician an instrument...
20 minute read
A LL musical tones please the ear, and affect to a greater or lesser degree the finer senses; for as beautifully and expressively sings Cowper, explaining this sensibility,— The musical instrument, of itself lying cold and inanimate, may become, when touched by the hand of genius, seemingly a thing of life as the performer evolves from its board tones of melody so thrillingly sweet, so soulful, as to awaken in the listener's breast the holiest emotions. Even stout-hearted men have shed the tear of feeling when listening to the tenderly touching strains of the voiceful violin; while the musical moanings of the violoncello have caused them to experience feelings of a tender sadness. Nellie E. Brown NELLIE E. BROWN. I saw this exemplified, when, a short while ago, I listened with rapt attention to the marvellously sweet singing of the violin of that rare virtuoso, Ole Bull. The performer appeared...
12 minute read
“T HE entertainments at Parker Memorial Hall on Sunday evenings in no wise lessen in interest and numbers. One evening, listening to Gounod's 'Ave Maria' by the famous Germania Orchestra, we felt that the worship of the Virgin, of which was born such heavenly strains, if for no other reason, was not without its use in the world even now. Another evening Mr. Jamieson awoke the echoes of the piano in a manner to do credit to a Liszt and Chopin." Samuel W. Jamieson SAMUEL W. JAMIESON. Thus, a year or two ago, spoke one of Boston's first writers and musical critics, when, in an article published in "The Commonwealth," alluding to the accomplished pianist, Samuel W. Jamieson. In the comparison here made, so highly complimentary to our subject, this writer does not stand alone; for the remarkably fine execution of Mr. Jamieson has often drawn from other piano-students praise...
5 minute read
T HE violin, so often called the "king of instruments," is of great antiquity. As to just when it was invented is a point as yet unsettled, despite the indefatigable researches of historians of music and of general antiquaries. The instrument certainly existed, however, as early as the sixth century; this being proven generally by the figures of violins observable on very ancient and respectable monuments still existing, and particularly by a figure cut in the portico of the venerable Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, founded by Childebert in the sixth century, which figure represents King Chilperic with a violin in his hand. It being thus used in a representative character shows, too, that it has for many hundreds of years been a favorite instrument. Of that ancient guild of musicians, the troubadours,—so long the principal devotees and custodians of the divine art,—those were most esteemed by royalty and...
24 minute read
M R. JOSEPH WHITE [14] is a child of the New World. He was born in Matanzas, Cuba. His first steps in art were made in his native town. His father, an amateur in music, thought he had recognized from the early infancy of the great artist a more than ordinary taste for art. When the child heard the tones of a violin, he used to leave off play, and run in the direction where the instrument was singing, his eyes never losing sight of the virtuoso. Indeed, by his actions at such times, he seemed not to belong to this world. Joseph White JOSEPH WHITE. As soon as his hands were large enough to hold a violin, they gave him one; and were much astonished, when, at the end of a few months, he presented himself before a large audience, striking the same with amazement by the manner, entirely...
15 minute read
T HE opera, or music drama, in which, in lieu of the ordinary forms of speech, music and song are used to give elevated expression to thought, is the most extensive, and, to nearly all lovers of melody, the most charming, of musical compositions. In its construction several of the other forms of music are most pleasingly united. In the opera, with the language of poetry, music is associated, giving increased ornamentation; and it is used also to bridge over, so to speak, the places where mere language, either common or poetical, could never pass. That is to say, there are some phases of feeling of such fineness and depth, that only the soulful tones of music can call them into exercise, or give them expression. The requirements for operatic construction are of course very great,—so great, that none may hope to succeed in the same save those endowed, if...
20 minute read
"If, in brief, we might give a faint idea of what it is utterly impossible to depict, we would adopt three words,— soft, sweet, simple ." "The Jubilee Singers:" London Rock. T HE dark cloud of human slavery, which for over two hundred weary years had hung, incubus-like, over the American nation, had happily passed away. The bright sunshine of emancipation's glorious day shone over a race at last providentially rescued from the worst fate recorded in all the world's dark history. Up out of the house of bondage, where had reigned the most terrible wrongs, where had been stifled the higher aspirations of manhood, where genius had been crushed, nay, more, where attempts had been made to annihilate even all human instincts,—from this accurs ing region, this charnel-house of human woe, came the latter-day children of Israel, the American freedmen. How much like the ancient story was their history!...
14 minute read
T HE origin of troubadours, or minstrels, dates back to the year 1100 (A.D.) at least. There are accounts, somewhat vague, however, which make them still more ancient. They were at one time almost the sole producers of poetry and music, always composing the songs they sang, accompanying the same generally, at first, with the music of the dulcet-toned harp, and, at a later period, with that of the guitar. Their accomplishments, especially in music, secured for them the ready entrée of the most refined society, particularly that of elegant ladies, of whom they were great favorites; while the most polished princes always extended them a warm welcome. At one time in their history, the fate of letters was in the sole keeping of the troubadours. Had it not been for the frequent presentations and allusions made to literature in their songs, its chain, connecting past and present, would have...
3 minute read
line...
14 minute read
O N the following pages I shall make mention in collective form, and somewhat briefly, of a number of artists whose histories, although not less important than those by which they are preceded, could not, owing to various causes, be placed in the first part of this book. The true value of musical proficiency does not consist alone in the power it gives one to win the applause of great audiences, and thereby to attain to celebrity: it consists also in its being a source of refinement and pleasure to the possessor himself, and by which he may add to the tranquillity, the joys, of his own and the home life of his neighbors and friends. And here will be found, therefore, a brief mention of those, who, although they are not public performers, are yet sincere devotees of the art of music, who possess decided talent, and who in...
2 minute read
This concert gave delight to a large audience, and was very much praised by the public journals. I close the list of Boston musical people by presenting the following programme of a hastily-arranged concert given by a number of artists on the evening of April 15, 1874. It is given simply as a specimen of the numbers often performed at concerts by those whose names appear, and by others mentioned heretofore, with but little rehearsal. Although the music is of a fine order, it is by no means as difficult as that frequently rendered by these persons at other concerts, the programmes of which I have not now at hand. 1874 program...
33 minute read
Mr. David T. Oswald , residing at Worcester, Mass., is an artistic violinist, performing in a finished style the most classical and difficult music for the violin. He has, besides, become deservedly popular as an organizer of musical entertainments, and as a promoter of a regard for good music by the people. He is quite well known in St. John, N.B., Portland, Me., and in Boston, in which places he has frequently appeared at public concerts; and has been often complimented by the press. James Caseras , who was for a long time the organist of a Catholic church in Springfield, Mass., deserves, on account of his great skill as a performer on the organ and piano-forte, particular mention here. He came to this country some years ago from England, where he had attracted much notice for his fine musical qualities. In Scotland he had frequently played before the nobility....
11 minute read
"Songs from the sunny South-land."— A.K. Spence. T HE colored people of the South are proverbially musical. They might well be called, in that section of the country, a race of troubadours, so great has ever been their devotion to and skill in the delightful art of music. Besides, it is now seen, and generally acknowledged, that in certain of their forms of melodic expression is to be found our only distinctively American music; all other kinds in use being merely the echo, more or less perfect, of music that originated in the Old World. All who have listened to the beautiful melody and harmony of the songs sung by those wonderful minstrels, the "Jubilee Singers," will readily admit that scarcely ever before the coming of the latter had they been so melted, so swayed, so entirely held captive, by a rendering of music; nor will they fail to admit...
20 minute read
B EFORE the late war, the city of New Orleans was often styled "the Paris of America." The Province of Louisiana, originally settled by the French, and until 1812, when it became a State of the American Union, contained a population naturally distinguished by the same general characteristics as those which marked the people of France. The Frenchman has for a long time been proverbially a devotee of the fine arts; and of these that gay and brilliant city Paris—which has ever been to its enamoured citizens not only all France, but all the world—became for France the centre. Here, then, a love of that beautiful art, music, since the days, hundreds of years ago, of the courtly ménestrels , has been a conspicuous trait in the character of the people. Of course, in leaving Paris and France, and crossing the seas,—first to Canada, and then to Louisiana,—the Frenchman carried...
58 minute read
Miss A.F. will preside at the Piano. The Orchestra under direction of Mr. Louis Martin . DOORS OPEN AT 6.——CONCERT TO BEGIN AT 7 PRECISELY....
3 minute read
Miss A.F. will preside at the Piano. The Orchestra under direction of Mr. Louis Martin . DOORS OPEN AT 6.——CONCERT TO BEGIN AT 7 PRECISELY. From the notes of a musical critic of New Orleans I learn that this concert was in all respects a fine success. The different overtures were well executed by an ensemble of twenty instrumentalists, all colored men; while all the numbers on the programme were rendered, generally, in a manner that would have been creditable, even had the performers been, as they were not, professionals. The audience was a large and brilliant one, composed of members of both races, and was quite demonstrative in the bestowment of applause and in floral offerings. As at first remarked, concerts like the one just described are frequently given in New Orleans. New Orleans has several fine brass bands among its colored population. "Kelly's Band" and the "St. Bernard...
1 minute read
It is deemed necessary to offer a few words of explanation touching the music printed on the following pages. The collection is given in order to complete the author's purpose, which is not only to show the proficiency of the subjects of the foregoing sketches as interpreters of the music of others, but, further, to illustrate the ability of quite a number of them (and, relatively, that of their race) to originate and scientifically arrange good music. For want of space, only a few selections have been made from the many compositions in the writer's possession; and, for the same reason, only parts of several works, somewhat elaborate in character, have been given; the latter curtailment having been made in the cases of the following: " The Pilgrim " (a grand overture, originally occupying about twenty pages, sheet-music size), only one-third of which appears in this collection; of an elegant...
9 minute read
Composed and Arranged by WM. BRADY. N.Y. 1851. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Anthem music To Miss Florinda J. Ruffin, Boston....
10 minute read
J. SAWYER. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Welcome to the Era music Copyright, 1877 by John F. Perry, & Co. Used by per....
6 minute read
For the Guitar, by JUSTIN HOLLAND. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Andante music...
7 minute read
Composed by JOHN T. DOUGLASS. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] The Pilgrim music...
9 minute read
Composed by H.F. WILLIAMS. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Parisian Waltzes music Copyright, 1867 by Oliver Ditson, & Co. Used by permission....
9 minute read
Paroles de A. DEMARTON. Musique d'Em. DÉDÉ. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Le Serment de l'Arabe music...
9 minute read
BASILE BARÈS. Op. 7. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] La Capricieuse music Copyright, 1869, by A.E. Blackmar. Used by permission....
11 minute read
LUCIEN LAMBERT. Op. 30. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Au Clair de la Lune music Respectfully Dedicated to Mrs. Amelia Nahar....
9 minute read
Composed by H.F. WILLIAMS. 1840. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Lauriett music Copyright by O. Ditson & Co. Used by permission....
8 minute read
SYDNEY LAMBERT. Op. 9. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Les Clochettes music Alphonse Leduc. Paris....
8 minute read
Composed by WALTER F. CRAIG. Op. 1. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Rays of Hope music...
8 minute read
By F.E. LEWIS, Op. 3. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Scenes of Youth music...
8 minute read
By SAMUEL SNAER, New Orleans. [ Listen ] [ PDF ] [ XML ] Mass music...