The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1883-10-30 00:00:00

THE MINSTER CHOIR.
To the Editor.

Sir,—lt is with considerable interest, and not • little
pleasure, I once more have to take up this nommusical,
conceited Churchman. And, by so doing, it shall be
my earnest endevour to do all I can to further the
interests of the musical art. Tl 3, lash shall not be
spared by me, err fearless criticism be wanting where
nee led. Musical Char' steaks), qu.ckery, and hunt.
bug will at all dined receive a csu• tic drubbing ; and
wuils I may occasional? anathematise wrote doings,
I will aim at being just and sinoere, giving honour to
tent%
shallhoounort
appearisd n m rue.
in
sy musicalooa s
letters, so that
ndvsr uliarlty,ft
nothing t,ot hem ooious passages and truthful st .te-
mine prone 1 from my pen. With this mid in view,
and with • desire to Ming to light all that interests
our music-loving public, I shall endeavour to keep
well tuned, and trust they may receive some little
Instruction and effilicsotioo from my humble efforts.
I perfectly me that since the advent of the new
snheme which our able governors put into force it le
a signal for the uprising of detractors, and it may be
well in passing to note stew of the objections ignorance
and jelousy are likely to raise against ma BOON
people, as though fearful lest every new comer should
gain that puUio attention they themselves have
laboured for in vain—or, at least, rob them of the
little they beive-eneeringly hell him with the sophist'.
cal remark that •• We shall soon have more muslasne
than supporters." So foolish • thought can only
suggest itself to the mind of (one) who is
indifferent to the Morose of musical edocatioo,
and consequently our music-loving public have to
suffer, for surely few can overlook the fact that as fast
as new vocalist' and instrumentalists have sprung to
in all parts of the kingdom—in every city, tows, and
hamlet—.o fast has • numerous class of hearers sprung
up to supra every Os. Of them. The explanation
of this t at there are people who have ignored the
trained mueloian (by this Ignorance exhibiting their
deficiency in "exceptional natural ability "), and still
will support those who have entered the profession as
twifit for it as a man who has devoted his lifetime to
pig-driving is unfit to pose as • scalptor or watch.
maker.
I me "Churchman " hae not had the musical
education to dispute any of my remarks in connection
with the choir. Lot him not be led astray in thinking
that I wish him to become • pupil of miss, as it is
quite evident he think* himself above being taught.
I will also here remind him that before he attempts to
write letters in public papers he should g and study
under an efficient correspondent, for • more paltry
schoolboy's letter I never saw in print. With regard
to "Harmony's" views favouring those of the choir-
master, it is quite evident be understands the subject
he is writing upon, which "Churchman," on the
contrary, certainly does not. I am very pleased
" Churchman " gave me the opportunity of inserting
my testimonial, by which he intimates I am "trumpet-
ing." I only hope I may have the opportunity of
Inserting several others I have in my possession. The
ridiculous mutilation by " Chu.cbman ' ol the verse
I quoted, composed by the celebrated Tom Hood. is
enough to mak* that eminent writer the from his
tomb and severely chastise him.
I am shod to See visitors es well as townsmen bike
so correct • view of " Churchman's " letter, and
hoping in the end he tony be well rewarded by his
trumpeting for the cause of others.
" Convince • Man steroid his will
He 1. 01 the swim opinion still."
A LOFTS OF THE MUSICAL ART—A. FOistre•