The Sun.
London, England, 1861-11-14 00:00:00

NEW MUSIC.

Devonshire Melodist. Words by Edward Capern,
music arranged by T. Murby.
The Golden Wreath. Words by J. G. Watts,
W. C. Bennett, Logan, &c., &c.; music arranged
by T. Murby.
Boosey, Holles-street, Cavendish-square.
The name of Edward Capern—the poet-postman
of Bideford—is familiar to many of our readers,
through the medium of the numerous songs and
lyrics which he has given to the public during the
last few years. We have more than once
favourably noticed his volumes as they respec-
tively appeared, and now we have before us
one of a fresh character, inasmuch as it
gives music with the words, and music of
an attractive kind. A series of songs introduce us
to "Ellen Dale," " My Bonnie Bell," " When the
Cuckoo Comes," and other productions, affording
equally pleasant company. We presume the airs
are by Mr. Capern, and many of them are admir-
ably effective and appropriate ; while the accom-
paniments and general arrangements of the whole,
by Mr. Murby, evince a musician-like and masterly
power which is highly creditable to that gentle.
man's taste and talent. He has evidently bestowed
great care on his work, and deserves warm eulogy
for his portion of the volume. " The Robin is
Weeping" is particularly tender and deli-
cate in its style of accompaniment, and
" The Christmas Bells" is about as " telling"
a bit of mirth and melody as we have listened to
for some time. The words of the latter are among
Mr. Capern's happiest effusions, proving that he has
the right spirit within him--sweet as the May-dew
on his native thorn-bloom, fresh as the night-wind
in his native valleys. We would only caution him
against being induced to write too much and too
easily. "None but a poet knows a poet's pains."
Deep thought and careful study must co-operate,
even with the highest genius, before that genius
can exhibit its "noblest" power.
The Golden Wreath" is another volume of the
same class, excepting that the poetry is adapted to
popular melodies, and intended solely for juvenile
execution. W. C. Bennett's pretty little outburst
about " Baby's Shoes," goes with great fitness to
the air of "Beautiful Star," and Logan's exquisite
morsel, " The Cuckoo"—

" Having no sorrow in its song,
No winter in its year."
chaunts deliciously through the notes of the
"Merry Swiss Boy." "King Christmas," by
John G. Watts, finds a free and swinging
conveyance in "Le Petite Tambour," while
"Little Kit," by the same author, is joyously
given by means of "Kelly Bly." Mr. Watts con-
tributes several of the themes to these pages, and
we congratulate him on the flattering success with
which he blends commercial labour and literary
pursuits. A hard toiler in the hard world from
his earliest boyhood, he has contrived to win the
notice of men of genius, and earn an honourable
name for himself, which many a college bred
man might be proud of; - but he has been
wise enough to keep on his solid walking boots
of manual Industry, while he doffed his
Fancy-feathered cap to the stars, now and then ;
thus escaping the sad fate which attends too many
whose minds may elevate them to the tight rope of
Poetic exhibition, but not with sufficiently firm
footing to warrant them in flinging away the
balance-pole of a prosaic, every-day calling. Mr.
Watts is aware that " rapturous enthusiasm" may
often yield a lovely " dream," but is not always so
certain in the product of a " dinner," and he bravely
keeps his independence in his hands as well as his
head.

Both these " brochures" are as cheap in price as
they are sterling in quality and elegant in appear-
ance; and well deserve the patronage of every
musical family circle.