The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-06-12
THE MUSICAL AND UNMUsICAL EAR.

4 curious case, which recently occurred in
Germany has excited a considerable degree of
interest ntnong men of science who direct atteu-
lion to the theory of sounds. Ii may also tend
To afford some explanation OF that peculiar sIrnc-
ture of the organ OF hearing on which depends
the capablIiiy of enjoying music. Tho facts OF
the case are as follows: Baron GroiI, wealthy
landed proprietor OF Nuremberg, was remarkable
Tor his dislike of music. his uulipathy To that
delightful art was such as to render him sort OF
phenOmenon in harmonious Germany. This pc
culiurity in the taste of the Baron was thn more
singular, inusmuch his lady was most ac-
conpIIshed musician. The Baroness and her
friends sought by every possible argument to
overcome the Barun's incouceiV able antiputhy {;
but their efforts were useless; he continued Geai
alike to their reasonlugs and to the charms OF
harmony. The Baron and Baroness GroIl lived
IN splendid atiluence, and their house in Nuren-
berg was the frequent resort OF a vast circle OF
elegant company. At the numerous parties
which :hey We're accustomed TO give, the Baron
did the honors with delightful amenity. His
conversation WAS animated and witty, and he
was always the gayesr Of the gay until The first
note OF music was heard. feeling of uuoasi
ness then took possession of him, Il conclusive
movement was observable on his CountenHnCe,
and he was often obliged TO withdraw from the
presence Of the company to conceal ieeiiugs
which he could not control.
MS oiihiISt pSCutIdIUy proven Il SOuICC VI
considerable annoyance 70 Baron Groll, and not
IA little puzzled the doctors of Nuremberg One
Of the medical professors of that city, Doctor
Schroeder, at. length succeeded in uscer!anng its
cause In the first place he had observed that
one OF the Baron's eRrs was somewhat longer than
the other. This circumstance suggested 10 the
doctor the possibility of both not being at The
same dapason & that thus each might be differ
emily affected by the vibration of sonorous bod
les. There might consequently,be transmitted
10 the brain merely confused, obscure sensation,
similar TO that which would he caused by two in
struments playing in two different keys. Every
melody, every harmony produced on the Baron
the same impression. All appeared II junhIe OF
dscord. Was it to be wondered at that he dis
liked music? very simple experiment served
TO confirm the accuracy of DR.. SchroederS obser-
walton and opinion. He requested the Baron to1
stop one OF his ears, then going to the piano. ne
played III g major the graceful allegro from the
overture to the Freischu,z How do you like
that" said he: lo you find it discordant% oh
no. replied the Baron, sit is delightful; pray con
tnue' Now stop your other ear said the doc
tor, again playing the allegro from the Freschuz,
and still in c major. What do you think of
that 1T is eXquiste' replied the Baron. Was
it the same piece as that which first played?
'lt appeared to me TO be the same piece, only
played in different key. You are playing it
higher now And the Baron began-to hum The
subject IN d major.