The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1850-12-07
MUSIC.

I
The agreeable entertainment afforded US in the
Witt Of shs Alleghanians cannot fail to awake
some profitable inquiries respecting the capabili'
tics of the human voice.
Why is ii that cornmuAity ike his should be SO
dependent ona travelling troupe ior musical exhib-
tionsl
No one viii say il Is because the gift Of song is SO
exceedingly rare. This is no, the common sent-
ment. On the contrary tbs generally believed that
in communities like this there are voices enough to
form several quartet,es whose execution would well
compare with many performances we hear from pre-
kssional singers
The true answer 10, that CULTURE, and the want Of
culture are alone the existing causes OF the marked
contrast between these occasional and the common
! performances. Or, rather, one may say, between
these occasional performances and no singing at all.
The fact, them is this, that through neglect OF the
gifts lavished among US We are denied the enjoy
ment O. those rich delights that come in the ''con,
cord OF sweet sounds"
How might these perpe,ually be ours How
might each household be made vocal with sweet
strains Of harmony, or the rich cadences OF single
melody Simply by culture. No new gifts from
heaven are needed only the right use and improve
inent of what we have.
Who, that heard the singing by the Aeghunians
in the court house, or the Church on the Sabbath,
but feels that such neglect is personal loss TO HIM,
loss personal happiness-loss IN the aids OF de-
voona feeling; loss in those refined and elevat-
ed sentiments which spring up in connection with
the exercise of an art so ,ranscsndent.
1t is indeed wonderful thing, that mankind
should, by indifference deprive themselves OF so
great happiness as might any where be enjoyed by a
pursuit OF the more refined and elegan, arts. 1t
would not necessarily involve greater expense than
is now afforded, to have our system OF schools so
managed as to have taught in them, drLneatcn,
music, and painting 1t would not necessarily di-
miuish the amount Of practical hnowledge acquired,
ny having these three matters joined with the Cle-
mentary branches of learning
| A few moments each day spent by he teacher, o;
By professional music teacher, in the exercise Of
singing and acquiring the elements OF music, would
add zest for study--reIleye the mouotony Of the
usua round, and diifuse cheertuIness that would
render more active III their exercise, all the mental
anl bodily powers
A lew daiy lessons in drawing might well cx-
clude those moments now occupied III making
pictures and shooting fox and geese" on the slate;
and fit young masters and Mise, for many neccss-
airy duties IN making drafts and pattrrns.
A few hours each week passed IN painting, might
create taste for something little more pleasing
aud profitable than the many chalk and charcoal
sketches that are now certain signs Of the prox
unity Of a school room.
Could our schools be systemzeG- could scholars
be brought under regular instruction in large classes,
and Tor course OF years, doubtless the time now
employed would be amply sufficient TO give them a
far more thorough and more general education,
while the real expense would be greatly diminished.
We could well afford to hire a competent teacher
Of music for a long time, by the money expended
III one evenings concert. The return 10 us would
be permanent. II would be Joy in our households
day by day. ltwould be rich treat at evening par
ties. 1t would be an important addition TO Church
services on the misunderstanding through lite the
medium Of many elevated and most pure devotons
1t would BE- n noble work OF benevoience for those
among us who have ability to teach, TO devote some
little time weekly to the grniuitous instruction OF the
young. Such an undertaking would most surely
reward generous soul ltwould be virtue whose
rich possession would be its own reward.