Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1854-01-28
For the Polynesian.
THOUGHTS ABOUT MUSIC.


We experience real and refined pleasure
in the exercise of our higher faculties An
ever abiding conciousness both Of noble ca-1
pacities, and of pursuits in general inferior
and unworthy, renders us whenever we ap-
proach the sphere of more exalted life, Pc
cularly susceptible of enjoyment; our self
approval being then an accompaniment as
well as an important element of our happiness.
While this truth has special reference to
our highest exercises, it also applies to those
not ignoble pleasures which we derive
through the medium Of the senses.
AS the eye ranges over beautiful objects
in nature, and the ear gathers the floating
harmonies, there is an awakening of the
soul, and freer and higher play of its facul-
ties, as if it had found something in unison
with its nobler instincts, and claimed affinity
with that world of beauty, suggested but not
revealed by the visible and the audible.
But chiefly among the inlets OF salutary
enjoyment we had proposed to write of the
living spell Of music, and of its sweet, strong
influence upon the mind; music not instru-
mental nor vocal alone, but many voiced and
many toned, in nature and in art.
The awe inspiring thunder, the wind
shouting on its stern career, or gently whIs-
pering as it steals among the branches, the
re sounding sea, the warbling Of the birds,
the melody of the human voice, the trumpet's
tones, the soft notes of the lutte, the majestic
organ, and the faint ard fitful wind harp
they all may summon those potent spirits
who can touch the hidden springs Of the
heart, and cause the fierce impetuous pas
sions TO obey them. Hopes and doubts, fond
memories, and joyful anticipations, the un-
breathed, half conscious desires and purposes
of the soul respond to their call, and leave
their secret chambers at their bidding. The !.
depths Of love and sympathy are stirred by
their magic influence.
So That strain again. il hath a dying f,,
Oh came o'er the ear like the sweet south
Tha: breathes upon a bank of vioets,
Stealing and giving odour'
said one tortured with unrequited love.
The ming ling strains of sonorous insfru-
ments inspire the soldier, and soft tones give
expression TO refined and kindly sympathics.
And sometimes when the struggling soul has
abored for utterance, and looks and words
have failed, has music been the vehicle upon
which have gone forth the deepest emotions
OF human nature.
The great mind Of CoIeridge when con-,
tempIating the lawful FORM OF Mount Blanc
rising "vast and silent" unto heaven, could
find no adequate expression for its profound
awe and vcneraipn, till inspired, he seemed
to hear the mighty mount prasing God.
When an evil spirit was upon Saul and
troubled him, then David played with the
harp, and the King was relieved.
In all ages Of the church, music has been
subservent to an holy end, and there has
been a brighter glow upon the altar of reli-'
gious feeling under its sanctiied breath.
Music has an important relation to US, So
cialy Its sweet accord is not heard in vains
nor are many voices united without some
sympathetic influence upon the soul.
Where it is generally cultivated among
people there are not wanting genial and
social traits in their character. Musical
Germany in the life and warmth Of her do
mestic and social virtues affords US an Illus
tration.
The popular effect Of national airs and
songs is universally admitted, and the most
thrilling associations are sometimes connect
ed with them. The Marsailes hymn excited
the French populace almost to Phrensy; and
the stern brave heart Of the Swiss mercen-
ary in a-foreicn land is melted when he hears
the airs of his native country.
The spiritual is a prevailing element in
music. Invisible and intangible, and finding
it's way at once 10 the feelings, we hardly
associate with it the idea Of materIallty.
cT'he very birds who live in song seem half
e,herial-fhe winged, embodied spirits OF
melody} As sweet tones fall upon the ear
and send a delicious thrill along the perves,
,rel lts,,o ox~av ;,s .oG rSdcpces fbey are te ~