The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-06-02
Music.

We pity those who do not love music. N
power TO appreciate it has truly been called -
Sia1h sense; and, without going back 10 the ,,''
quotation from Shakespeare, we do maintain Il
there is a certain obtuseness about those who y"
wanting in that sense, for which other Gifts '
hardly compensate. We do not mean those ~
possess true musical talent, or good voice tho"
are gifts bestowed upon the few; but love Az
appreciation of sweet sounds, and the sentlns
they convey, independent of any power of prOdD
cling them. Many nave this in an eminent dpps,
who cannot sing note.
We need hardly repeat, that with great la4,
are usually associated as peculiarly delicate Ds
vous organization and the perIous gife of an :,
tremeIy excitable aud sensitive frame. There,
in most persons a power OF enjoying music IL,
greater or less degree, but beyond this, and !,
creased by cultivation, is rapture, an exc,
ment, thrill Of en- oyment, in the higher deveO,
ments of the art, known only TO the initiated
is an ndescribahle ecstacy, no more to be defDeI
than the taste of delicious fruit (forgve the Com
parson) or the perfume OF a flower.
Besides this, how well we know its soolbno
power; quie,lng The nerves, calming excitement
and bringing healing in its tones, even 10 ts
wounded spirit. We think Eve must have SUM
to Adam, alter their exile from the garden. SuI
could only be soothed by David's harp, and DAVID
himself sought refuge in his harp from the bur-
den OF his cares and tolls, and from his remorse
when he had done wrong; while his heart also
poured out his thanksgiving and happiness in
songs.
AS humanity has more and more asserted il,
power in the management OF our insane institution,
music has been used as powerful auxiliary, con
trolling, sometimes, even the most violent; and tn
story has been often repeated of sick man
whose excitement could only be Gained by the
sound OF violin constantly played in the room
adjoining. 1t has, in truth, soothing, HARMONIC
ing influence, and nowhere more than IN the lumj
Iy circle.
We would present this as a new motive for
cutiva'ng musical talent, that il renders tho fam:
~ circle more agreeable, restraining rebellion ana
discomfort. Ii promotes checrIulncss girls al,
happier, anu boys are more ready 10 stay at home
We know large family who're the father wa
wise enough To avail hims, If Of this help; and
when the ci, lnents, were inclined to be jrrrngaI
discordanf, ne would send one of his daughersN
the piano-or say, Come let US sing" and
with the instrument, or the harmony OF vocrs, thu
feelings were harmonized, and peace restored
if by magic.
We rejoice in the increased attention to mus,
in this country, both for lis moral and its refnm
IN fucnce. A good concert serbs one away a bet
ter man, more ready to bear The vcxaions and
crosses Of life, and to rise above them. Win
has not felt the Effects lingering around him for
days "a constant sense Of real pleasure. And
thus, in less degree, any good music may eaec
us.
lis benefits grea: that any attendant evil
seem almost Impossible. Yet, excessive devoia
to the science may be in urous, especially to PEI
sons Of delicate organization, Ivy Keeping up tu
great tension npon the nerves. But tins is an el
to be guarded against by the few. To the many
music is almost unm;xed good.
~ Y. Musical World