Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1857-12-05
The Concert on Tuesday Night.

Last tuesday nlSnt, tAe most brlllian6
and fashionable audience ever convened in
Staunton assembled at Union Hall, to wit
ness e'peffornancc of the Mountain SAKE
Horn Eand, Quartette and Cleo Club. The
occasion was one of unusual interest, and at
an early hour hundreds of persons were seen
vending their way to the, Hall, and the CO.
pacious room was soon filled to OVERLOOKING
very many persons retiring for want of
room. Not the least attractive portion Of
the performance was the presentation of a
lHc. Musical instrument, made of silver, to
Prof. A. j. TURNER, by his friends. This
was done by cur eloquent townsman, Hon
A. II. I'll. STUART, the remarks of whom
and the reply of Prof. Turner, will be
found below. The programme was an ez-
eeedingly fine one-thc pieces selected dis
played much good taste, and the young gen
tlcmcn acquitted themselves with credit, c.
Letting the commentator of.all, frequently
bringing down the house, in rapturous
anplausc.
We understand that a request, numerous
~ signed, was presented to the Band
asking the same performance to be repeat
ed, but the request cannot be complied with
at present, Mr.. BALDWIN occupying the
Hall in the delivery of course of Lectures.
SPEECH or MIR. STUART.
Mr.. TuRsER,-
/ have been requested by the young
gentlemen who compose the Saxe-Horn
Band. to present TO you, in their name, and
on their behalf, tie beautiful instrument
which | hold in my hand. They tender it
to you as g testimonial of their esteem for
Your character as q gentleman, and of their
high appreciation of your ability, fidelity,
and efficiency, as thtir instructor, in the de-
lightful Science of Music
They justly feel that you have opened to
them new sources Of enjoyment, aad have
greatly enlarged their capacity to contribute
to the happiness of their friends and tie
public.
Music, has, in all ages, and under ali CIR
cumstances, held high place in the esteem
of the most cultivated and refined portions
Of the human family. Indeed, were | to
select the best standard to measure the pro-
gress of civilization, it would be the eondi-
ton of the musical taste of the people. =
Language gives uttcrancc to the sentiments
of the mind, but Music is the voice of the
heart,
Nor must we regard Music us a mere o.
namental accomplishment. 1t Yields a
magical sway over the destiny of man. Its
notes are associated with and represent eve
ry wave Of feeling which wells up from the
deep fountains of sensibility.
We all know that when it speaks to the
soldier IN the tones of .'thc spirit-stirring
drum and ear-pierciug fife,'' it inspires the
hero to deeds OF daring which place his
name high on the scroll of fame
History tells us that, amid the uphoaving
of the French Re1ontion, not ali the elo-
quence of hlirabeau and other distin euished
orators of that day cxerted half so potent
an influence on the minds and hearts of the
French peonle, as that deathless song-the
Marsellaise Hymn.
Music, too, was the chosen medium by
which the inspired Psalmist held commu-
Mon with his God. When his heart over
flowed with gratitude to his Creator, he
seized his Harp and poured forth his CRATE
full feelings il songs Of thanksgiving aud
praise.
In our day, we recognize Music as the
twin-sistor of Prayer. Who would feel that
he had rendered acceptable service in the
Sanctuary of the Lord, if the acknowledge
ment of sin, and the invocation of Mercy,
were not accompanied by swelling anthems
Of praise
But it Is not only amid such inspiring
scenes that Music delights to pour forth her
dulcet notes. Beneath the window of his
lady love the gallant Troubadour breathes in
softest tones the passion which consumes his
heart, and waits, with eager ear, the re-
Spouse to his sercnade.
+ Around 'thc festive board, -am1i blazing
lights, where twinkling feet beat time in Ia e
merry dance, in the domestic circle, where
happy hearts give voice to hottest feelings,
Music loves to scatter her choicest flowers
The human heart Itself, is but complex
instrument, whose keys aad strings are
attuned to every feeling; and when touch
ed by a masters hand, they will always vi
brate with richest tones of melody.
Take, then, this instrument and cherish
it. Let it always remind you Of tie friends
who presented it-let it always keep before
you the refining, elevating and ennobling
influences of Music--let it be a monitor to
you always to continue worthy minister at
the altar of your choice
REPLY OF NIR. TURNER.