Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-12-09
The Concert.

The second Concert of the Sax-Horn band,
&c.. came fully up to the high expectations Oh
the public. The Hall was literally damned, ana
many persons were unable to gain Abundance
We have never seen SO large crowd assembled
in the Hall upon any previous OCCASION Fer-
sons from all portions of the county were pres
ent, and everybody spoke in the highest terms
of the entertainment.
Before entering upon the Programme, beau
tiful silver Sax Horn was presented by the Hon.
A. H. H. Stuart, in behalf of the members OF the
Band, to their talented instructor, Prot. a. ..
Turner. Mr.. Stuart's remarks were beautiful
and appropriate, and the response OF Mr.. lur-
ner was equally happy.
The members of he Band are now having
handsome wagon built, and when it is compile
ted they will doubtless give the public gratui-
tous benefit.
We are grati6ed to see them so literally en-
couraged thus far in their efforts to perfect them
selves in music, and trust that they may be en-
abled, by the assistance Of the citizens, still to
push forward in their enterprise.
We give below the address of Mr.. Stuart and
the response of Mr.. Turner:
SPEECH OF Mr.. STUART.-Nr. Turner -
have been requested'by the young gentlemen
who compose the Sax Horn Band, to present to
YOU, in their name, and on their behalf, the beau
tiful instrument which hold in my hand. They
tender it to you as testimonial OF their esteem
for your character as gentleman, and OF their
high appreciation of your ability, fidelity, and
efficiency, as their instructor in the delightful
Science OF Music.
They Justly feel that you have opened to them
new sources of enjoyment, aud have greatly en-
larged their capacity to contribute to the hap
piness of their friends and the public.
Music has in all ages, and under all circum-
stances, held high place in the esteem of the
most cultivated and refined portions OF the hu-
man family. Indeed, were to select the best
standard to measure the progress of civilization,
it would be the condition of the musical taste OF
the people. Language gives utterance to the
sentiments of the mind, but Music is the voice OF
the heart
Nor must We regard Music as mere ornamen-
tai accomplishment. 1t yields magical sway
over the destiny of man. Its notes are associat-
ed with and represent every wave of feeling
which wells up from the deep fountains OF sensl-
bihty.
We all know that when it speaks to the sol,
der in the tones of "the spirit-stirrng drum and
ear-piercing 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 upheaving Of
the French Revolution not all the eloquence Of
Mirabeau snd other distinguished orators of that
day exerted half so potent an influence on the
| minds and hearts of the French people, as tina,
deathless song-the Marscellaise Hymn.
Music, too, was the chosen medium by which
the inspired Psalmist held communion with his
God. When his heart overfowed with graft
tude to his Creator, he seized his Harp and pour
ed forth his grateful feelings in songs of thanks
giving and praise
In our day, we recognize Music as the twin
sister of Prayer Who would feel that he hat
rendered acceptable service in the Sanctuary o.
the Lord. if the acknowledgment of sin, and the
invocation of Mercy, were not accompanied by
swelling anthems of praise!
But it is not only amid such inspiring scene:
that Music delights to pour forth her dulcet notes
Beneath the window of his lady-love the gallant
Troubadour bresthss IN softest tones the passion
which consumes his heart, and waits, with eagel
ear, the response to his serenade.
Around the festive board,-amd blazing
lights, where twinkling feet beat time in the
merry dance,-in the domestic circle, where
happy hearts give voice to hoest feelings, Music
loves to scatter her choicest flowers. The hu
8 man heart itself, is but complex Instrument
whose keys and strings are attuned to every
feeling and when touched by masters hand
they will always vibrate with richest tones
melody.
Take, then, this instrument and cherish it,
Let it always remind yop of the friends wh'
presented it-let it always keep befors you the
refining. elevating and enabling influences o
Music-let it be monitor 10 you always To con
tnue o worthy minister at the altar of your
choice
REPLY OF MR.. TURNER
l.. Allow me, sir, to tender you, and through yor
to the friends who have so kindly furnished me
this beautiful instrument, my profound acknowl
Judgments for the unexpected and undeservet
compliment.
! l cannot employ language suitable to express
, the gratitude l feel in being made the recipien
of an instrument so beautiful, and, to me, so use
full nor can tell you, sir, how much | fee
fattered by the handsome manner in which yol
have been pleased to make the presentation.
will keep and cherish both the instrument an(
, the occasion, and will endeavor to breathe torti
my appreciation of them through its silvery
windings.
Again, sir permit me to offer you and thu
donors, the sincere thanks of my heart.