The Portland daily press., 1864-10-31

FATHER. KEMP's CorsoERT.-Sathrdav az
ternoon about 1900 children listened with de-
light to the concert given BY Father Kemp
and the old folks. The ancient costnmes tick.
led the iancies Of the young ones, and they in
dulgsd in roars of laughter, though. during
the singing they behaved very prettily.
~ IN the evening animmense crowd assembled
at an early hour anxious to obtain SEATS. and
spacious SIS the hall is, there was hardly room
enough for the throng. The audience too was
composed largely of the upper ten, who sell
dom turn out except on occasions when some
thing extra is to be exhibited. But why
such q large gathering on this occasion?
There are several causes. In human nature
there is an innate'love Of the great PAST Peo-
pie love to hear melodies, look at Dictures,
witness dramatic exhibitions, or read books
which bring before the minds eve the scenes
of childhood, bnt the charm is much Increased
when the mind is carried back far beyond all z
such scenes. ",Tis distance that lends en-
chantment to the view.n The more ancient
thepicture the more pleasing associations are
a"akenea oy tne Vie9w- 40 HAY
Inc above remarks apply, perhaps, more
particularly to the costumes of Father Kemp
and his troupe. But there is another reason
why the multitude love such music as this
troupe discourse. Simple melodies, such as
can be remembered and whistled by the mass
es, are railways more pleasing than more elabo-
rate compositions, which must be heard many
times and studied well before they can be
thoroughly appreciated. And again, when
these melodies are arranged with harmony,
and merely simple chords are used instead of
more scientific arrangement they can be.
easily understood and no effort OF the mind is
necessary. or previous study is essential to a
proper appreciation of the music. Hence 1t Is
that such melodies, thus arranged, will always
please the multitude better than more elabo-
rate music. Now there are charms in music
beyond the power of simple melodies to con-
|, yey. It speaks a language peculiar to itself,
7 and is capableo of teaching the soul lessons of
truth and wisdom which cannot easily be
learned from other sources. Sounds are an
echo to the sense. The scale of the human
Voice was created for wise and noble purposes,
but we have not space to discuss the philoso-
ply of sounds, or the power there is in an oc-
tave, and the millions OF tones that may be
brought out of it to which the human heart
responds ~ 4ct4d 60
ln7 At this concert we noticed fact which we
have often witnessed of late at other public
gathe, ings. It is this when, in any OF their
songs allusion was made to the Old Flag Of the
Union, to Grant or to any force which is at
work in putting down the rebellion, there
would be an outburst Of feelings from patriot
ic bosoms. The right chord of the great heart
of the loyal public was touched, and it vibrat-
edin union with the sentiments conveyed. 1t
is this deep current of feeling that ensures the
re election Of Old Abe. No matter what party
is arrayed against it or attempts to stem it, the
thing can't be done; it will roll on like the re-
sistless tides of ocean and mo human power
can stop it in its course.
Father Kemp and his troupe will accept our
thanks for the pleasure afforded our citizens
and for the PATRIOTIC music furnished in the
good cause which is SO near all loyal hearts.
WhenIall did SO well, we don't like to intro
duce companions, but Aunt Phebe's voice is
one which is not easily forgotten when once
heard. 1t is full of sympathy, and its peculiar
ly rich and mellow tones never fail to reach
the heart and find a response there. But
enough. Wherever this tronpe may go they
will find good audiences. We. cheerfully. wish
them God speed,
At their sacred concert last evening, the
V.Aaa. Z. 3 = a
obliged to stand. This and tomorrow even
ings they perform in Bath, Wednesday and
Thursday evenings in Saco and Biddeford.