The Portland daily press., 1865-02-24
Music.

As to the sense Of vision there is presented
great variety of hucs, some pleasing to
view, and more especially SO, when blended
in due proportion, so to the ear is pleasing the
harmony of sounds, and that delight is inten-
sihed when great variety Of tones are blend
ed in perfect union.
What eloquence is SO engaging? As it
may speak in thunder tones, or in slow and
long drawn plaintive strains, and again in
quick gliding measures, the soul sensitive to
its charms is inspired with awe and sublimity,
subdued with tender emotions or thrilled
with pleasure.
From the remote ages of antiquity to the
present day, has this elevating and refining
art been practised, and never has there been
more votaries in any century worshiping at
its shrine than in this, the nineteenth, and in
our own land it is fast becoming necessary
part of the education of the gentler sex, and
such pleasing accomplishment they all
should aim to acquire.
When we would worship the Most High in
his holy temple, do we early raise to him our
voices in harmonious strains, thus lifting the
mind above worldly considerations and CIV
ing our thoughts leave to soar heayenward;
and at ewes twilight hour, when stiffness
reigns, how delightful to have the quiet brok-
en- by waves as they float so smoothly on the
humid air, or at midnight hour to wake by
enchanting strains as they seem to come from
some fairy land.
%ba o1afpo in hat Hipdlao fha
in the breast of the soldier. as be rushes on to
victory or death, and piercing through the
roar of cannon may be heard the shrill notes
of the fife breathing some inspiring national
air, accompanied by the rolling drum, as it
beats the tread of impetuous charging hosts;
thus is mnsic's influence felt in awakening
the evil passions, and rousing to battle man
against his brother; yet in peace it hath its
charming, softening tendency, and dying
Christian finds sweet consolation when Hea-
venly strains are raised by earthly friends
around, which would seem to wait its soul in
triumph to its author, and the babe is hushed
and lulled to sleep by the gentle song breath
ed in tender accents over its cradle.
May we not, to great extent, judge of
mans character by his choice of music?
The man of high and virtuous honor would
select such as is elevating to the mind, that
abounds in noble and elevating strains; he
whose nature is full of gentleness and charity,
loves to listen TO soft and soothing melodies,
while the vulgar would choose the simple I'M
edifying jargon of notes as itswould cores
pond with his nature.
Music is an index to ones disposition; for
man cares not to sing unless he is happy, and
his mind is free; the miser will not sing, for
his mind is full of getting money; the misan-
thrope cannot sing because he hates his broth
er and renders himself unhappy; the rogue
will not sing in full and open tones, for hon.
est and open words remind him that Justice
awaits him.
The blood of the patriot flows more quickly
as he hears the soul stirring strains of his ma
tional airs; the Frenchman is reminded of
bis glorious France when he hears the NAL
sailles Hymn; and the Eaglishman believes
bis kingdom unconquerable when "Rule Bri-
tainia "breaks on his ear; but the bosom Of the
true American heaves with emotion when the
martial strains wait to his ear "Hail Column
bia" or the "Star Spangled Banner"
&C. Fl. CoLLY.