The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-10-26
MUSICAL REVIEW.

We hardly believe that during the long period that
music has been recognized and patr0nized great
ART as the first OF all arts in this city, that 1t
in such pitable condition rs 1t Is at present. There
is no Disgusting the fact that the New York press
exercise an immense influence in the progress OF
music. How, have they exercised this innuences
Generally, with one honorable exception to the
detrfment Of true art There has been for time
existing and sorry to say, nourisbing In this
city, certain clique Of newspaper writer's who
have created-how we shall not now discuss--a
novel and inartistic style OF musical criticism.
When art dourished here. before the advent OF
opera bouGs which has killed oil musical art,
the majority Of newspapers entitled from POSI-
ton and influence to say one word on the subject
were under the tyranny OF prejudice and cliquesm.
They succeeded In destroying some OF the best
artists and OF the best music heard In this
country. What Is the consequence The public re-
sort to the very lowest and most degraded form OF
the divine art-namey, opera b0u1e With all
respect to the great talents Of the actors who sing
IN both companies OF opera bo,tGs In this city, we
cannot help, as conscientious musicians saying that
opera bouge is o disgrace To art In the musical sense
OF the word. We have hundreds OF really good
artists, and rs for the pupils OF the conservatory,
who are well acquainted with the classical masters,
their name is legion. Yet here Is public going
crazy over negro minstres, Llngard and OnenDacn.
Mind. they are all alike. Why Is thsf Because
those whose mission 1t was to cultivate the taste OF
the public and lead them to the highest forms OF art
have betrayed their trust. They have, with few
ceptons combined TO favor only certain people on
nored the claims OF art. We have seen real,
genuine artists, forced through circumstances
TO accept subordinate positions IN the gsterlng
lnsuferable Another evil which has led TO this de-
graduation OF the divine art is the perniclous custom
ever OF, or sympathy for music, to write musical
notices IN the columns Of the city journals. They do
injury 70 arg n anyg esS Ts can
players from either hearsay or their own narrow
views, which are generally ut the dctation OF the
which must put to the blush all true musicians.
We feel the effect or thus In our musical
iniict upon us lot Of vie trash, which should be
rejected by any one having the crudest idea OF music
In his mind. Lately the evil has attained such
magnitude ~ TO inspire hopes that II Will soon come
TO q crisis. The New York public are exceedingly
good natured, but very relentless and uncompromis-
Msss Wsel mansaers Critics and Pubsners look out
lest you carry your reckless schemes too far We
have some good things this week, but what an
amount OF trash. There Is no use IN Disgusting the
fact that half the music that In published ut present
is the veriest kind OF trash. But to cur task
nv ponusr Composers, arranged by Miard bound
IN handsome form. They combine some oil the best
qusrtets rom tho opera, with sacred songs, and
Ditson d Co. publish the following:-"Pure as
Snow,n idyi, Gustav Lange. The theme Is ia
mi. lar one, although we CANNOT exactly now place
1t, but Il II very cleverly arranged and makes o
pleasing psrl0r piece.
aMeeasirt" song, Franz. Something in the
Schumann style, but exceedingly heavy and uninter-
esliug.
song OF The Llngard order and therefore unworthy
oil criticism. .
ia Tradta,u rornanza, Ardti. A most beautiful
and well wrought work from from THIS popular com.
poser IL Is entirely different from the style or pieces
ir IN his pen to which we have been hitherto accus
toned.
William A. Pond a Co. publish the foowing:--sa-
cred yuarets for Church and Home, J. N. Pattison.
There are nine of those pieces In this series which,
every one, show unmistakablc evidences OF the pen
OF the true musician we snail refer TO them again.
"Deuxicme Boero,r LeyDach. one Of the most
brilliant and taking Of this well known composer 9
works. IL IL gem for The piano and viii be sue
&C IA either concert or pariUr.