The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-01-19
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
THE NEW TUNE BOOK.

advisement, for some time, the preparation
of Book of Tunes, adapted to our new
Hymn Book, for use in the churches. | do
not know at what stage the matter rests,
but think that at Memphis, the subject was
indefinitely postponed.
Whether the multiplication of music books
be an advantage to church music, l shall not
undertake to decide. This much is certain
ly and painfully evident, that there is no
one book that can answer all the demands Of
public worship in the use of our Hymn Book.
The consequence is, that in our choir galle-
ries, and on our Precentor's desks may be
seen pile of books, which must be hurried
ly searched in order to find tunes for the
different metres announced. From this, there
must result in some degree, disorder and
discord. Even in familiar tunes, the har.
mOny is different in different collections of
music, there are some apparently slight
changes in the melody, which things tend
inevitably to produce jar in singing.
The old stand-byS (word not cOpyrighted,) }
the Boston Academy'S Collection, New Car
nina Sacra, Presbyterian Psalmodlst, Halle
lujah, and such, all of which are capital col.
lections, and have done faithful service, must
give place to the advanced thought. -
Newer collections have hardly any such
standard music as these, but these must be
pushed aside to yield to lighter and more
sentimental order of music, chiefly because
in these books only may tunes be found
adapted to the strange metres. Thus it is
vitiated taste is cultivated, the taste and
knowledge of the congregation are forgotten
the fine music of the choir or quartette is
sung, and religion languishes.
No one is fonder of fresh, new music thar
l, nor of first rate harmony such as may bt
found in the grand old masters. But be
lieve there is more religion in some of tht
old tunes, odd and unscientifc though the
harmony be, and execrable the rendering
with quaver and slide, and whine and drawl
as sung by devout old women in our log
country churches, than in all the tasteful
and elegant music well executed by trained
singers, and aided by the massive swell o
solemn organ tone, echoing through fretteC
aisle and groined roof.
If any collection be made, let not th'
wants of the vast majority be forgotten il
satisfying the more cultivated taste Of th'
few.
Let me further suggest
l. That its compilation be put into tn
hands of thoroughly educated and accom-
plished Professor of music, one well-skillec
in thorough-bass, and we'll acquainted will
musical publications, as well as with tn
wants Of the people. Don't let us have
book which we will be ashamed to let DR.
Mason or Dr. Hastings examine. There ar
such musicians in our Church. know sucl
an one, Professor in one of our Southern
female schools, Of high repute, Of fine taste
of excellent judgment, of marked ability a
composer, whose modesty is such, that
will not mention his name, as this is writer
entirely without his knowledge
2. Let there be an advisory committee o
ministers or laymen, who are familiar wit
music, with the popular tunes Of the section
in which they live, who know the hymn
book, and who are not sensitive as to criti
cisms upon their musical JUDGMENT; (cau an.
such be found |? let these aid the editor b,
collecting and collating the mass of old tune
most desired in our churches. ami furnishin,
them to him for his digestion; and exercis
ing merely advisory control.
3. Let such new music as is rich, fresh
attractive and of high order, be collecte,
with an eye to the worship of God, by rigi
criticism excluding light and frivolous music
by careful eclectcsm, selecting the cream
of old and new European and American
music.
4. Let such standard tunes as have beel
accepted and approved by the Church be re
tanned, and such as may not stand the tes
of criticism, endeared to Gods people by
thousand tender and hallowed associations
such as "Penitent," "Convert," "Zion'
Pilgrim" GLOW firm a Foundation" b
gathered in an appendix, as far as practica
BILE with the old harmony. Such as may no