Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-01-12
First Lecture before the Chcral
Society.


The first of series Of free lectures to
be given under the auspices of the Choral
Society was delivered at the Hall OF the
Young Mems Christian Association, last
evening. by Francis A. Fisher, Esq, OF
this place, The limited capacity Of the
hall could not admit of large assembl-
age, but it was well filled by those inter-
ested in promoting the objects contempla-
ted by these leotures,-the awakening OF
greater attention to the science and Gull
tivation of music. The entertainment
included musical as well as literary
treat, and was in all respects a decided
success. The exercises opened with the
rendering of some fine old tunes from
Father Kemp's selection, in which the
whole chorus participated /; which was
followed by beautiful song by Mrs.
Aiken. The brief musical prelude COM
pleted, Mr.. Fisher was introduced by the
President of the Society, and gratified
the audience with very pleasing and
instructive lecture upon the Importance
of stimulating greater interest in the
science of music, and of cultivating
higher degree of musical taste. He re-
marked, in commencing, that if the feel
ings of the audience were consulted they
would doubtless accord with the sentl-
ment of his own heart that it would be
far more delightful to listen to the sweet
tones of music than to any essay upon it.
No mere description Of music could equal
its reality. But it was in the hope of ex-
citing an increased interest in the Guilt
walton of music, and of contributing to
extend its elevating and refining infu-
ence that he entered upon his subject.
The mysterious charm which music ex-
erts on mankind universally was alluded
to, and illustrated by reference to the
ancient traditions of its power to move
the rocks and trees. Music was defined
as the natural language of the sentiments
and passions. The speaker proceeded to
offer the reasons why there should be
greater attention to the cultivation of
music in our land. We have no great
composers, such as have been famous in
foreign lands. We have those who ar
range from the works of foreign composers,
but none who show great original musical
genius. In architecture and the fine arts
this deficiency does not exist, but in all
those branches we have those who display
a high degree of Originality and genius.
Other lands and nationalities have their
own peculiar musical characteristics, ap-
parently taking form from the natural
features of Ithe country. The music of
Italy is as soft land sweet as her skies are
bright and sunny, while the songs of the
Scotch seem to have borrowed their
strength of tone from their own rugged
hills. The soft ands pensive music of
Sweden, the home of Jenny Lind, also
shows the effect of climate and physical
causes in forming musical taste.
But the inquiry forces itself upon our
attention, where is our national music ?
Of the imported we have enough, and to
spare. But of genuine national music we
have but little. Our bands play for US,
but where are those who sing Fl Why have
we accomplished SO little in the cultiva-
ton of music? 1t is not from any lack
of originality. In almost all other bran
ohcs of thought or endeavor there is an
abundant display of this quality. 1t is
not from any want of the favoring ele-
nents of the climate or natural form ltion
Of the country. Our scenery is well az Iapt-
ed to the development of such nat ional
music. Our rivers and cstaraets,. our
Mountains and prairies are unsurr ,assed
n other lands. There is no lack of natter.
The material is at hand, we only want
he effort to put it to use.
One reason why we lack national mu-
&c Is because we also lack distinctive
rational literature. And this is because
We are as nation yet in our youth. Dur
ng the struggle for existence, and the
fort to establish the nation upon a firm
'asis, there has been little time for the
ultivation of the fine arts.
We have been engaged in develop ing
he useful srts; after time we shall add
he ornamental. Poetry is the twin 81 ,ter
f music, and they will be developed and
row together.
Another cause which deters from the
Utilization of music is the character of the
rst settlers of tie country. The I'u1i-
ans were an austere, stern class of ineil,
vho looked with disfavor upon all tri fling
leasures, but they could not repress til
owe of music, which was poured o,1t il,
heir grand old hymns.
Another obstacle to the cultivat ion of
lusic is the opposition of the stric utili-l
arian class in society. They ask, "What
J it good for ?" They shut out all orna-
ient in their race for usefulI less. Tol
his standard of Judging, there is nothing
eautiful or sublime in nature if it does
OF bring something to the treasury of
With some, this prejudice assumes q
itferent form. 1t is thought that the oul-
Ire of musical taste will give extrava-
ant views of life, especially to the poorer
asses /; that music is only for the more
.vored classes. This is most unfeeling
i'd Implying prejudice, for to none can
usic bring more charm than to those in
umble life.
There are those, too, who think of mu-
C as the old lady regarded the bass-viol
public worship, as 5aSS-gio-1ation of
lie Sabbath. But if music be wrong,
by is nature all music? The signing of ,
lie wind, the ripple of the rivulet, and
lie murmur of the wave are but the ex-
.ession of the music of nature. Let us
ave dark world if we must have 81 /,
MT one. We need the art of music to