The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1873-09-11
M uSic,

-AH4OiiS the iIOeTal arts Wnlcn demand our
attention at the present day, is music The
great works of the painter and sculptor merit
the admiration of the world, but the rich
harmony of sounds brought forth by the skill
full musician has greater influence upon the
human soul. Music purifes the heart, soothes
the passions and elevates our ideas of the good,
the true, the beautiful. 1t possesses the power
of uniting in social harmony the individuals Of
the family circle. There is a charm in the
sweet cadences of mothers voice as she quiets
the cries of her infant.
Its influence upon the assembled multitude
is like an electric current; for by the voice Of
the accomplished singer, blending harmoni-
ousiy with sweet toned instrument, the
fascinated throng can be so touched as to shed
tears of sympathy or so excited by the ludi-
crous as to break forth into peaIs of laughter.
By music the heart can be inspired with
patriotism that moves men to deeds of glory
fearless Of death. An ordinary hymn, when
sung in the school room, creates in the heart
OF teacher and pupil, that genuine sympathy
which is so necessary for success in training
the youthful mind.
Music has a national influence; let the
states of our republic join in national song,
and will they not be bound together in peace
and harmony; for, "of all the instrumental
ties OF love and peace, surely there can be no
sweeter, softer, more effective voice than that
of gentle peaceful, breathing music" He
who will take the pains to study the national
influence exerted by music will learn that lis
tendency is to soften the manners and improve
the habits of nations. The minds of people
can be read from the character of their songs
1t has been well said that "songs are the vocal
portraits of the national mind"
1t is generally acknowledged that good
music is a power in the church; it not only
attracts the careless to places of worship, but
nils the minister and congregation with the
true spirit of devotion. 1t is also significant
fact that poor music does not have the desired
effect in the devotional exercises of the Sab
bath. But still it is better than no music at
all. l admire the spirit that actuates few
young ladies and gentlemen OF Stroudsbnrp.
IN striving to give US respectable music in our
churches. large majority of our Young
people take no interest in church music at al,
but stand in the back ground and laugh at the
discords and other mistakes of our choirs and
congregations This defect in music is not
only noticeable in our churches, but can be
seen in our social circles The people of this
town must pay for music from aboad on all
festive occasions. What refreshing thing il
would be to listen to music rendered by a band
of home musicians Social gather
ngs at private dwellings are not often enter
.ained with excellent instrumental or vocal
music. This deficiency is indicative of the
act that our people are destitute of that re-
ined taste which result from judicial training.
Some of the time which the young lady
ievotes to dress, little talk, light literature,
hould be set aside for exercising her vocal
'rgans and practising on an instrument
Though Sigatus may place an Estey organ in
very house IN our town, yet if the bows and
,irs are not taught that exercise is the
reat law of culture we will not, TO our great ,
dissatisfaction, be able to keep pace with the
&c IN the cultivation of one of the liberal arts
The lack of interest in the culture of mps;c
not, however confined to one place. but ex- [
ends throughout the whole country. True
e as nation are making some progress in :
lusic; but not much as should he made
arents are neglecting a responsible duty c
hen they fail to devise means by which their +
hildren can learn to sing
Whatever tends to elevate the moral
andard of the people contributes to the
rength OF the state; and since dignified and F
'rnest music has refining influence upon al
itIonal character, it becomes necessary for y
II legislators to direct their attention toward
e establishment of lawa as in ancient al
reece, compelling the youths to secure in b.
ruetion IN music at the earliest possible age.
HALIFAX. S,