Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1875-07-16
NEW PUBLICATIONS

ers. The author tells us, in her preface,
that the book is a simple account of the
great men of whom 1t treats, and of their
works, and that il is designed for the use of
young people in the course of their music
al education and for older persons who
have neither the time nor the opportunity
To refer to original sources of information.
We cannot in better words describe the
purpose of the work, and our examination
Of its contents enables us to say that she
has accomplished this design in very
thorough and successful manner. brief
notice of the rise of cultivated music in
PRODUCES Palestrina and the few noted
names of the 10th and 17lh centuries, the
18th being distinguished by the galaxy of
bright, particular stars whose light made
their time so brilliant. In quick success
sion followed Bach, Handel, Gluck, Hay
dn, Mozart, Beethoven, Weber, Mendel-
ssohn, the great masters, and host of
lights whose glory is only less than these
as tone star differs from another star in
glory." The sketches Of Mozart, Beetho-
ven and Mendelssohn are deservedly more
full than others with the exception of that
Of Moscheles to whom greater prominence
is given as one of the most worthy of those
in the second rank of composers. Mo-
schcles died in 1870 at the ripe age of 20.
His field was the piano forte and his COM
positions for this instrument are conceded
bv all musicians te be the most classical of
his day. His concertos for piano and or
chestra are among the more valued of this
class of compositions. He was thorough
ly good and great man and his death sew
ers the only link which binds our time to
that of Mozart and Beethoven, with the
latter of whom he was on terms of intima-
cy and friendship. Henceforth, we have
no knowledge of these great masters but
by tradition. The musical student may
acquire in addition, such an account of the
productions of the great mGcStrOS as is nee
essary for full and intelligent appreca-
tiou of their works. 1t is n subject for
congra,ulatiOn that a demand exists for
works of the class which we are noticing,
as evidence of the increased and increas-
in g interest in music of a pure and classic
al lie. The growth Of intelligence and
cult urc brings with it need for some
thing better than the very cheap and pop
family which have had almost undisputed
Ieign. We do not undervalue simple mu-
sic because it is simple, and we do not
prize that which is more elaborate merely
because ii is abstruse but the progress of
art in tue world demands of all students
of music that their standard shall be of the
highest, and Mrs. Tytler's work will do its
part TO awaken an interest in the works of
those truly inspired men "who were not
born to uie." We commend il most cor
daily TO the attention of all for whom it
was written.
FREEDOM AND FELLOWSHIP IN RELIC
ION is The appropriate title Of a collection
of essays and addresses by some of the
mos able and brilliant thinkers of the Free
Religious school, Of such an expression is
allowable.) The purpose of the volume is
to give an answer TO the often asked ques-
ton, "What is the meaning of the Free
Religious Association ?" The opening pa
per treats of the "Religious Outlook" Ten
papers follow, representing various phases
of IN odern religious thought and discus
sion, as seen by d. a. WATSON, Samuel
Longfellow, Samuel johnson, John Weiss,
w M. J. Potter, +. L. Abbott, o. Il. Eroth-
ingham, John w. Chadwick, r. w. Hig-
ginson and Ednah d. Cheney, whose es-
says makei920 pages. Then follow "Voices
from the Free Platform" compilation of
shorter papers and extracts, wherein most
of the same writers reappear in company
with Emerson, Alcott, Celia Burleigh,
Rabbi Wise, Mrs. III owe, DR.. Bartol, VIM.
c. Gannett, +. b. Sauborn, Horace Seaver
aud o:hers-an array of talent and charac-
ter not often found in single volume.
Those persons, whatever their theological
bias. who aim to keep themselves familiar
with all phases of the religions thought of
the day will find the volume invaluable,
and every reader will find something to
help and uplift him in The spirit of faith in
God and man whichruns through its pages.
FATED TO BE FREE. i NOUet. By Jean
Ingelow. Boston: Roberts Bros. Some
of the characters in Miss Inge!ow's "On
the Skelligs" play part in this new novel,
which gives the story an added charm of
truth and reality. Miss Iugelow possesses
wonderful insight into human nature in
all its greatness and all its weakness, and
her characters are real, living men and wo-
mcn-and children, too-ior in portraying
child-life Miss Ingelow has scarce an equal
among living novelisls. The tone of the
story is eminently healthful, but at the
same time the plot possesses delightful
mystery and an artistic completeness
which would do credit 10 Charles Reade
himself. No living woman has written
sweeter or truer poetry than has Miss In
gelow, and this new work will confirm her
in her righlful position among the fore
most novelists of the present day. Certain
ii IS that the thousands of American read
ers who have been charmed and edited by
"Of the Skelligs," will not rest satisfied
till they have made up averdict, from their
own reading, on Fated TO be Free.
SOCIAL PRESSURE. By Sir Arthur Helps.
Boston: Roberts Brothers. If we mistake
not, this book is the last one from the pen
of lis celebrated aulhor-Mr. Helps having
died in the early spring of the present
year. 1t has been truly said of him that
"he lell the world better for his having
lived in it," and certain it is that all his
published writings possess one marked
quality in an eminent degree-the power
of elevation. No thoughtful person can
read one Of Mr.. Helps books aud not find
himself thereby benefited, purified and
inspired. Social Pressure is in much the
same vein as "Frlends in CounciP'-the
work which first won for Mr.. Helps his
enviablo reputation. Milverton, Files
mere and other familiar friends re-appear