The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-02-04


MUSICAL SoIR EE.-Notwithstanding the
inc.emency Of the weather, the large Chapel Of
the Augusta Female Seminary, on last Friday
night, was well flied with music-loving specta-
tors attracted there by invitation to attend the
second soiree of the session. Unlike the for
mer soiree, the programme on this occasion
was entirely musical and afforded an elegant
opportunity for the display of that art which,
from time immemorial, has been the medium OF
some Of the grandest thoughts-at times Dor
dering on inspiration-that has ever illumined
the pathway Of mankind.
| We have only been able to learn the names
of some of the young ladies who SO charmingly
/ entertained the audience on the occasion OF
| which we write, and are, therefore, debarred
from partieularizing as we might wish. Suffice
it to say, that the programme, which was long
and embraced the productions of such musical
geniuses as Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi and others
of like high standard, was most successfully and
almost faultlessIy rendered, and received with
every demonstration Of delight. The solos OF
Miss Forsythe, of Florida, were beautiful
Her voice is one seldom met with in any
sphere OF music, clear, resonant and sympafhet-
ic, of magnificent compass and wonderful
depth, it echoes the nobiest notes of the old
masters and lodges its harmonies in the heart
of every nearer ssThe Land OF Flowers"
must be the s'Native Home of Song" and this
her favored daughter, breatbes forth the
richest melodies of that far southern clime.-
Misses Robert, Mathews and Fletcher, also
sang several splendid solos, and were greeted
with prolonged and hearty applause. In re-
Spouse to the encore, Miss Robert repeated
verse of her sons-sSonntag Polka''-a piece
we'll suited to her sweet and flexible voice.
The instrumental parts and choruses were
telling tributes to the teaching and culture OF
Profs. Keorber and Hamer, as well as indispu-
table evidences of conscientious study and re-
markable proficiency on the part OF the young
ladies'. In the last piece-sMiserere de Tro-
vatore," solo and chorus, by Verdi-there were
ten instruments employed-four pianos,
two organs, harp, clarionet, horn and
bell, the blending Of which in accompanying the
soft solos or strong chorus produced most
happy effect.
Take music from this life and it would be
as the sculptured statue to the living model
bearing the features and semblance, but cold
passionless and inanimate. Hush Natures
songsters still the babbling brook, calm the
restless sea, bind the winds and quiet the voice
of Gods creatures, and the journey along the
stoney highway would be desolate indeed
Many persons with broad, catholic views upon
other branches Ct education have been known
to decry the cultivation of music upon the
ground that it is entirely ornamental, and
that the opportunities are few for its display, but
if these persons had have been present at the
Seminary on last Friday night, they would
have, most probably, been convinced OF the err
ror of such an idea. At this school the sci
ence of music is developed in the pupil and
that development is the reward OF honest APP
plication and hard study. tits not merely
mechanical power that enabl IS the supple fing-
ers to master the whole instrument at single
sweep. The theme and spirit OF the music must
be thoroughly understood, and that connre-
henson, that knowledge is purchased at the
price of hours Of weary working and tireless
perseverance, Can it be contended that the
application and thought requisite to the under
standing OF thai delicate science is labor lost?
We think not. The same argument might be
advanced, with even more appositeness, with
reference to the study Of the dead languages,
and yet learned men regard thst as the gym
nasium Of the mind. where the slnews OF future
culture are developed and strengthened. Mus
ie is no less an accomplishment around the
family hearthstone than in the crowded saloon.
On the contrary, its influences are more po-
tent when brought to bear on the little home
circle. 1t refines and polishes-mellowing and
smoothing our grosser natures and shedding
it's radiance over the rough experience OF every
day life.
While none of the more practical aud orna-
mental branches have been neglected, Miss
Baldwin has given special attention TO the cul-
tiyation of the musical talent OF her pupils,
and we are not surprised that smile OF graft
fication overspread her kird face as, on Friday
night, she saw the good seed bringing forth
such an abundant harvest. We thank both the
teachers and young ladies for an evening so
pleasantly spent, and trust that all present
were equally pleased.
WESTERN LUNATIC ASYLUM have re-
ceived the report of the Board OF Directors, as
sstant Physicians and Steward OF the Western
Lunatic Asylum, for the fiscal year lS73-14.-
We learn from the report OF the Directors that
the expenditures for the year ending October
81, 1874, has been confined strictly within the
limits of the annual appropriation, and the pro-
ceeds of the board account, leaving small bal
ance in the treasury. The board asks the tlsu-
al appropriation of 900 for the support OF
the Asylum for tie year 1s74=75 in addition to
the amount that may be received from the sup
port of pay patients. The report presents the
statistics of patients unprovided for in the
State, as ascertained by answers to circular
letters sent out by the late superintendent,
DR.. F. T. Stribling. These embrace 29l insane
white persons without hospital accommoda-
tions. withs2 q counties from which no returns
were received OF the POI eases, 27s are given
as chronic. OF the $50 patients in the Asylum,
a large majority are reported as of the same
class. Drs. Hamilton and Fisher, che assls-
tant physicians, urge the advisability OF provi-
ding for the care and maintenance OF ''incllra-
hla lnnatics - and using the present hospital