The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1877-03-17
TIE WHEELING DAILY SATURDAY MORNING MARCH 1871
IsepIy .Io HIand on Church NIusIc.

Reply. 10 HIaud on Church Music.
Edlton Intelligcnecr;
It has been our privilege to be one
among the number who have noticed
and read the articles in your valued col
uinns contributed by some one under the
nom de plume Of "Maud," on the subject
oil church choirs, music, organists, &C.,
&c. At first we had supposed that
MAUD" was melted by pure and
praiseworthy spirit, only having the i'm
proyement Of our sacred music at heart,
but what was our surprise on reading the
article Of March Sth TO see plain and
palpable bid for a position as organiSt
In one OF our leading churches, In fact no
other than that OF which "Maud' is u
member. So far az the contributions Of
"Maud" had an elevating tendency in
our sacred music although we do not
wish It understood that we approve, or
that any cause existed sufficient TO war
rant the structures concerning our musl-
cal people,) we were content TO have
them exert what influence they might
upon the musical mind, but when the
veil was upliited and "Maud" appeared
in her (his) true colors, IA suppliant for
position" at the expense Of another,
we have felt II our duty TO represent
matters in their true light.
Referring to the above article, il is sufIi.
cient to say that "Maud" was the leader
and organist Of the same choir some
years ago, in contradistinction to the
present incumbent who has the care OF
the organ, rs we'll as the singing and the
"thin quartette." What the relative
merits OF the two choirs Chorus and
quartettel are, we leave TO the congrega.
ton itself to decide.
We wish to briefly advert in conclusion
TO the article by "Maud" in your issue Of
yesterday, conforming ourselves for the
present, first, 10 the remarks concerning
the party who brings home Eastern ideas
in organ playing and general manage.
ment Of the instrument; second, "Maud's'
gentle hints on "molulation."
We have yet TO see any one, no matter
how excellent n player or adept at i'm
provisation, but who could lie benefited
by hearing others, more particularly
those Of far greater experience, and whose
attainments fully entitle them in every
aCceptation Of the term 10 that OF organ.
ist-not theoretical but practical. The
pay Of the organist has nothing whatey-
er TO do with the matter under consider
alton, for il he has the true desire 10
know his instrument, and make it known
to others, he will do 20 for nothing il
need be.
In regard TO "modulation" we will only
say that the remarks Of MAUD are not
lustiliable, but incorrect. Any one who
knows anything about the theory OF MT
sic, knows that "modulation" can easily
be made from one key TO another, no
matter how remote, and that by the di.
unfinished septachord. Still it is not al.
ways advisable to modulate in this man
ner, and sufficient latitude should be
granted the organist TO use his judgment.
Because he does not always do 30 "Maudn
would, or since he takes a roundabout
way to reach his destination, is no good
reason that there is actual fault attending
his "modulation." The only question that
naturally arises il, does the organist
know how TO do what he attempts or
wishes. So far as the party alluded to in
"Maud's" communication Of yesterday ia
concerned, we can assert without fear OF
contradiction, that he is as fully able TO
sustain his reputation ne "AIaud," and
his musical education and ability is sec.
ond TO none in n radius OF hundred