New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-12-15
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

CRADLE SONGS OF MANY NATIONS; Music by by
REINHoLD L.. HhRMAN inusIxstonS Y ~ Nj
&Co.
This is a book OF music and pictures made Oh
alarming conceit but somewhat spoiled IN the max
ing 1t was pretty notion to gather into book
the simple words and soothing cadences when
mothers Groom for babies ears from Norseland to
Znluland from japan TO America aud to call IN the
nid of an artists pencil TO give glinpscs into the
nurseries of the world. The trouble lay IN tho exc
cutjon. The musician dld not do as well as tie
might have done ont Of regard for the artist no
frankly confes,es as much his preiace), aud the
artist disappointed many of the hopes winch MS
plan inspired. lis soon encompassed the narrow
circle of ideas suggested in the lullabIes and became
monotonous both in the manner and the matter OF
his expressions Mothers are mothers ana baOles
nre babies the world over, but we can fancy that
c,everef artist would have discovered moro nuner-
GUS bits of characteristic expression for his pictures
n correcter drau ghtsnan would have done less VIC
leuce to documentary principles in his outlines.
and a more imaginative composer would have
created greater variety of attitude and action
than Mr.. Satteree exhibits in the coored plates
with which he embellshed this unique book
Some of the little songs and melodies 10 the COZ
lection are familiar from other publications, bnt
many, we are assured by MIR. Herman, are here
gwen Ill uXeu CHARACTERS TOT Tue lIs5 llulC' AhOJ
have liged and been handed down by tradition
Three songs belonging to neither category are out
OF tune with the design Of the book. They are
fancful lullabies put in the mouths Of Mother I've
the Virgin aud DardG. Acrisiuss daughter. ara
loved Of Zeus The Virgins song is a Latin song oil
the third century; DsnaG's that which III the in
agitation of Simondes, the Greek mother sang TO
Quiet little Persons when both were rocking on the
angry waves of the Kgean Sea. For these songs
Mr.. Herman has himself written music which IS
careless of old melodc turns and rhythns. The
rest he has provided with Accomplishments for the
liano-fore in n manner showing an equal inaiher-
once to national characteristics. ho has evidently
aimed at giving them dress for the modern music
room rather than at preserving the flavor IN winch
their highest value as a contribution to musical
literature lies. We doubt whether Mr.. Herman IS
very familiar with the rich library OF national
music VIII ch the modern spirit has opened. II lie
were he would hare found many pretter cradle songs
than those he uses ana would not have been Obliged
10 give two versions Of the same German melody.
To represent America he could find nothing better
than Rock a Bys Baby which IS put to shame
by tho tnneful Indian song that precedes It, In
England he WAS happier with Oh, Hush Thee my
Babe" the magical lullaby which alway coniures |
upa picture OF the ohivalry of the olden time and
an echoing memory OF the tender and broken tones
Of Charlotte Cushmans voice when i'll the character
OF the gypsy bag she croOned over the hand of
Henry and recalled the heir OF Mannerng to his |
destiny.