Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-04-25
SOME BOOKS AND AUTHORS.
From the Pioneer Press. |

people claims our attention as work
possessing no small degree of merit.
The author has presented his subject
in a very attractive manner, which is
well sustained throughout the entire
work. Every lover OF this sublime
art (music), viii read with pleasure
the opening chapters One fingers
with deep interest over chapter
fourth, wherein the author handles in
q most intelligent manner the history
OF music, dating from the time when
perforated cow-horn was the flute
of the Egyptians, up to the present
day when the variety of musical in
struments is rivalled onlv by their ex-
treme elegance and delicacy Of con-
struction.
Mr.. Trotter was for several years q
clerk in the Post Office at Boston,
Mass. He filed this position with
marked efficiency until his voluntary,
though not unprovoked resignation,
some two years ago. 1t was while
holding this Office that he prepared
the book under consideration. Know
ing this fact we can better appreciate
his skillful handling OF his subject
and the careful study and research he
has brought to bear upon it. Sus-
tanning, as he did, the arduous tasks
Of each day it is evident that ne burnt
the midnight oil' many a time be-
fore his work was completed. Fol-
lowing the chapters already referred
to are biographical sketches Of "Some
Highly Musical People, There may
be some question as to whether all OF
these are deserving Of mention in Mr..
Trotter's book, but probably he has
made as judicious selections as any
one would have.
1t is not apparent that these
sketches are all drawn from among
the colored people from any feeling
of race distinction, on the part of the
author, or because they-the colored
people--differ in any material way
from other musicians, but as he him
self puts it, for the benefit of those
who "affect not to see that musical
faculties and power for their artistic
development are alike the benefcient
gifts Of the Creator to all his child
rem Many there be who graciously ()
accord to us the ability to sing plan
tation melodies who deny that we
have the capacity to render classical
music. Mr.. Trotter makes it very
plain that there have been and are
some real artists among us. The
musical compositions appended to the
book, have to the writer's knowledge
been the source Of much pleasure
and profit to the owners Of it. As .
library production emusic and Some
Highly Musical People not only
stands in the front rank of books by
colored authors, but will compare f.
vorably with similar works by Amer
lean authors. We agree most heart
lily with Mr. Trotter in his objection
to combining q girls knowledge Of in
strumental music to tho piano or
organ. Is it not 30 that "Ole Bull
delights his audiences little more
than Camilla Urso," the world-re-
nowned woman violinist. Mr.. Trot-
ter has not included himself among
the musicians. but If not musician
he must be poet, for he not only has
the finest appreciation Of his subject,
but a most happy faculty Of express
ing it. for example when he says,
"How charming are those homes in
which it (music), in its purest style,
| is cultivated! What refinement reigns
therein ! And what gentle, yet po-
tent aid it is in parental government |!
The allurements to outside and often
harmful pleasures lose their power
over the children Of that household
in which music's engaging, magic in
fuence holds delightful, elevating
sway. And then at times whom in
strnments and voices mingla in a