The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1885-01-07
Thoughts on Music.

vi MueiC Y. W4idL ID siAC ppCh oO POS0Ae
by which thou doest bind the hearts Of
mortals Where is the goodness of the
Caeator more strikingly displayed than
in the large and various expression of
music?
The featheTed songsters gaily singing
their happy hours away, are said to have
furnished amateur musicians the notes
upon which they constructed the gamut.
and further enlarged into the theory of
music; and could we trace the art de-
vine" as various instruments were con-
structed from the tuneful reed with which
the ancient shepherds solaced their
loneliness, to the most complicated in
stument which skill and talent have
been able to produce, we recognize a
strong and irresistible voice responsive
to the demand of the great human heart
for music.
Music and harmony are inseparable ;
since the morning stars sang together,
we associate the harmony of nature with
the melody of song Since the birds of
Eden carolled their sweet songs for the
happy inhabitants, music and happiness,
twin SISTERS, have walked hand in hand.
When the unhappy pair were driven
from their blissful abode, we imagine
that the song that was sung awoke the
feelings of melancholy which every
since has mingled with the tenderest
and most delightful strains of music. To
man alone is given the power to cultivate
this talent. The notes Of the song bird
may call forth the tenderest emotions.
but the soul of the great composers
seems to be interviewer with the music
as it flows spontaneous from their touch.
Who can estimate the power of music as
its sweet influences attend us from the
cradle to the grave. Infancy and child
hood are soothed by it; and the weary
wanderer DER life's toilsome way pauses
with reverence as the memory of those
early songs float through his mind. Let
those who fear that their loved ones will
be led astray, by the allurements of the
world, that early impressions will fade
amid the glitter of false pleasure, wear a
hallowed spell around the heart with the
silver chords of music. Oh sacr!d
power which was wont to be cherished
and worshiped in sylvan shades, hast
thou deigned to visit hall and cottage and
allow some household favorite of almoa
every family to discourse sweet, sweet
sounds '-a
Such indeed is the advancement of the
nineteenth century; and happy, indeed,
are we if we seize the suspicious
moment, and catch the heavenly visitant
and give it an abiding place in each of
our homes. What matters it if the father
goes forth to his daily toll and hardship
if at evening he can be cheered with the
sweet voice of song by his loved ones at
home.
Such were my musings as l listened to
the " concord of sweet sounds" which
had been designed for christmas treat
by my musical friend and her class. How
the warmth and light and melody con-
trasted with the cold, dark winter even
ing; for Boreas had been excluded, and
howled on the chill air as if wishing to
intrude upon the festive scene where
Queen Nab and her train had assembled
to make joyful the evening. A magnif-
cent Haynes piano was in requistion as it
gave forth melodious tones we wondered
not that il had won the word of praise
from the worlds great artists Each one
of the fairy band contributed special
musical offering, brilliant polkas, fantasies
etc. A number of charming songs were
dispersed, crowned by the lovely waltz
song, When the Leaves begin Turn"
which showed rare talent i'm the singer.
Then came the fairy throng in airy at
tire looking lovely indeed. The queen
with glittering crown, and robe Gedecked
with stars After various scenes inter-
spersed with songs befftting the occasion,
the attention of all is directed tOa lovely
child in peril, little Red Riding Hood, all
are warned of her danger and appear on
the scene just in time to rescue her from
the jaws Of a cruel wolf. Tranquility is
restored and we become conscious that
the scene with Its beautiful phases had
lent charm to the evening which will
not soon be forgotten,
g Ever be my heart with such memories
filled;
Like the vase in which roses have once
been distilled,
You may break, you may shatter the
vase if you will;
But the scent of the roses will linger
their still.n f.