The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1885-10-30
POTPOURRI PAPERS.
By FRANCIS L. RAwsoN.
First paper co1atinued.1

First paper c0atilsued)
We should have mentioned in our
last pot that we would endeavor to ex-
haust a subject before changing the
number of our paper. This is, therefore,
a continuation of the first rather than
the introducing of a new theme.
The average members of other profess
sions will be found to have such collater-
al knowledge as that which we have
heretofore mentioned. They are COM
PEELED to obtain such information by the
conditions which surround them. Musi-
clans, as a class, seek for such in less
degree because they fail to find stimuli
to intellectually either in their own ma
ture, in that of their art las hitherto en-
ployed), or in the attitude of the public
addressed by them. But is il moi true,
then, that music is properly placed so
low in the scientific scale, that only
small mental requirements would ever
be required in its service? We cannot
believe it. That which is the natural of
emotion, that which Holy Writ has
sometimes been understood to place
first in the employments of heavenly
state, and that which appears spontane-
ously among mankind when moved by
its Hottest impulses and engaged in its
grandest undertakings, must rank high
among topics given for our study. And,
moreover, We are beginning to see WON
derful possibilities for study in the ply
steal basis of music as well as in its in
ner aspect? Tones are being dissected,
the pathway of sound is being mapped
out, the ear is yielding up its secrets,
facts concerning bodily adjustm ent and
mental impulse glimmer before us. We
are beginning to find that our science
Families through nearly all departments
of knowledge, and that an investigation
of it draws largely upon the aggregate of
learning in physics and psychology.
Technical ability for long time outran
mental conception but now the for
mer has in many, if not all, respects
reached as high point as is possible
without more powerful cooperation of
the latter; hence reaction in favor of
the intellectually side of the question is
perfectly in order.
Music in America especially is being
more than ever disseminated among the
masses this raises the average of mu-
steal intelligence to such a point that the
professors find it unsafe to allow their
minds to remain in comfortable apathy.
Our pupils are asking us hard questions.
The traditions of music are no longer a
veil behind which we can retreat. The
demands for musical excellence is so
widespread that to supply it there must
be scientific and well-considered meth
ods-methods the result of large learn
ing and incisive thought. Transcenden-
talism, mystery, frivolity, charletanism
in music are not done away with, but
the world is realizing that they are not
more compatible with noble results in
our science than in any other. And so
the time approaches when large intel
lectual Development will be required Of
the professor of music, when impress
slons will not pass current as thoughts,
when physical dexterity will not excuse
mental imbecility, when shallow eccen-
tricity will not be applauded as mark
of genius. Let musicians not wait till
forced by their environments into high
er state of culture. Let the main pres
sure toward this contamination be
brought to bear by their own wills, en-
lightened by the knowledge that the
science of music is one of the grandest
of sciences, a science whose ultimate
depths are in the immortal soul of man,
and the influences of which are not con-
fined to the life of this world. Because
the man who inclines to music is natur-
q iiIy nv01ntIn1~o1 ic xryl, L
should not be intellectual.
The best type of manhood is that in
which a rich emotional nature is en-
lightened by a well-trained understand
ling.
Of course all do not possess such a
nature. Musicians, however, are as
much favored in that direction as any
other class of men; now let them, in
advance of the growing demands of the
times, temper the generous ardor and
strong impulse, in, conformity with
their inheritance, with the refinement
and strength of intellect which comes of
tireless study and thought let them re-
alize more than ever the truth that a
broad and deep foundation of generali-
ties is necessary to large superstruc-
ture of specialities let them cultivate
the love of philosophy and of confer
ence with each other. The country
needs more conscientious and thor
oughly competent teachers, who believe
at least as much in the power of the
mind as they do in muscle to advance
a pupil in playing, and who also esteem
modesty and intelligence far above
charletanism and dexterity.
In times past the originators of new
musical ideas, discoveries and methods,
have narrowly kept them concealed for
fear of another's profting by them, and
so the science of each generation has to
some extent died with it in future
times musicians will, l think, repudiate
course so stunning to intellectually
and so fatal to progress in the art It
is to be wished for that, having learned
all they can, they will tell all they learn,
anp will discuss what comes before
them with the same clearness and in
the same spirit as their contemporaries
in other paths of science. Then will
music take its place in the idea of man
kind, and be stimulated to a degree
worthy of the art. Then will be realiz-
ed Plato's portrayal of "the true must
clan, attuned to fairer harmony than
that of the Tyre, or any pleasant instru.
ment of music; for truly he has in his
own life harmony of words and
deeds"
ITO be Continued