The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-09-02

theater Such were the answers from
those in whose power II lay TO advance
and cultivate the musical taste Of Mem
phs. The names OF the chorus singers
in all the large festivals were not paraded
in large letters on programs, but they
had far greater share in the propagation
OF good music than many n soloist who
courts public favor through newspaper
notices and floral offerings. For weeks and
months do these seli-denying amateurs
brave the most stormy nights OF the
winter season attending rehearsals, and
often times even q complimentary ticket is
denied them. Many enthusiastic pro-
fcssional musicians have not held them
selves aloof from singing in chorus when
the object was worthy one, such as
bringing ont the works Of great masters,
and even clorymcn, their wives and chill
drcn, and other persons Of high social POI
sition have not thought 1t beneath their
dignity TO take part in a chorus. ANA
tours as cXccutants are partly competitors
with professional musicians, partly assist
ing Independently. As such they cannot
be replaced and in this capacity they stand
higher, have here in my mind the
LARGE CHORAL SOCIETIES.
They are one Of the most important factors
in the whole musical activity, and OF the
greatest blessing for the propagation OF
musical works which contribute 10 musical
culture as well a. improving the taste, and
indispensable TO the increase of literary
knowledge, both for the musician and
amateur, Tor living representation OF the
large and smaller works. There is yet n
class OF amateurs who deserve due
recognition. II il those generous
and noblc-heartcd persons who have
built music halls and endowed
music schools in different parts Of the
States. Taking into consideration that our
| rcpulic is but little over 100 years old,
| that the donors are self-madc men, the
| architects OF their own fortunes, they have
| in proportion done more for the elevation
Of music than those foreign potcntalcs
whose millions had been left them 10y
their progcnitors or gained by heavy taxa
ton Of their subjects.
Now where are our Memphis amatcurs1
let them come forward and immorlallzc
! themselves build large music hall, with
u conservatory and endow the same. That
will add 10 commerce IN well ~ TO art and
music, bring people here, have them send
their children here 10 study music. instead
Ol letting them go east and west. tn,
country tributary 10 Memphis, made &C
ccssiblo hy our numerous railroads, Is be-
coming thickly settled every year. Mem
phis has helped build these railroads and ha
tried constantly 10 attract people from nj
parts, aud yet she has been asleep on the
subject Of art and music. Like poor Iii
Van Wrinkle, IL IL
TIME SIR WE'RE WAKING
from her long sleep. Where are the anna
tours who will form themselves into
musical society and stick together with
determination 20 advance and raise mu
steal taste In Memphis, pledge thcmsclye
20 accept the rulings oi u board Of direC
tors, lay aside all petty icalousics, not go
angry and resign because the director
has seen nc 10 have A and II sing lead
ing part, aud not q aud u; attend ~
hcaIsals promptly, and help build up IN
society, until Memphis can boast Of u
large musical society m any other cit
Of her size, Ia produce master works an,
give large festivals The cpidemics O
1873 and 1870 were g.catly the cause O
the downfall Of our societies. We lost
great many good people aud yalulhl,
workers. Hut We have rccupcratcd won
doriully. Only two ~ three years ago ",
had large society. the Moznrts, who III,
some noble work aud ilourishcd for n shor
time 10 what ar whom the failure wa
due is still fresh in the minds Of those In
tcrcstcd. Memphis was never ripper an,
reader for society than now and II som,
will start the ball moving Memphis eat
push II through with success, like every
thing else she has undertaken with u a,
termination tosuccecd. ENiLE LEVY.