The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1890-08-20
OUR MUSIC COLUMN.
SINGING.


There are four thousand inhabitants in
Lambertville. How many of them sing 2
How many Of them sing well One would
not dare to answer this latter question,
fearing the dire enmity of many, who
say they sing ga little" An old writer
has said, good voice is one of the great
est gifts God has bestowed upon human
kind. A person possessing this gift,
should esteem it a positive duty to i'm
prove 1t. AS far as we know, music is
the only art which belongs both to time
and eternity. There are very few who
are entirely destitute OF the singing voice..
and with the proper method, studying
about fifteen minutes, three times daily,
in the space Of six months, the result Ia
astonishing. The harsh, nasal tones, have
become sweet, pure, resonant. All traces
OF unevenness and unsteadiness have dis
appeared; the compass increased the
enunciation not only of the singing voice,
but that OF the speaking more distinct;
better breathing, broader chest. These
are but few of the results which are
bound to follow. Yet, nearly every one
who inclines to music, thinks there is
nothing to be done but to go to the long
suffering piano. A piano is the most ex-
pensive of all musical instruments. 1t re-
quires years of unceasing effort to become
good performer, and constant practice
to remain one. The demand upon time,
health, nerves, never ceases, and yet near
ly all possessing far finer instrument, In
their own threats, which, with less money,
less time, less work, would yield far more
satisfactory results, both to themselves
and listeners, consider that nothing is mu-
steal but the piano.
In the cities, singing is receiving earn
est attention in the public schools. The
youngest children are acquiring some
knowledge Of vocalization, singing at
sight and learn to sing well. 1t is unne-
cessary to add, they enjoy it. 1t is dis
grace to us as city, that so little interest
Is manifested in this direction. Temper
ance people, church people, who are in
terested In the young, (both realizing that
1t is in this direction they must gain foot
hold), would do well to give this matter
more attention. The study OF music is
not only source of pleasure, but one be-
comes better and stronger. What prevents
Lambertville from having one OF the best
singing societies In the State2 Some OF
the male voices here are very fine and by
the expenditure OF a few dollars, the sac
rifice of little time, the investment
would yield return OF one hundred per
cent.
Look at our church choirs. l am con-
fldent they are not proud of themselves.
Good material in every one, but perverted,
literally running to waste. A musician
was recently asked II she enjoyed the
singing of the choir In the church she at
tended, and replied, she had not listened,
never did |" The inference is obvious.
All honor is due to these faithful ones,
who do this work without any remunera-
ton, except the fault finding of the con-
gregation), but there is not the shadow of
an excuse for the present uninteresting,
unmusical state OF affairs.
We cannot imagiue a complete educa-
ton of man without music. In suitable
connection With exercise, it is necessary
to keep body and soul in health. Jean
PAUL