Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25
A Plan of Great Magnitude.

And now comes another signal step in
the same direction, though taken from a
wholly different standpoint
Mr.. Homer Moore, at his second lecture
concert, given in Old City Hall last Thurs
day evening, unfolded plan of great mag
nitude, promising the utmost usefulness, in
language about as follows:
The musical education of the masses has
always been a serious problem difficult OF
solution. Musical taste, musical interest
and musical knowledge are interdependent
and indeed inseparable. l have been Tor
some time considering plan for the musi-
cal development of the working class. To
discuss tins problem theoretically would
take much more time than is at my disposal.
The practical side of the question only is
under consideration.
In word, the first step in my plan is the
giving i'll this place OF IL series o Sunday
Afternoon Sacred Concerts for the benefit
OF the wOrkingmen, their wives and their
children. The tickets are to be dis tributed
by the managers of the various esta blish.
ments in which they are employed. and
Judgment is to be used in giving them only
TO those who would be likely to be inter-
ested and benefited.
Tue advisability of these concerts being
held on Sunday has been carefully consid-
ered. In order that the greatest possible
good may be done the concerts must be held
when they can be attended and when the
people viii be i'll the best possible mood to
be pleased and instructed. Alter long days
work few are In such Il mood; but on Sunday
afternoon many have nothing to do and
would otherwise spend the time worth
lessly. My idea is that the programmes
should be made principally of music with
s1creu or churchly words, but do not believe
it necessary or advisable to hold without
exception to this rule. Numerous broad dig
nIfled and available selections can be made
from secular music that will tend greatly to
the education OF those who listen. l be-
l1eve 1t will be good thing to have printed
In the programmes two or three fine hymn
tunes and words, in order that the whole
audience may take part. People especial ly
enjoy and profit by that which they do
themselves The various church choirs and
local Organizations should be II vited to
take part in the performances by singing
special selections prepared for the occasion.
Furthermore believe it will be an espe-
cially good feature to give short explana-
tion of each number before 1t is sung, SHOW
ing its real meaning and the natural musical
expression of it, reaching the people in tins
way what to look for, what is right, what
is wrong, what is good. what is bad. II the
composer is one of influence in musical his
tory, short sketch may be given OF his life
and work.
1t is my idea that the whole should be car.
ried on in broad, dignided spirit for the
general benefit of sacred music 1t certain
ly is worse to sing bad sacred music eveu on
a weekday than good secular music on SUM-
day, and at the present more bad music is
sung on Sunday than during all the rest of
week. Religion suffers from this cause fully
as much as music
The second feature is the organization of
q class to be composed of the adult children
of the workingmen to study sight reading of
music. Little can be done i'll singing with
out the ability to read the notes and COM
prehend their value and meaning. l cannot
undertake this branch of the work. but there
are certainly those in this city who have
given the matter such study and have had
such experience as will enable them to carry
it on successfully. If this is done and the
children for whose benefit it is intended
take instruction in it will be prepared to
organize class in vocal culture and singing
next year, which will be conducted along
the same lines as are laid down for my
Thursday night class, of which nave al
ready spoken.
1t seems to me that from these different
methods grand chorus ought to be de-
veloped, numbering 800 or 800 voices which,
in two or three years, would not only be
available for the Sunday concerts, but Tor all
great musical festivals and celebrations
where an immense concourse OF singers is
needed.
If this plan meets with support am pre-
pared to pledge my active assistance in
carrying it on and trying to build up great
musical organization on the one hand and a
great musical audience on the other.