Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-09-01

i'NvktHttu ItkdIutu uciy P'''~'''
We read that the Levites. arrayed In
wh!to linen. stood at The east end OF the
altar. where they played the cymbals.
harps. and psalters; with them stood Il"
priests. blowing trumpets and other mu-
steal Instruments. Music was continueu
to be cultivated by the Hebrews TIL the'.
nation was subdued and they were Fent
into captivity by the King OF Babylon.
Their humiliatlng situation Is Beautifully
described by the Psalmist: 10y 'he
waters OF Banyfcl-Te sat down ana "ept
when we remembered thee. o Zion. AZ
for our halps, wc hanged them upon
tire trees that are therein: for they that
led us away captive required OF US
song and melody In our weariness'
sing us one OF the songs OF Zion. HOW
shall we sing the Lords songs in
strange land?'
From n passage In Daniel we find that
music was in use among the Cnaloeahs'
for we read: AT the sound OF the corne''
flute. harp. sackbut. pssltery. dulcimer'
and all kinds Of music, all nations were
ordered TO fall down and worship tho
golden image which ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS had
set ND. IL plainly appears from sacred
history that music was in general uso
among the Hebrews from the time or
their captivity, or leaving EByp'' III
,hey ceased 10 be a nation.
Among the Greeks the passion for arts
and sciences was even greater than that
Of most other nations. Tor most OF Their
Givinities were regarded as inventors OF
music.
Nearly all the ancient philosophers wrote
treatises on music. especially the disci-
pies OF Pythogoras. Plato. and Aristotle.
The first poets and musicians of Greece
sung their works in the great cities ana
In the palaces Of princes; and they were
looked upon as inspired persons. They
gained the wonder and possessed the af-
fections OF the people till by degrees they
became so numerous that the art was
belittled. when their reputation sunk In
public opinion.
Scarcely any kind OF work was per
formed by the people without music. and
every profession had its peculiar songs.
Music passed from the Greeks TO the
Romans. who retained but little OF It's
former elegance Their music generally
was rough. discordant. and full Of noise.
But we find several of the Roman En-
perors were passionately fond OF, ana
cultivated music. Nero and Commodus
make considerable figure in the his
tory OF music. Nero especially. was In
structed early in life. When he became
Emperor he sent for Tcrpnus. the harp
list. who was held In the highest esti-
nation for his playing, and WAS wont
TO spend whole days and nights listening
TO his music Thus. by degrees, he
learned so much. and applied himself so
closely 20 the study Of music that in time
he raised himself so high in his own esti-
nation as TO think himself fully quail
fled 10 perform In public. He instituted
contests in music, poetry and eloquence,
to be performed on the stage at Rome
every five years. In the sixtieth year
after Christ he appeared on the stage
NJ Naples as a public singer. performing
there many days with great success.
We next find him in Greece. where he
entered the lists with common musicians.
and by corruptng the judge. or his COM
petitors. obtained all the prizes He chal-
lenged the best players everywhere and.
of course, was always declared the victor.
In these contests he captured l.So prizes.
He was SO anxious about his voice that
he used 10 lie on his back with plate OF
lead on his stomach he abstained from
all kinds Of fruits. and such meats as
were deemed Injurious TO the voice at that
time He ceased 10 address his soldiers
or the Senate. and gave out all III. orders
in writing. He appointed a skilled physi-
care of his voice. and would never speak
above a whisper unless ordered by the
physician, lest he should injure his voice
H0 instructed that officer that in case
he should at any time strain his voice
by any sudden cxertiOn. or should be so
far led through any excitement 10 talk
too much at any time he was 20 stuff q
napkin into his mouth 10 preye.t all
further speaking
The Emperor Commodus was almost as
great n singer and musician as hero.
and frequently appeared on the public
platform. among the Romans the min
strels had the privilege OF eating at In.
Temple Of Jupiter: they wore long gowns
as the badge Of their profession. and they
claimed the liberty Of walking In pro
ccssion through the streets Of Rome IN
their robes. three days in every year.
singing and making music. II il record
ed That I'm exercising their art they com
mitted the most extravagant excessrs
The northern nations had likewise their
bands and musicians. who were allowed
considerable distinction In rank, ana
were respected with great de
gree of veneration. The laws OF
the ancient Germans were written
in verse. and the stanzas in which they
rally sung. instead of being recited. 10
the songs Of the bards and musicians
tskalds). We owe the first account Of
swedish history. These poets and musi-
clans were held In the highest esteem.
and were constantly admitted 10 the
Kings presence. and were also frequently
made his ministers and generals. Among
the SaXons and Danes music was in
great repute, and IL was thoroughly
tll hoe
never lost caste there. for these people
are now. as they We're then. the most
scientific musical people IN the world. Ii
is recorded that Alfred the Great in
PRODUCED himself In the character Of n
harpist into the Danish camp. passing I'M
suspected through svery quarter OF II. He
gained admission by the excellent of his
playing on that instrument TO the princl-
pal general Of the army. and. discovering
their great neglect of all military disci-
pline, seize n favorable moment, and
flew TO the Earl of Devonsh.re, who
alone was prky TO all his intentions, AMI
charged him To take the field at the head
of his army. The Earl forced his way
into the eneny's camp, routed them.
with great slaughter. and gained for him
self complete victory.
II Is related that the sacred poet, Cad
mon, who lived during the heptarchy. had
attached himself to 80 many serious
studies that he neglected music and.
being sometimes in company where the
harp used TO go 'round-for IL was Gus
tomary at all festivals and meetings for
each of the company 10 sing and play in
his turn-that when ii came 10 his turn,
he got up and left the company. being
ashamed that il should be said OF him that
he was deficient ins branch which was
esteemed necessary TO complete the clu-