The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-28
Music, Ancient and Modern.

Music, Ancient and M0dern.
An abstract of the address is as follows:
Music Is primarily u matter of tone.
IL has been called the language OF
emotion. 1t can indeed both convey
emotion and awaken il. Like charity, IL is
twice blessed, it blesseth him that gives
and him that receives.
Scientifically tone possesses three ele-
ments, pitoh, power and tlnbro. MUSIC
uses thcm in endless combinations Tone
appealing first To the hearing does not
epd there, but going deeper awakens
thought, arouses feeling incites perhaps
TO devotion Take simple illustration.
The tone of bell is scientifically perfect.
1t has pitch, high or low sustains the
tone for longer or shorter period, accord
ing to its size, and gives forth particular
quality of tone, according To the metal
of its composition, etc. Inc messages 1t
speaks arc of an endless variety. 1t is not
claimed. however that every tone of voice,
violin or organ exerts an influence so
widespread. To all "a tone conveys a
general message; 20 each it has specific
import IL now, the subject of tone be a
platform of the known on which we all
stand, we are ready 20 proceed. Two
tones of different pitch form what is
technically known as an interval, and in-
tcrvals speak a language distinctly
emotional. n succession of Intervals
might be calle,. melody. The influence
of "a melody, either ancient or modern,
may be emotional, intellectual or both.
There can be no melody without it's power
To influence mind, heart or soul.
"A now factor finally came To be added
to tho three with which we are now
familiar 1t was time or meter. The
application of time or measure to music
marks the dividing line between music
ancient and modern. About all the
music we hear today is measured music
In the opera and oratorio however, GER
tain portions are composed IN the old
unmeasured style Meter and rhyme are
factors of tremendous emotional impor-
tance.
while technically unfamiliar with
harmony you all understand the general
meaning of the word. Harmony is the
union of tlspoe or four sounds of different
pitch. Such "a union of three or four
sounds of different pitch produces n
chord, ana harmony is "a succession of
chords. 80 accustomed are we To hear
ing music in harmony that its emotional
influence Is too often overlooked. With "a
view To giving a clearer insight into this
branch of our subject, L would like TO give
a technical definition. Chords are divided
into two classes, concords and discords,
discord being not necessarily unpleasant
in sound. Concords make for peace, dis
cords for war "A preponderance of con-
cords would be restful, of discords restless
and exciting. It is customary TO har-
monize plain song chiefly with concords.
The Church organ.
Churches are commonly provided with
fine organs. Ii IL the privilege of the
organ to begin, sustain and end the ser
vice. Ii speaks first and il speaks last.
1t can speak pro and con. 1t can repeat
the strains of last nights opera, sym
phuny or ball. The organist can PER.
Ia. al Ia NJ In
sebastian, Bach or Mcndelssohn, or the
modern works of Rcinberger Mcrkel,
ctC.
Next in point of time comes the
weghty question, Shall che priest read
the service or intone itY If he read it, in
tho words of the opening sentence, the
tone of his voice, his infections. the
rhythm of has uttcrance reveal long
chapters of his personal experience.
Whether we have the service read, intoned
or sung, there is one subject we are all
agreed upon--NG will have hymns. They
may be sung by the choir, or the congro-
cation. | Judge that in the diocese Of
Rhode Island, tho consensus of opinion l.
that the hymns shall be- sung by the
choir.
Tho carly Christians were noted
singers Of hymns IL no doubt exertcd a
bouotcial influence upon their lives. II
congregations were encouraged To sing
the hymns | think thoy would be quite
willing To leave the Canticlcs tO the choir.
Churchcs having choral celebration Of
the Holy Communion have usually large
wcll-trained choirs capable OF performing
the master works ancient and modern.
Choral celebrations are possible with any
sort of choir, provided the music selected
bc within the abilities of the singers.
English musicians give us much of
the modern church music English
settings u cantclcs are particularly note
worthy The great German musicians
wrote the masses and France America
and England contributed the anthems
You have listcnd Co In Estruction i'm the
general nature of music, you have listened
90 church music ancient and modern.
YOU are either confirmed I'm views YOU
held AN hour ago or sec the subject In q
now light Many ot you arc in positions
of authority I'm the churches aud eau re
tain the old or establish "a new order OF
things.
MAY only music that u worthy,
worthily rendered, find place hcuccforth
IN churches intClligcntly represented In
the Churcnmcn' : Club of Rhode Island -