The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-01-01

OF the old masters 10 the simpler but none
the less beautiful anthem, A4No taken
ITS place, ana VIII fcn4alIl- IL Dcduty ~'u
a. joy forever"
We must not forget TO mention, in this
review Of the musical lrobIcas ol or
city. the ume-hOnOIcQ Mozart Asaocid-
ton. which, ia spite Of DIST cS-lAs -lIAe7'
has year alter year man4uAy atuch TO
ITS COlOrs. ana has provided loi cLi utut-
H. and TO appease cur somewhat unll-
tored and apdthetlc musical dp4t Alcof
concerts Of high class. anu 10 tAe 5-n-
tlemcu VINO have, rom pune lONe oL
art. and a desire to assist the musical
progress of our city, "tatAcrcd this ln-
sttutlOn from its infancy TO the present
time, We extend our hearty cCmluenda-
ton.
Music Of q lighter nature is wen taken
care Of by other ana smaller orballla-
tons than those OF which We have
spoken. Among these We can find singing
clubs. male seXtettcs and Quarteltes. MANI
dolin and guitar clubs And these, also,
although their immediate aim Is prOua-
bly, mutual enjoyment have undoubtedly
am educational tendency. IL ls theee
smaller organizations which have 90 power
which is, for practical reasons, denied TO
larger ones-the power OF reaching the
home circle ana Of Frightening our pri-
Vatc lives. Not only this, DO is these
smaller organizations which form uu-
cleus for and give birth to the larger
ones. For these reasons the members Of
these organizations are deserving OF
every encouragement and also Of unstint-
ed praise for their hearty and enthusiastic
efforts.
GOOD TEACHERS.
Coming now TO matters of more indi-
vidual interest, we have I'm cur city many
good teachers Of different branches OF
the musical art. theatrical, instrumental
end vocal.
Some people have an idea that TO bee
come an accomplished musician an that
IS necessary Is 70 go To some large city
New York, for instancc-and spend fow
weeks. possibly months. and many doll
lars. with some eminent teacher.
Without wishing in any way 10 give the
impression that We have not the highest
respect and consideration for these teach
crs. We would point out that they arc not
an inspired race. that they. too. had
beginning" and that they obtained their
fame. not ffcm the success of me masses
Of their pupils, but from that of "a few
only.
In forming an opinion Of The merits Of
any particular teacher. we must not judge
10y the progress of the majority of that
teachers pupils. Tor 40 one ON earth can
produce good results from Indifferent mac
terials.
A great mistake which, many students
are prone TO make Is 90 imagine that they
are sufficiently grounded. sufficiently adj
Nanccd IN thcif ant 10 reap any material
benefit from instructors in the HIGHER
branches of that art-at best such benefit
can De but superficial, also 10 imagine
tIdl itiHpldl ana private STUDY la not
all-impOrtant and that without it amy
student can ever hope 10 succeed.
Last hut not least. our composers. We
have several in the city. and some have
given us from their pens efforts of decided
merit. ranging from COuccrtOs for piano
and orchestra, 10 the simple march and
dance tune. Those who aspire 10 the
heights of composition nnd many obsta-
clcs between themselves and success ono
OF these Is the production or publication
of their work This is usually "a costly
proceeding. and deters not "a few from
pursuing study which gives great pleas
uro 10 themselves and which may eycntu-
ally give as much TO others
FOkMlDABlt OBSTACLE.
But the most formidable obstacle after
all teachnical difficulties have been over
come, is that ugly gulf mnrcndly criti-
cism. OF critics there arc two kinds. those
who know what they ara talking about
and those who do not OF the latter we
need take no notiCc-they are an ahCmi-
nation; but the counsel OF the former
is most helpful. and will always De given
I'm cheerful and friendly manner whom
sought Therefore we suggest 10 our
youthful asplrants that when the feeling
Of disaI pointmcnt comes over them. as 70
surely will some time or other. thcv take
their work 10 some impartial person in
whom they have confidence and ask his
advice and assistance.
The hOv vs. calling for Copy so with
tho heartiest wishes for n successful and
prosperous New Year. We must bring this
review 10 close. a. $.
Richmond, Va.