The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-18

Indian Music.
Indian story and Song From North
America by Alice G. Fletcher. is book
which very many people will be glad to
own. The author is vell known as an au-
thority on all subjects pertaining to In
dian life and folklore, and the subject in
itself is one which ought TO interest both
the music lover and the student Of eth
nology. Dvorak has declared that the
only foundation for an American school
Of music lies in Indian and negro melo-
dies and in view of this theory the col
lection OF Indian songs in this book can
not fail 10 De valuable in the highest de-
gree.
one particularly interesting feature Of
the book is The careful explanation Of the
history Of each song Miss Fletcher says
in her introduction that she has gathered
both the stories and the songs directly
from the people in their homes, or from
the priests; and that the melodies are
exactly as sung by the Indians. She also
says that the collection here presented is
only a fragment Of the wealth of musical
and dramatic material TO be found among
ize that owing TO the indifference and ig-
norance Of the intelligent classes in this
country this material has remained al
most unknown. and certainly unused by
musician or dramatist. II, in spite OF
public indifference TO the subject. il can
be preserved, the artist Of the future may
yet do something with il, and this little
book may in time form the nucleus Of
considerable literature.
One may take almost at random a chap
ter FOR Illustration and the first is per
haps as good as any. Miss Fletcher wit
messed on one occasion the dance repre-
seHtng the advent Of the Thunder-god.
This dance was performed at a meeting
Of the "He-dhu-shka' society. composed
OF warriors, and the music is expressive
Of the tTemulous movement of the leaves
OF the flying Of the birds Of the stir OF
all nature before the advancing storm.
The song follows. and anyone who chooses
can verify the description by trying il at
tho piano.
one Of the most touching and poetic Ger
emonials is given in connection with the
scrap Of song called The Omaha Tribal
Prayer Miss Fletcher explains that
among the Omahas a child during its in
fancy had no recognized existence as an
individual member Of the tribe: this did
not begin till its mind had become
white as the Indians say. this express
sion referring to the passing of night
into day. That is, when the child be
came able 10 recall readily past events
with their distinctness Of detail it was
considered time for him TO be indicted
into the religious mysteries. He was
taught the tribal prayer and Obliged 10
keep vigil for four days and nights in
some lonely place.
When CT lass De .rI into sleep or trance.
and the vision came. 60 bird Ur beast or cloud
bringing with it q cadence. this song became ,ygI
after tie medium uI communication hstueen Tie
u4u and abe mysteTiou- power irpined iu hi-
vision, and by 10 Dc summoned help and siIeugf,
% the hour ef bis Deed.
ln TIM, manner al }>iert songs originated
Hc songs sung when healing plants were gathered
man sr- rs tram. er f,,g,.- ,'l INC. Mn, =,
desired 60 look into 10, iutm, @! sought super
natural guidance or dei'Ntauct iam impending
hanger
The literal meaning of IN, prsver *
'Wa-kon-ds rbe po,yrr yybirb Inaies ar
brings TO passl here needy h, stands. ana
am h."
This prayer Is very old.
In the preface TO one Of the MANY love-
songE in The hook tho author saws.
iN' "'ils ''t'- -.'' -t'-z> REFER '' li' I
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