Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1925-10-29

Within the past few months several
new collections Of negro spirituals, the
old slave songs, have made their ap-
pearance In the book stores.
1 have one before me, THE Book of
American Negro Spirituals," edited
with an introduction by James Weldon
Johnson. and published by the Viking
Press. New York. The musical ar.
rangements are by J. Rosamond john
son, with several numbers arranged
by Lawrence Brown.
1t seems to me this handsome book
ought to have a twofold appeal, both
to those who love music and those who
love America.
The thought is more and more crop
ping uP everywhere that these old
spirituals," as the sacred songs COM
posed by unknown colored bards of
slavery days are called, are perhaps
the only original contribution which
the United States has yet made to the
musical world.
Some there are who will not agree
with this statement; yet 1t is a fact
that all our American operas" have
been but limitations of European
models. and generally only second-rate
mutations; that our folk songs, such
as those fine ones composed by Ste
phen Foster, are exactly like the folk
songs Of all nations; that our art
music, such as the tremendously fine
songs of Mcdowell, are surpassed
by the old German masters.
The negro. it Is becoming to be
more and more realized, has contrib
uted, with his spirituals, "ragtime, +"
blues" and "jazz," something to
world music. Let those deny 1t who
will. Controversy has no particular
place in music.
Music Is solacing, and much COM
tort. as well as genuine enjoyment,
Will be found by any true music lover
in this book of spirituals. One
familiar with these songs NAV not
always agree that the arrangers have
made the best use Of their material,
but he will respect their ability, never
theless.
Mr.. Johnson's preface is partic-
uiarIy interesting. beginning with
verses contributed by him to the Cen
fury Magazine nearly 20 years ago,
and In which he says that the com.
posers of the spirituals Sang a race
from wood and stone to Christ"
He points out that one unfamiliar
with these old songs may be inclined
at first to smile at them, as IL thew
were funny,' but that in reality all
the true spirituals possess dignity.
IT Is. OF course. pardonable to
smile at the naivete often exhibited in
the words" he declares. but it should
be remembered that in scarcely an in
tended
All those who have heard Steal
Away to Jesus" sung in the proper
manner. will know that there is rich
depth OF alteration and sincere dignity
In most OF the spirituals There is
one. Il Want to Be Like Jesus" (un,
fortunately not included In this col.
lection), that expresses the whole
Christian religion better than any
orthodox hymn l ever heard.
MIR. johnson gives interesting
"reminiscences OF the way these songs
were composed. IN the old DAYS
there was a definitely recognized order
OF bards, and to some degree it still
persists" he says. These bards gained
their recognition by achievement.
They were makers Of songs and
leaders Of singing. They had to pos
sess certain qualiflcations-a gift of
melody, a talent for poetry, a strong
voice and a good memory. Here we
have a demand for great many gifts
In one individual; yet they were all
necessary.
THE recognized bard required the
ability to make UP the appealing tune,
to fashion the. graphic phrase. TO
pitch the tune true and lead it clear
ly and to remember all the lines.
There was at least one leader of
singing in every congregation, but
makers Of songs were less common.
My memory Of childhood goes back to
great leader of singing. Ma White,
and a maker Of songs, Singing John
son."
The former. he says. was an excel.
lent laundress and q busy woman. but