Imagini ale paginilor
PDF
ePub

men and women clustering in groups on their door-steps, and leaning from the windows above, and the children-oh! the children! I look down the alley, and suddenly it is flooded with the light of the low sun; it smites the murky atmosphere into purple shades, and broad, warm, yellow light upon the pathway, and glitters like gold-leaf upon the window-panes; and the childrenthe children are dancing all down the alley, dancing in long vistas far down into the sunny mist, two and two, three and three, but all dancing, and dancing in time; and their faces—many poor pale faces, and some rosy ones too—their faces are so happy, and the whole alley is hushed, save only for the music and the dancing of the children.

class. "The Brass without the Band" and "the Band without the Brass" are the relics of those more ambitious species of street musicians who have made themselves into an itinerant orchestra; and a touching, though humorous description is given of those out-of-door vocalists, whose position, as regards both talent and success, is below even the humble organ-grinder. These are the principal forms of popular music to be met with in England and in English speaking countries, and they indicate in a most emphatic manner the low level of the national taste, and the weak hold which elevated music has on the people at large. It is a theme which, in an especial manner, is of interest to ourselves, where many socalled professional performances agree remarkably with those which our author calls amateur. We will close this attempted exposition of some of the thoughts contained in "Music and Morals" with a slight survey of

MUSIC IN CANADA.

"I bless that organ-man--a very Orpheus in hell! I bless his music. I stand in that foul street where the blessed sun shines, and | where the music is playing; I give the man a penny to prolong the happiness of those poor people, of those hungry, pale, and ragged children, and, as I retire, I am saluted as a public benefactor; and was With respect to the most common and ever pleasure bought so cheap and so pure?" most easily executed of all instrumental We regret that our space will not allow us music, that of the Piano, we can speak to more than allude to our author's de- favourably. There are a large number of scription of other forms of popular music, very good performers throughout Canada, some of which he holds up to well merited but especially in the larger cities, and it is ridicule, while with others he expresses a believed that in this matter we can challenge greater degree of sympathy. Amateur per- comparison with any country of equal size. formances come in for a large share of Notwithstanding the depressing influence criticism; and the absurd combinations and which dance music exercises on the standard execrable execution of many a club, give of the music of this instrument, it is by no ample scope for his caustic, though partially means rare to hear compositions of the sympathetic vein of humour. Especially does highest order correctly and tastefully renhe dwell upon the parlour performances of the dered in our drawing-rooms, and there are string quartette, giving an extremely amusing many more than would at first view appear, account of what is often experienced at such who are able and willing to play classical gatherings. The Negro melodists obtain a music, but who are deterred by a fear that it share of his attention, and are dealt with will fall flat on their hearers. In spite of the more gently than many who aim higher. horrible din of the quadrille, and the airy "Those who play the piano" are represented and unsubstantial waltz music, the Canadian as altogether too many, and a severe judg- piano is often touched by the truly excellent ment is passed on the prevalent idea of the | performer, and is almost the only instrument necessity of every girl belonging to this in the country of which this can be said.

All praise is due to the careful instructors the course of conduct we recommend, adopt and pupils who have retained and cultivated it :-try the piano. With a limited capital, this almost single feature creditable to our and close application to business, we can national music, and we are glad to believe assure you of the attainment of a respectable that this branch of the art is in no degree result within a period which may allow of being neglected, but gives every sign of your friends and yourself enjoying your per healthy development for the future. formances before your death. We would remind you of the wise precept, if the right hand offend, cut it off and cast it from thee. If only one of that numerous company, who have seriously mistaken their vocation, should be deterred by this advice from a course of conduct attended with continual short-comings, and sure to end most disastrously, we shall feel that this article has not been written in vain.

With regard to those musicians who hold their heads above the pianist from the pleasing fancy that they have to do with instruments which "everybody can't learn," we regret to be compelled to say that, with a few honourable exceptions, they are startling confirmations, each in his own sphere, of the truth of the boasted distinction. Many who would emulate the finest intonations of the human voice with the melodious bow or the soul-stirring cornet, had better be content to "strum the wires" of the “simplest of all instruments," or to play the part of a "musical joker" in rendering with fidelity one-octave comic songs.

It is

a pity that some maxim, analogous to that
respecting the adaptability of sharp cutting
instruments to the solacing of childhood's
leisure hours, has not been authoritatively
propounded and extensively circulated with
reference to musical execution. The mind
of the philosopher cannot fail to be drawn
to this theme from an absence of sharp-
cutting instruments, nor, we may add, from
want of grievous accidents occurring in their
careless use.
Man is ambitious; man is
distinguished often by noble aspirations after
the attainment of lofty ends; but there is a
limit beyond which ambition becomes a
vice, and the loftiest aspirations, when planted
in a being of restricted capacity, often in-
dicate their existence in modes the reverse
of pleasing. Young man, bold and energetic,
try the piano. If you have entered on a
life struggle with a nobler and more difficult
instrument; if during the course of several
years you are conscious of the alienation of
many friends-the most cheerful of the
number recognise only a gradual improve-
ment in your symptoms; however humiliating

On well known principles of acoustic effect, it might naturally be presumed that in combinations of musical instruments the harshness and inaccuracies of each would be greatly concealed, and the aggregate result, as exemplified in the playing of a band, would be much in advance of what any one member might accomplish. This is to a considerable extent the case, and the performance of an ordinary Canadian band, though not calculated to draw an audience, is not of itself sufficient to drive them away. But the attentive listener is constantly pained by being compelled to ascribe to its members the motto, "United we stand, divided we fall," which, however suitable it may be to the condition and prospects of confederations of neighbouring states, is a thought to which attention should not be too forcibly drawn by orchestral music. We may add, that practically, considering the band-playing usually heard, divided they do fall. The Canadian band appears to a casual observer on civic and national holidays, to run counter to a well established metaphysical axiom, that a thing cannot be in two or more places at the same time. The result of the violation of this axiom is in this case similar to those usually attending attempts to break any other of the natural or moral laws, and although after hearing the whole concern

combined, we may infer that they will be at no loss for leaders, we are apt to be surprised that there is material sufficient for the rank and file of three bands. We beg to tender a well meant caution to the chiefs of these bands (considered in their entirety), and that is, not to employ time, requisite for training their men, in the composition of original music. We may add in conclusion, that though in economic affairs "Mony a pickle mak's a mickle," it is extremely doubtful whether the rule holds in the present case, and it seems almost hopeless to attempt anything of a moderately high order until the individual performers acquire some decided proficiency on their respective in

struments.

With respect to singing as existing in our midst, matters point to its almost entire extinction in a short time, unless some emphatic effort is made to counteract this manifest destiny. It is getting to be looked upon as not quite the thing for a young lady to respond willingly and creditably to a request

for a song: and we are convinced that this excessive modesty is not altogether unreasonable, considering the extent to which the cultivation of the voice is generally carried. It is a matter for sincere regret that this neglect of such a common, and such an easily improved talent, should be so widespread, so that it is very difficult to arrange for quite an ordinary concert without having recourse to voices whose every note and attempted flourish betokens a lamentable want of care and cultivation. Singing is far more easily learned by the majority of musically disposed persons than any other mode of rendering music, and it seems almost inexplicable that it should here occupy a subordinate place with reference to the piano. If one-third the time devoted to "practising" were bestowed on the training of the voice, our popular music would soon receive an accession most agreeable in itself, and most beneficial also in its influence on other branches of the art.

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

This is the highest point our exports ever reached, and it may be interesting to some to learn, that the portion of them which was the actual produce of Canada, amounted to $62,944,027. The portion not of our own production, was of the value of $12,798,182, and the balance is made up of coin and bul

lion and estimated short returns.

The details not having yet been published, we are not in a position to say in which classes of our exports the expansion has taken place. But the fact that they have augmented in value to the extent of eight millions and a half of dollars in twelve months, proves that the sources of our production are in a healthy condition.

When we contrast the imports and exports of the year, however, our task is not so pleasing. During the twelve months the former exceeded the latter by no less than $25,065,232! Nor is this excess of imports exceptional. In 1869-70 the difference was trifling, but in all the other years since Confederation, our importations have greatly exceeded our exports:

In 1867-8 there was an excess of $14,417,418 6,927,389 1,240,849

In 1868-9

66

[ocr errors]

In 1869-70

[ocr errors]

66

[ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

We do not consider the "balance of trade" so material to national prosperity as some do. But it must be admitted that sixty millions is a large balance to accrue against a country like Canada in five years, and it cannot be unimportant that every penny of it either has been, or will have to be, paid, in gold or its equivalent.

The great demand for Sterling Exchange to meet obligations maturing in Great Britain and abroad, is one of the principal causes of the monetary stringency which has for some months existed. Other causes have no doubt also been at work, but the unusual excess of imports over exports for several successive years, is, directly or remotely, the prime source of difficulty. There is every reason to believe the financial pressure which obtains will be only temporary. It already shows signs of relaxing. But it has been severely felt in many quarters, and it requires no great foresight to foresee that, if the causes of irritation go on increasing, the time is not far distant when we shall have a money famine more aggravated than anything we have yet experienced.

Whilst some features of our trade for

1871-2 invite sharp criticism, the returns are, as a whole, highly creditable to Canada, and testify that we are making as great, if not greater progress, than at any former period in our history. The year under review has been one of increased activity in almost every department of Canadian trade, and although some clouds have appeared on the horizon, there can be no doubt that the country generally has added materially to its wealth and prosperity.

The annual trade of the Dominion may hereafter be set down at two hundred millions of dollars. That is something, let me say in conclusion, to which four millions of people may justly point with some degree of pride and satisfaction.

combined, we may infer that they will be at no loss for leaders, we are apt to be surprised that there is material sufficient for the rank and file of three bands. We beg to tender a well meant caution to the chiefs of these bands (considered in their entirety), and that is, not to employ time, requisite for training their men, in the composition of original music. We may add in conclusion, that though in economic affairs "Mony a pickle mak's a mickle," it is extremely doubtful whether the rule holds in the present case, and it seems almost hopeless to attempt anything of a moderately high order until the individual performers acquire some decided proficiency on their respective in

struments.

With respect to singing as existing in our midst, matters point to its almost entire extinction in a short time, unless some emphatic effort is made to counteract this manifest destiny. It is getting to be looked upon as not quite the thing for a young lady to respond willingly and creditably to a request

for a song: and we are convinced that this excessive modesty is not altogether unreasonable, considering the extent to which the cultivation of the voice is generally carried. It is a matter for sincere regret that this neglect of such a common, and such an easily improved talent, should be so widespread, so that it is very difficult to arrange for quite an ordinary concert without having recourse to voices whose every note and attempted flourish betokens a lamentable want of care and cultivation. Singing is far more easily learned by the majority of musically disposed persons than any other mode of rendering music, and it seems almost inexplicable that it should here occupy a subordinate place with reference to the piano. If one-third the time devoted to "practising" were bestowed on the training of the voice, our popular music would soon receive an accession most agreeable in itself, and most beneficial also in its influence on other branches of the art.

[blocks in formation]
« ÎnapoiContinuă »