Chapter 22

"Beethoven Hall was well filled last evening by admirers of Ethiopian delineations, assembled to see and hear the original Georgia Minstrels, who have returned from a very successful tour in Europe, and are now located at the above-named hall for a short season. The company is a novelty from the fact that all the members are colored, and their performances possess a genuineness which no burnt-cork artists can fully imitate. Their music, both vocal and instrumental, is excellent. Each performer seems to be not only a natural, but a cultured artist; and all have the faculty of being exceedingly mirthful, without overstepping the bounds of refinement. In fact, each performer seems perfect in his _role_; and all appear to be masters of minstrelsy."

Again the same paper said,--

"The Georgia Minstrels have burst upon us like an avalanche. All the reserved seats were sold last evening before the performance commenced; and the house was filled by a fashionable audience,--one rarely seen at a minstrel entertainment. The troupe have made a decided hit, and their performances last night were received with great enthusiasm. Their songs and choruses are excellent; their puns, jokes, and stories, fresh and laughable; and their special acts new, and of a superior order. The performances of the troupe have happily filled a void which existed in the amusement field.

"This troupe of native artists has won the very highest praise from every one wherever it has appeared. In England and America over three thousand performances have been given. The troupe has appeared before the Queen of England, and bears the highest testimonials of the press from across the water."

"The Boston Advertiser" said,--

"They (the Georgia Minstrels) are at the head of the minstrel business in this country."

The "Chicago Post,"--

"The company merits all the praise which has been bestowed upon them."

I need only further mention, in conclusion, that several members of this troupe possess musical and histrionic abilities of an order so high as to fit them to grace stages of a more elevated character than the one upon which they now perform. Indeed, one formerly attached to it is now a valuable member of the "Hyers Opera Company." On the minstrel boards his talents as a singer and actor were developed. It is to be hoped (and here I crave the pardon of Mr. Callender, their gentlemanly director, who is requested to try to appreciate the good _motive_, at least, that prompts a suggestion which seems to aim at the disintegration of his famous company) that others of the "Georgias" will follow his example. Their motto should constantly be, "Excelsior!"

I have been informed that in the city of Boston, at a certain time, not many years ago, the then directors of the three principal theatre orchestras were persons who had previously been members of minstrel troupes. It is also known that several of the finest operatic singers in this country learned their first lessons at this same school,--the minstrel stage. In their new, higher, and of course far more desirable positions, these persons have achieved artistic results which reflect upon them the highest credit, and which show also that the minstrel profession has some beneficial, elevating uses, notwithstanding all that may be truly said against it.

PART SECOND.

OTHER REMARKABLE MUSICIANS,

AND

THE MUSIC-LOVING SPIRIT OF VARIOUS LOCALITIES.

I.

"They are the abstracts and brief chronicles of the time."

SHAKSPEARE.

On the following pages I shall make mention in collective form, and somewhat briefly, of a number of artists whose histories, although not less important than those by which they are preceded, could not, owing to various causes, be placed in the first part of this book.

The true value of musical proficiency does not consist alone in the power it gives one to win the applause of great audiences, and thereby to attain to celebrity: it consists also in its being a source of refinement and pleasure to the possessor himself, and by which he may add to the tranquillity, the joys, of his own and the home life of his neighbors and friends. And here will be found, therefore, a brief mention of those, who, although they are not public performers, are yet sincere devotees of the art of music, who possess decided talent, and who in their attainments present instances of a character so noticeable as to render the same well worthy of record.

It is considered proper to say, also,--a caution which perhaps may not be necessary,--that I shall here make mention by name of none but persons of scientific musical culture; of none but those who read the printed music page, and can give its contents life and expression, generally, too, with a fine degree of excellence, either with voice or instrument; and who evince by their studies and performances the true artistic spirit. The singer or player "by ear" merely, however well favored by nature, will not be mentioned. This course will be followed, not because persons of the latter class are regarded contemptuously,--not by any means; but because it is intended that the list here given shall be, as far as it goes, a true record of what pertains to the higher reach and progress of a race, which, always considered as _naturally_ musical, has yet, owing to the blighting influences of the foul system of slavery, been hitherto prevented from obtaining, as generally as might be, a _scientific_ knowledge of music.

Nor must the list of names furnished be understood as an exhaustive one. Had the author the time in which to collect more names, or had he here the space for printing the same, he assures the reader of this only partial chronicle that one could be furnished which would be many times larger. And moreover, if any meritorious musician shall complain because his name does not here appear, I ask him to pardon the omission, made not from choice, nor with the purpose of giving personal offence.

If the first edition of this book shall be received with such favor as to warrant the issuing of a second one, I shall, if it be found necessary, take the time and pains to supply in it such omissions as appear to be made in this one. If it be found necessary, I say; for I am inclined to opine that ere long,--judging from a "view of the field" that I have lately taken, and after witnessing there the many delightful evidences of musical love and culture,--that ere long neither such lists as this, nor just such books as this, will be considered as necessary.

Nevertheless, the writer requests all who are interested in the more general cultivation of music by the people to send him such names as have been here left out, together with all facts that may additionally illustrate the subject treated in these pages; all names and statements to be accompanied by as strong confirmation as can possibly be procured. These will be published in case other editions of the book are issued.

It is hoped that the persons here mentioned, on seeing that their present achievements in art are regarded as of so much value in indicating the aesthetic taste and musical capacity of their race, may be impelled thereby to put forth even greater efforts, and to thus attain to that still higher state of usefulness and distinction, which, it is believed, their talents and present accomplishments show is quite possible.

In the city of Boston, which is the acknowledged great art centre of this country, the amplest facilities for the study of music are afforded. There the doors of conservatories and other music schools, among the finest of any in the world, are thrown open to _all_; the cost of admission being, considering the many advantages afforded, quite moderate. A love of the "divine art" pervades all classes in Boston; and there the earnest student and the skilful in music, of whatever race he may be, receives ready recognition and full encouragement. It is, in fact, almost impossible for one to live in that city of melody, and not become either a practical musician, or at least a lover of music.

It need not, then, be a matter of surprise that so many of the most finely-educated artists mentioned in this book are found to have been residents of the city mentioned. Affected by its all-pervading, its infectious, so to say, musical spirit, they eagerly embraced the many opportunities offered for culture; and their noble achievements are only such as would have been made by others of the same race residing in other sections of the country, had the latter enjoyed there (as, alas! mostly on account of the depressing, the vile spirit of caste that prevailed, they did not) the same advantages as the former.

* * * * *

Commencing with Boston, then, I first mention _Miss Rachel M. Washington_, a lady of fine artistic qualities, thoroughly educated in music, performing in finished, classical style on the piano-forte and organ, and who is a most accomplished teacher of those instruments and of harmony. In the last-mentioned department of music she a few years ago graduated, receiving the valuable diploma of the New-England Conservatory at Boston. Many of the most pleasing amateurs of Boston and vicinity received their first instructions in music from Miss Washington. Hers is a musical family, as her two sisters and brother are each possessed of nice musical taste and education. The subject of this notice early awakened their interest, and directed their studies. It is gratefully acknowledged, too, that to Miss Washington's earnest efforts, more than to those of any other person in Boston, is due that love for and proficiency in musical art so noticeable in certain circles of that city. From what I have learned of this artist's history from my own observation and otherwise, I am convinced that its full recital here would add much to the interest and value of this book. But I am prevented from doing this by her own earnest request, conveyed in language which, although, as I think, a trifle too gloomy, yet shows that she is animated by the most elevated ideas concerning the beautiful art of which she is so noble an exponent. I cannot forbear quoting a part of her excellent letter, in which she says,--

"Now a word about my own musical life.... Perhaps I have had much success, and, like many others, many failures. My life has been one of persevering struggle to attain to a high degree of musical knowledge, and, through this, to assist in the elevation of my race. If I have been successful in any degree in helping to lay the foundation of future or present success, in awakening a love for the beautiful in musical art, or in kindling an ardent desire and aspiration for that which elevates and ennobles, removes the harshness of and dignifies our natures, then I am glad that I have not sown in vain, though another shall reap the harvest.

"A part of the reward for all these years of arduous toil has been the recognition of talent by those of the more favored race, as well as the appreciation and kindness shown me by those with whom I am identified....

"As I read the lives of the great composers, and think of their sacred devotion to the art dearer to them than their own lives, I feel anxious for the time to come in our history when a child like Mozart shall be born with soul full of bright melodies; or a Beethoven, with his depth and tenderness of feeling; or a Handel, lifting us above this earth until we shall hear the multitude of voices joining in one vast song,--'Alleluia! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.' _Nor is this impossible._ Our history, it seems to me, has but just begun. All the past is but sorrow and gloom, with here and there a bright ray to bid us hope.... I hope they [the colored youth of the country] will early develop a love and taste for the beautiful in musical art; that soon we shall be proud to mention those whose names through their works shall be immortal."

Miss Washington has long been the organist of the Twelfth Baptist Church, Boston, as well as the directress of its choir. She is a lady of fine general culture and Christian character, and has many times been the recipient of public testimonials, and of complimentary notices from the New-England press.

_Mrs. Dr. C.N. Miller_ (_nee_ Ariana Cooley) was for a long time the leading soprano-singer of Rev. L.A. Grimes's church. She has been long and favorably known in Boston musical circles as a very pleasing vocalist, possessing a pure, rich voice of great range, and highly cultivated. She renders with fine expression the best music. Her _repertoire_ of songs is quite extensive, and she has often been complimented by the press. "The Boston Globe" of March 31, 1876, alluding to her singing at a public concert, said, "She is the possessor of a well-cultivated voice of natural sweetness." Mrs. Miller was until recently a valued member of the Tremont-Temple choir, so noticeable for excellent singing. She is now a member of the Berkeley-street Church quartet.

_Mrs. P.A. Glover_ and _Mrs. Hester Jeffreys_, who will be better known by their maiden names,--Phebe A. and Hester Whitehouse,--possess voices of rare natural beauty considerably cultivated. These sisters, had they so chosen, could have long since become public singers of much prominence; since their rich vocal gifts are supplemented by a fine knowledge of music, to which are added also very graceful, winning manners. As it is, they have often delighted their hearers in private circles by their rendering of some of the choicest music of the day. They have occasionally appeared in public, always to the acceptance of large audiences. These ladies inherit their musical talents from their mother, who possessed a voice of more than ordinary range and sweetness.

_Mrs. Dr. G.F. Grant_ (_nee_ Georgina Smith), formerly the efficient organist of the North Russell-street Church, has been regarded as a most pleasing vocalist, possessing a very pure, sweet soprano-voice. She was for some time a pupil of the New-England Conservatory of Music; and on more than one occasion was chosen to represent at its quarterly concerts, before large and cultivated audiences in Music Hall, the system taught and fine progress made by the attendants of that institution. On such occasions, her _naivete_, her graceful, handsome stage-appearance, and expressive rendering, with voice of bird-like purity, of some of the best _cavatina_ music, always elicited the most enthusiastic plaudits and recalls. The writer was fortunately present on one of these occasions, and remembers with much satisfaction the delight he felt, not only in hearing this lady's melodious voice himself, but in witnessing its charming effect on an audience of nearly four thousand people, representing generally Boston's best culture. Her reception really amounted to an ovation. The event was a most remarkable one, and, exhibiting as it so fully did the power of art to scatter all the prejudices of race or caste, was most instructive and re-assuring.

Of her appearance at one of the concerts just mentioned "The Boston Globe" thus spoke:--

... "Miss Smith, a fine-looking young lady, achieved a like success in all her numbers and in fine presence on the stage, and in her simple, unobtrusive manner, winning the sympathies of the audience."

And "The Boston Journal" said,--

"An immense audience, in spite of the storm and the wretched condition of the streets, assembled in Music Hall yesterday evening to listen to the quarterly concert of the New-England Conservatory of Music. The spacious hall was packed in every part. The most marked success during the evening was that won by Miss Georgina Smith, who has a fine soprano-voice, and who sang in a manner which could but receive the warmest plaudits."

Miss Smith was a member of the chorus, composed of selected singers, that sang at the memorable "International Peace Jubilee Concert," and, although still quite young, has had an experience as a vocalist of which she may well be proud.

_Miss Louisa Brown_, now deceased, was a pianist of ambitious aim and much promise. She had been instructed by some of the best teachers of Boston; but never appeared as a performer in public, being of a retired disposition. She, however, often by her musical performances, as well as by her general acquirements and knowledge in art-matters, afforded pleasing entertainment and instruction for the members of her family and their visitors. In her piano-studies she evinced a taste for only the highest kind of compositions, and, in her rendition of the same, exhibited evidence of most faithful application, and no little proficiency. She was a graduate of the Girls' High and Normal School of Boston, was fairly skilled in drawing, and had added much to her store of general knowledge by a visit to Europe. While in almost the flower of youth, and a state of highest usefulness, she was stricken down by death. All that has here been said, and much more, was expressed in some of the public journals by admiring friends shortly after her decease.

Among those whose musical abilities have thus far attracted much attention, and given promise that their possessor will attain to still higher distinction in the future, I mention _Mr. B.J. Janey_, whose fine tenor-voice has often won for him the praises of private and public audiences. He has studied privately under one of the professors at the New-England Conservatory of Music; is a pleasing performer on the flute; and, as a singer, has more than once been favorably mentioned by the press.

_Miss Fannie A. Washington_ has for some time afforded much pleasure to public audiences as a contralto-singer. She was for a while a pupil of the Conservatory previously mentioned. She has been complimented by the press.

_Miss Ellen Sawyer_ possesses a soprano-voice which is quite elastic, of great range, and strong and clear in the upper register. She has been favorably received on several occasions by public audiences.

_Mr. W.H. Copeland_ and _Mr. E.M. Allen_ deserve mention for their fine rendering of choice music; the former singing tenor, and the latter bass. They are conscientious lovers and students of music, ever seeking to attain to the highest positions as artists. Mr. Copeland's studies are directed at the New-England Conservatory. The ambitious spirit displayed by Mr. Allen is very praiseworthy, he having contended very perseveringly and with much success against great obstacles. He sang in the bass division at one of the great Jubilee concerts.

_Mrs. Cecelia Boston_, who will be better known by her maiden name,--Cecelia Thompson,--has long been much remarked for clever abilities as organist, pianist, and contralto-vocalist.

_Miss Rachel Thompson_ is a ready reader of music, and a good soprano-singer.

_Mrs. Phebe Reddick_, possessing a clear, ringing soprano-voice, adds much to the singing of the Twelfth Baptist Church choir.

_Mr. Francis P. Cleary_, _Mr. James L. Edwards_, and _Mr. George W. Sharper_, all band-directors, deserve mention here for their efforts while connected with such organizations.

Of the musical bodies who play upon instruments of

"Sonorous metal, blowing martial sounds,"

I mention the "_Excelsior Brass Band_;" an ambitious title, it is true, but one which the future may show to be well taken. This band contains a number of young men who seem to be in earnest, and studious; and some of them possess noticeable talent. Their leader, Mr. George W. Sharper, is painstaking, and ambitious to have the band succeed.

Whenever in filling engagements it is necessary to add to the regular force of the "Excelsiors," no difficulty is experienced in securing the services of a number of fine musicians of the other race,--a fact which shows the power of music to destroy the distinctions of caste.

_Mr. Joseph W. Hendricks_ has exhibited a commendable ambition in his efforts to acquire a knowledge of music, devoting several hours each day to practice on the piano-forte.

_Mr. Joseph Thompson_ is an assiduous student of, and fair performer on, the [B-flat]-tenor and the flute. He is a member of the "Excelsior Brass Band."

I have thus mentioned briefly the best-known artists of Boston. As I have indicated, most of them have musical abilities of a high order, entitling them to a much fuller notice than can here be given. There are, of course, others of fine musical attainments who adorn private circles.

Boston contains two or three musical societies, and several vocal quartets. _The Auber Quartet_ have attracted much attention by their very pleasing rendering of some of the best popular music of the day. The names of its members appear hereafter.

_The Progressive Musical Union_ is the name of one of the societies above mentioned. It is well organized. Elijah W. Smith, the poet, is president. The noble purposes of this society are eloquently stated in the following lines, composed by the gentleman just mentioned, and which prefaced the programme of the first public concert given by this society, March 9, 1875:--

"Progressive: ay, we hope to climb With patient steps fair Music's height, And at her altar's sacred flame Our care-extinguished torches light; And, while their soft and cheering rays Life's rugged path with joys illume, May Harmony's enchanted wand Bring sunshine where before was gloom!

And though we may not walk apace With Mendelssohn or Haydn grand, Nor view with undimmed eyes the mount Where Mozart's shining angels stand; Yet in the outer courts we wait Till Knowledge shall the curtain draw, And to our wondering eyes disclose The mysteries the masters saw."

The following are the numbers performed on the occasion mentioned:--

This concert gave delight to a large audience, and was very much praised by the public journals.