MUSIC.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue XXV, 20 June 1896, Page 725

MUSIC.

AS the author of ‘ Kathleen Mavourneen ’ lies dying in Baltimore, kindly efforts are being made to soothe his last hours, and his melody rises to all lips. Now, almost too late, the world is recollecting Crouch ; but, though the recollection is tardy, the justice will be done his memory by linking his name and his melody together. He will stand as the author of ‘ Kathleen Mavourneen.’ Yet this acknowledgment does injustice, too, for it forgets Anne Crawford, who wrote the ballad over a century ago ; and this gives rise to the question, Who is the author of a song ? Is it the author of the words or the composer of the music ? Of course, in the ordinary case the composer gets the credit. Or sometimes, where composer and poet are both well known, they will both be remembered. But there are certain widely popular songs and hymns whose authorship seems more or less defined by circumstances. Crouch, for instance, is the author of ‘ Kathleen Mavourneen,' though Anne Crawford wrote the words. John Howard Paine, on the other hand, is the author of Home, Sweet Home,’ though Sir Henry Bishop adapted the music. ’Jesus, Lover of My Soul.’ is far better known as Wesley’s than as I’leyel’s hymn. • From Greenland’s Icy Mountains ’ is Bishop Heber’s hymn : the composer is well-nigh forgotten. ’ Sweet and Low ’ is by Tennyson ; but the ‘ Lost Chord ’ is bySullivan. And so w-emight continue. Perhaps the onlytest in these cases is whether the song owes its chief vitality to words or music. ‘Kathleen Mavoureen,’ unset, would not have b;en thought to surpass manyother similar poems. ’Home, Sweet Home,’ no matter if a tune had never been found for it, would have still remained immortal. Yet there are instances in which, as in 1 Sweet and Low.’ the tune is at least equal to the words ; here the fame of the poet comes into play. On the other hand, there are traditional folk songs superior to any words that have been set to them. But this is a special case. The best thing for a man to do who wishes to be remembered, is to write both words and music like Stephen Foster. Otherwise there cannot be any real certainty for him with posterity.

Sir Arthur Sullivan was content to part with his ballads for very little money. He sold his popular ‘ Hush Thee ' My Baby ’ for /j, and some of his earlier songs for even less. Now he can command /,’7oo for any ballad that bears his name on the cover. ‘ The Lost Chord ’ alone brought him over / ro.ooo. Signor Tosti, the composer of ‘ Goodbye ' and * Forever and Forever,’ whose first manuscripts were invariably declined with thanks, can now command /. 250 for a song, and the same figure may be obtained by Mr Mil ton Wellings, Mr Molloy and Mr Cowen. Frank L. Moir made /’2,000 out of his popular song, ‘ Only Once More.'

At Miss O'Brien’s large afternoon party, given at Admiralty House, Auckland, last Thursday, various musical items were rendered by the musical portion of the guests, the gem of the afternoon being a vocal duet by Miss Tole and her niece, Miss Rita Tole. Songs were sung by Misses F. Thorpe, White, and Mrs Lucas Bloomfield, and were very much appreciated, as also piano solos byMrs Nichol, Miss Heywood, Miss O'Brien, etc.

In Blenheim the other evening, Mr and Mrs Rogers gave a small musical party, at which Mr Winkelman delighted the guests with his playing on the zither.

At the afternoon tea given by the Misses Ulrich in Dunedin, music was kept going all afternoon. Songs were sung by Miss Dunlop, Miss R. Reynolds, Miss LilyRoberts, Miss E. Neil, and Miss K. Shand. Miss J. Black and Miss Napier Bell played excellent pianoforte solos. Three delightful recitations were also given, one by Miss A. Cargill, another by Miss F. Hodgkins, and the third by Miss Michaelis (Melbourne).

The many friends of Miss Emily Reeve, formerly con ductor of the Auckland Ladies’ Orchestra, will be glad to hear that she has been for some time past in Frank fort extending her studies in the higher branches of classical music, and that she is making brilliant progress in her adopted profession. It is not yet decided when she will return to New Zealand ; possibly- England marhave superior attractions to her when she finishes her studies in F-ankfort.

It is said that Misses Burnes and Pickering intend to give a series of concerts at the Wellington Kiosk during the winter months. The first is to take place on the 29th instant. The programme of performers includes the names of Miss Fisher, Mr R. B. Williams, and other favourites, and it is to be expected that the opening concert will be indicative of future success. Miss Laura Fisher is at present in Auckland fulfilling a professional engagement.

The second subscription concert of the Auckland Liedertafel last week was a great success