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_ (_née_ 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_ (_née_ 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 _naïveté_, 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:--
[Illustration:
PROGRAMME.
=Part First=
1. TRIO FOR TWO VIOLINS AND PIANO _Rhizia_
DAVID OSWELL, MADALINE TALBOT, AND MRS. WILSON.
2. QUARTET.--"Sighing for Thee."
AUBER QUARTET,--MESSRS. SMITH, HILL, RUFFIN, AND HENRY.
3. SONG.--"Down by the Sea" (Bass) _Knowlton_
JAMES HENRY, Jun.
4. DUET.--"On Mossy Banks" _Gilbert_
MISS P.E. ALLEN AND E.M. PINKNEY.
5. SONG.--"Thou everywhere" _Lachner_
MRS. WILSON.
6. ROMANCE.--"Alice, where art Thou?" _Ascher_
JAMES M. SCOTTRON.
7. QUINTET.--"The Image of the Rose" _Reichardt_
MISS P.E. ALLEN AND QUARTET.
=Part Second.=
1. THEMA WITH VARIATIONS.--Violin and Piano _Rode_
DAVID T. OSWELL.
2. DUET.--"Take now this Ring" _La Sonnambula_
MRS. WILSON AND JAMES M. SCOTTRON.
3. QUARTET.--"Soldier's Farewell" _Kinkel_
MESSRS. SMITH, HILL, RUFFIN, AND HENRY.
4. SONG.--"Waiting," with Violin Obligato _Millard_
MISS P.E. ALLEN, MRS. D. WILSON, AND DAVID T. OSWELL.
5. MARCH.--Vocal _Becker_
MESSRS. SMITH, PINKNEY, RUFFIN, AND HENRY.
6. QUARTET.--"Man the Life-Boat" (by request).
7. CHORUS.--"Angel of Peace" _Keller_
WITH ORGAN AND PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT.]
This concert gave delight to a large audience, and was very much
praised by the public journals.
I close the list of Boston musical people by presenting the following
programme of a hastily-arranged concert given by a number of artists
on the evening of April 15, 1874. It is given simply as a specimen of
the numbers often performed at concerts by those whose names appear,
and by others mentioned heretofore, with but little rehearsal.
Although the music is of a fine order, it is by no means as difficult
as that frequently rendered by these persons at other concerts, the
programmes of which I have not now at hand.
[Illustration:
PROGRAMME.
=Part First.=
1. QUARTET.--"Alpine Echoes."
MISS BROWN, MISS F. WASHINGTON, MR. JANEY, MR. FISHER.
2. PIANO SOLO.--"Fantasia Impromptu" _Chopin_
MR. S. JAMIESON.
3. SOLO.--"La Primavera" _Torry_
MISS BROWN.
4. DUET.--"Vien Mio Edgardo" _Millard_
MISS F. WASHINGTON, MR. JANEY.
5. ARIA.--"Infélice" _"Ernani"_
MR. FISHER.
6. DUET.--"While thus around" _"La Favorita"_
MISS BROWN, MR. JANEY.
7. SOLO with Cello Obligato.--"Peacefully Slumber" _Randegger_
MISS F. WASHINGTON.
8. SONG.--"Didst Thou but know" _Balfe_
MR. JANEY.
=Part Second.=
1. QUARTET.--"Sweet and Low" _Barnby_
MISS BROWN, MISS WASHINGTON, MR. JANEY, MR. FISHER.
2. PIANO SOLO.--"Le Courrier" _Ritter_
MR. S. JAMIESON.
3. SONG.--"Queen of the Night" _Thomas_
MISS BROWN.
4. SONG.--"To the Storm Wind" _Evers_
MR. FISHER.
5. DUET.--"Land of the Swallows" _Massini_
MISS BROWN, MISS WASHINGTON.
6. SOLO.--For Violin.
MR. F.E. LEWIS.
7. SONG.
MISS F. WASHINGTON.
8. SONG.--"Love's Delight" _Abt_
MR. B.J. JANEY.
9. DUET.--"I Pescatori" _Gabusi_
MISS BROWN, MR. FISHER.
10. QUARTET.--"What Phrase Sad and Soft" _Bishop_
MISS BROWN, MISS WASHINGTON, MR. JANEY, MR. FISHER.]
_Mr. David T. Oswald_, residing at Worcester, Mass., is an artistic
violinist, performing in a finished style the most classical and
difficult music for the violin. He has, besides, become deservedly
popular as an organizer of musical entertainments, and as a promoter
of a regard for good music by the people. He is quite well known in
St. John, N.B., Portland, Me., and in Boston, in which places he has
frequently appeared at public concerts; and has been often
complimented by the press.
_James Caseras_, who was for a long time the organist of a Catholic
church in Springfield, Mass., deserves, on account of his great skill
as a performer on the organ and piano-forte, particular mention here.
He came to this country some years ago from England, where he had
attracted much notice for his fine musical qualities. In Scotland he
had frequently played before the nobility. A few years ago, shortly
after his arrival in this country, he was tendered a reception by some
of the first musicians of Boston. This occurred at Mercantile Hall.
Here he rendered with most remarkable skill, on the piano-forte, some
of the more difficult music of the great masters, receiving the
warmest praises of the best judges of art.
_Mr. T.M. Fisher_ of Portland, Me., is noticeable as a fairly good
baritone-singer. He has appeared occasionally at concerts in his own
city and in Boston, and has been favorably mentioned by the press.
In another place the violin has been recommended as a proper
instrument for study and practice by ladies. Among the latter who have
given attention to it, I am pleased to mention _Madam Adaline Talbot_
of Portland, Me. She has not yet become a great player, but now shows
sufficient proficiency to warrant the belief, that, if she continues
her studies of this delightful instrument, she may in time become an
excellent performer.
The city of New York has some very excellent musicians.
_John T. Douglass_ is very justly ranked with the best musicians of
this country. His fame is by no means confined to New-York City or
State, as he has travelled quite extensively, and has been engaged in
many musical enterprises. He is a skilful, artistic performer on
several instruments, chief of which are the violin and guitar. As a
performer on the last-mentioned instrument he has few equals, while
for it he has arranged and composed a great deal of music. He has also
composed many fine pieces for orchestras and for the piano. When only
about twenty years of age, he composed a grand overture called "The
Pilgrim." He enjoys an enviable reputation in New York as a teacher of
music, and is very remarkable for the enthusiastic, devoted attention
he gives to the study of the art. As Mr. Douglass is but thirty years
old,--having been born in New York in 1847,--it will be seen that he
has made most wonderful progress, and that he has before him a very
brilliant future.
_Mr. David S. Scudder_ has fine natural talents, and has made very
commendable progress in music. He is a fair performer on the flute,
piano, and double-bass; playing quite well Mendelssohn's music, of
which he is very fond. He deserves special mention for his successful
endeavors to promote a love of good music among his acquaintances.
_Mr. Walter F. Craig_, although quite young, has already attracted
much attention, and received the praises of the critics, as a
performer on the violin. He is a close student, very ambitious and
enthusiastic, and without doubt will ere long be ranked with the first
violinists of the day. He has lately composed a march.
_William Appo_ is a veteran musician, having had a long and varied
experience, beginning his career when there were but very few persons
of his race in this country that could compare with him in scientific
acquaintance with music. He was for a long time one of the principal
performers in the once famous "Frank Johnson's Band" of Philadelphia.
He taught music for several years in New York. Quite advanced in years
that have been filled with incidents well worth recording for the
instruction of those who follow him, he now leads a retired life on
his farm in New-York State.
These pioneer musicians of ours should ever be gratefully remembered.
But few, if any, of the large number of musical students of these
better times, can realize the vast difficulties that on every hand met
the colored musician at the time when Mr. Appo and some others
elsewhere mentioned began their ambitious, toilsome careers.
First in loving art with all their might,
They steadily strove in the unequal fight,
Till Prejudice, convinced at last,
Retired, ashamed of the cruel past.
Now _all_ who prize fair Music's ways
Pursue their journey with far brighter days.
The laurel crown, then, give the _pioneer_,
Whom ever in our memories hold we dear.
_Mr. William Brady_, although numbered with those who have passed
away, should not be forgotten whenever the noble deeds of colored men
are to be mentioned. He was an artist of the finest natural talent,
and of varied musical acquirements of a high order of excellence. Mr.
Brady was very much esteemed as a composer, being the author of many
fine pieces of music, such as quadrilles, polkas, waltzes, marches,
and songs. He also essayed more elevated work with fine success,
having been the composer of a musical service for the Episcopal
Church, and a beautiful Christmas anthem. He died in March, 1854.
Among those of the gentler sex in New York who have won much praise
for their fine rendering of vocal music are _Miss Mary Williams_ and
_Miss Blanche D. Washington_. They have occasionally sung in other
cities at concerts, and have been favorably mentioned by the public
journals.
_Mrs. V.A. Montgomery_ and _Miss Emma B. Magnon_ should have prominent
mention here on account of their fine abilities displayed in
piano-forte and organ performance. They both read music readily,--or
"at sight," as we say,--and at present are engaged as organists in
New-York churches.
_Miss J. Imogene Howard_, formerly of Boston, but now an esteemed
teacher in one of the public schools of New-York City, deserves to be
mentioned in this list. When in Boston this lady exhibited commendable
zeal in the study of music, and at an early age was quite noticeable
for good piano-forte performance. Miss Howard is a graduate of the
Girls' High and Normal School of the city last mentioned.
A most encouraging indication of musical progress in the metropolis is
the existence there of the _Philharmonic Society_, which was organized
somewhat over two years ago. Two or three of its members are fine
soloists, while others possess fair abilities. The music practised is
instrumental, and all of a high order. The society is divided into two
classes, called the one junior, and the other senior. The juniors are
the newer and less skilful members: these are required to take lessons
of a competent teacher, and are not allowed to play with the senior
class until they attain to a certain degree of proficiency. At public
performances, of course, only the seniors represent the society. The
conductor (who is also president) is _Mr. P.H. Loveridge_; first
violin, _Walter F. Craig_; solo cornet, _Elmore Bartelle_; flute, _Ph.
Williams_; _William Lewis_, violoncello. At present the society
numbers about twenty members, all young men of intelligence and moral
character; and it has an excellent library of music, and a fund in
bank.
It is entirely unnecessary for the writer to say a word in praise of
this enterprise, for its present and prospective good results will be
readily perceived by all; nor need he, it is hoped, for the same
reason, urge upon the young men of other cities the great importance
of organizing similar societies.
_Miss Celestine O. Browne_ of Jamestown, N.Y., possesses fine ability
as a pianist. She is thus mentioned by "The Folio" of Boston, in the
number for December, 1876: "She is a fine pianist, very brilliant and
showy as soloist and accompanist." Again: the same journal, in the
number for February, 1877, said of Miss Browne, "A pianist of great
merit. Her natural abilities have been well trained. She has a clear
touch, and plays with a great deal of expression." This lady has for
more than a year been a valued member of the Hyers Sisters
concert-troupe.