Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 73, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 May 1908 — Charming Lecture at Mrs. Alfred Thompson's. [ARTICLE]

Charming Lecture at Mrs. Alfred Thompson's.

A most interesting lecture on “America’s Evolution in Music” was given by Mrs. Marta* A. White, of Thompson. The leottnwr’s ability to speak on the subject -of the development of the fine art*, is thoroughly appreciated in Rensselaer, where she has been beard many times. Mrs. White’s recent researches in preparing a work for pubUteteton, has lead her to the conclusion that hitherto, little has been written of America’s evolution in music, and interesting incidents and facts Bake been allowed to remain in oblivion. These she has unearthed, and now tsllk the story in manner, and with ail (Be enthusiasm which is a characteristic feature of all her lectures. Mrs. White briefly dwelt upon nature's inspiration 8» found in the scenic beauties of America and its influence upon the afiortgjnes, and that their primitive tang was really our true folk music. In discussing the melodies of the Southland, the lecturer spoke of. its oadenoe #nd charm as an inheritance from Africta, while its evolution in a particular environment in America resolved it, into a folk music rich In melodise, sounds and in tradition. The Eafogsao tour of the Jubilee singers was graphically pictured, the lectures emphasizing the fact that it was - there recognized as a rich treasure in folk music, and offering a wealth of suggestion to the native composer, o The audience followed with great interest the descriptive story, which Included the music that bad been coming to our country since the early part of the sixteenth century. The lecturer became satrlcai on the “study abroad, mania, and the foreign label” and the injustice done to our native teachers and oompassra. Machinemade music, “introduced to us,” as the lecturer said, “Boa Italy,” the mother of the arts,” bad been taken under study by our own musical geniuses, until an almost perfected instrument was made to render the classics technically good. There was a strong patriotic appeal made for encouragement tonative talent,’ throughout the whole lecture. Mrs. Delos Thompson added much to the program by her rendition of excerpts from the classic composition in which the greatest . composers had made free use of, folk music. In conclusion Mrs. While urged a more serious study of choral work, as a means of training the people to