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.
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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.