"A recent number of the London 'Queen' contains an article recommending the violin as an instrument peculiarly appropriate for the use of ladies. It protests against the custom of teaching girls to play the piano-forte only, arguing that they should have a larger field in music. There is certainly no reason why girls may not gracefully handle the bow; and it is stated in the article referred to, that they 'can learn the violin in half the time that boys can,'—a statement which indicates that a goodly number of girls somewhere have had the opportunity of learning. In this age of progress, girls may certainly have a choice of instruments, and an opportunity to pursue the delightful art of music in whatever way they choose. If taste or fancy incline them to wind-instruments, why should they not try them?"
Mr. Dwight, in his "Journal of Music," very justly and considerately discourses of the utility of violin accomplishment, and the adaptability of the instrument to womanly practice. He says,
"We have always wondered, that in a community where so much attention is paid to music, and where almost every girl and boy is taught to thrum the piano, so few acquire, or even seek to acquire, the art of playing on the violin. The piano, to be sure, is a more representative instrument, enabling one pair of hands to grasp the whole harmony of a composition, or a compendium thereof; but the violin, with the other members of its family, viola, 'cello, &c., is the more social instrument, bringing together groups of kindred spirits who can play in parts, and read together the quartets, &c., of the greatest masters, or play sonata duos, trios, &c., with the piano-forte. And the string-instruments are infinitely the most expressive: their tones lie nearer to the soul, spring more directly from the human breast. They are the heart of the whole orchestra, the most essential part of music, next to the human voice. It is a graceful, manly, healthy exercise, to play the violin. If it be very difficult to play it like an artist, so much the worthier of a manly aspiration. If it is often only vulgar fiddling, it is, on the other hand, with those truly schooled, the most gentlemanly of instruments. And we maintain that it is equally the most womanly. We have many times expressed our interest in female violinists. Who that has seen and heard Camilla Urso, or Teresa Liebe, or Mr. Eichberg's accomplished pupil, Persis Bell, could fail to feel that the violin seemed peculiarly fitted to the female constitution and capacity? How graceful the attitude and motions of a young woman skilfully handling the bow! Her finer sense of touch, her delicate tact, her instinctive feeling-out of the pure truth of tone, give woman a great advantage in this art; and the several examples we have had from time to time in the concerts of the Boston Conservatory of Music have shown that this was no mere dream."
But the limits of this book will not permit me to go much farther into this alluring subject. I shall therefore close this chapter by a brief reference to those who occupy the really noble positions of teachers of the sublime art of music.
He whose own mind has been illumined and whose own soul has been especially cheered and enlarged by the various contemplations, the studies and conceptions, of art, will not, in fact can not, hide his light for his own selfish enjoyment, but will seek to brighten the way of such as wish to learn its beauty, power, and uses. And how honorable, how enviable, is the mission of such a one as he who imparts to his fellows a knowledge of the beautiful science of music, leading them, through all the delighting, soul-filling forms of melody, into the region of a very fairy-land!
And finally, as giving fitting expression to the estimation in which the true musician is held by all intelligent people, I append this elegant tribute by Dr. Burgh:—
"The physician who heals diseases, and alleviates the anguish of the body, certainly merits a more conspicuous and honorable place; but the musician who eminently soothes our sorrows, and innocently diverts the mind in health, renders his memory deservedly dear to the grateful and refined part of mankind in every civilized nation."