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A NOBLE national music, if not a certain mark, is yet a probable indication of many national virtues. The general diffusion of beautiful traditionary melodies among a people implies the prevalence of refined taste and of tender or exalted feelings. Such compositions could not be produced, appreciated, or preserved, among men whose hearts were engrossed with sensual or sordid things, or refused admittance to the kindly and imaginative sensibilities of which music is the powerful and universal expression. We shall not deny that the qualities which are akin to musical taste may sometimes nationally, as well as personally, degenerate into softness and effeminacy, or wander into impetuosity and violence. But, if properly regulated and attuned, the same affections that are awakened by musical sounds, which are but the echoes of a higher and holier harmony, will not be insensible to the voice of moral sympathies. Popular music, too, it will be remembered, is generally the parent or the sister of popular poetry. The mass of mankind are too sensuous in their constitution, too fond of vivid and tangible images, to rest contented with the shadowy suggestions and wandering idealities of mere melody in its ethereal state, while unincorporated with significant language. National music is thus the frequent origin, as well as subject, of poetical genius. It will often, indeed, happen that the finest melodies, instead of being married to immortal

VOL. XLV. NO. CCLXXIX.

At

verse, are but very indifferently provided with yoke-fellows; but it is not necessary, in order to produce a powerful effect, that the words of a song should be equal to the music. Rude and feeble expressions may be sufficient to give a definite object and distinct character to a melody, and may, in combination with its influence, create impressions equal to those which proceed from much superior poetry. The poetical feelings, that are thus called into action, will necessarily belong to the better parts of our nature, and, by the exercise which is given to them, will tend to ameliorate the character. the same time, and by the same process, the music of a country will become linked more strongly with those local objects and events that are most cherished and most memorable. It will become the depository of all that is interesting to human feelings or dear to national pride; and, by the innu. merable recollections which it involves, united with its natural power to excite emotion, it will acquire a magic influence over the heart which no other art can lay claim to. The love of country, a love which is the concentration of all social and domestic charities, appears to be the passion that is most powerfully moved by means of national music. A few characteristic notes, breathed from a simple reed, or sung by a rugged voice, will, to men at a distance from their native land, more readily and forcibly recall the images and feelings of home than the

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