Sir Arthur Sullivan on Recorded Music
Sullivan’s speech after hearing a demonstration of Edison’s phonograph for the first time:
I can only say that I am astonished and somewhat terrified at the result of this evening’s experiments: astonished at the wonderful power you have developed, and terrified at the thought that so much hideous and bad music may be put on record forever.
- 7 May 2013 Music
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Music
Music! it is the breath of second Birth,
The Saints Employment and the Angels Mirth;
The Rhetorick of Seraphims; a Gem
in the Kings Crown of new Jerusalem:
They sing continually; the Exposition
must needs infer, there is no Intermission.
I hear, some Men hate Music; Let them show
in holy Writ what else the Angels do:
Then those that do despise such sacred Mirth
Are neither fit for Heaven, nor for Earth.
—”To All Lovers of Harmony,” prefixed to A Compendium: or, Introduction to Practical Music, by Christopher Sympson.
- 30 Apr 2013 Music
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Humor and Abraham’s Bargain
Humor is, in fact, so blessed a thing, that even in the least virtuous product of the human mind, if there can be found but nine good jokes, some philosophers are clement enough to affirm that those nine good jokes should redeem all the wicked thoughts, though plenty as the populace of Sodom.
——Herman Melville, The Confidence-Man.
- 10 Mar 2013 Literature
On Gradual Abolition
In the phrenzy of the day, some weak minded powers, in Europe, begin to consider what is called the African trade as a moral wrong, and to provide for a gradual abolition of it. If they will abolish it, I approve of its being done gradually; because, numbers being embarked in this trade, it must ruin them all at once, to desist from it. On this principle, I have always thought it a defect in the criminal codes of most nations, not giving licence to the perpetrators of offences, to proceed, for a limited time, in larcenies, burglaries, &c. until they get their hands out of use to these pursuits, and in use to others. For it must be greatly inconvenient to thieves and cut-throats, who have engaged in this way of life, and run great risks in acquiring skill in their employment, to be obliged all at once to withdraw their hands, and lay aside picking locks, and apply themselves to industry in other ways, for a livelihood.
——Hugh Henry Brackenridge, Modern Chivalry.
- 14 Jan 2013 History
On Avoiding Wit and Humor
It is indeed acting but a poor part in life, to make a business of laughing at the follies of others. It is injurious to one’s self; for there is a great deal more to be gained by soothing and praising what men do, than by finding fault with them. It may be said of satire, what was said of anger by some philosopher, It never pays the service it requires. It is your scratching, rump-tickling people, that get into place and power. I never knew any good come of wit and humor yet. They are talents which keep the owner poor. For this reason, I have taken care to repress all propensity to this vice; and I believe I can say with truth, that since I have come to the years of a man’s understanding, I have carefully avoided every thing of this nature.
——Hugh Henry Brackenridge, Modern Chivalry.
[It is probably not necessary to remark that Judge Brackenridge writes ironically here.]
- 1 Jan 2013 Eternal verities