The Knickerbocker, Vol. 10, No. 5, November 1837Various
History
The Knickerbocker, Vol. 10, No. 5, November 1837
Various
Periodicals
HENRY RUSSELL.--Would that every reader upon whom the portrait of
RUSSELL in the present number may smile, could hear the 'voice of
melody' roll from those lips which has gone to the hearts of so
many in our Atlantic cities! Simplicity, tenderness, strength, and
mellowness, are the agents by which Mr. RUSSELL produces his effects;
and the result is always the same. It is not our purpose here to
enter upon an analysis of his extraordinary musical powers; since we
have on two or three occasions heretofore spoken of his voice and
execution at some length. His style, so simple yet so effective,
which 'catches a grace beyond the reach of art,' is lightly regarded,
we believe, by certain of those who consider themselves as 'great
_shakes_' in the musical world, simply because they can shake, and
trill, and quaver, in that 'difficult' manner which it was _once_
so much the mode to admire, but which, thanks to RUSSELL, and one
or two other distinguished melodists, has had its little day. These
demurring professors may find some countenance in their attempts
to foist upon the public an unnatural taste for a species of music
wholly unsuited to the genius of our people, but it will proceed
from such as care more for the music of fashion than of the heart,
and who have travelled abroad to import new ideas of the art, with
not a little conceit, arrogance, and foppery. But the crowds who
attend the concerts of Mr. RUSSELL, carry away with them 'remembered
harmonies' which will not die, nor fade with the changes of time.
Success to simple melody! Success to that music which can awaken
human sympathies, and enliven and enlarge the affections!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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