11 AUGUST 1849, Page 13

THE NEW MUSIC SCHOOL.

THE great public hall which is rising on the North aide of Long Acre is remarkable in its origin and in its objects: it is a monu- ment of things achieved, and a theatre for work to be done ; the most substantial creation of a spirit new to this metropolis, the abode which that spirit has made for its own shelter and growth. Many of our readers have heard the great choruses at John Hul- lah's concerts in Exeter Hall: this is the palace raised for those choruses and their teacher ; and it has been called into existence by the same force which created the choruses. A new art-class has been brought into the world among the varied classes of the metropolis ; and it is interesting to trace the development of that class, not only as the product of a directing energy, but also as the representative of an influence which is destined to exercise considerable power in our social development. An idea once prevailed that the singing-classes were the fruit of Government patronage, from which Mr. Hullah derived a pro- fit : it turns out that this impression was altogether erroneous. Mr. Hullah did submit his plan of multitudinous teaching, based on that of Wilhem, to the Privy Council, and obtained the "countenance" of that august body, with its permission to in- struct normal classes intended for schoolmasters and schoolmis- tresses. The payments of these pupils scarcely covered the ex- penses on their behalf. Others wanted to be taught, were admit- ted, and paid a small sum. Thus originatul the general "sing- ing-classes," which were highly successful; insomuch that the funds derived from them sufficed to cover asdebt incurred under the Privy Council, for drawing, arithmetic, and other classes un- connected with Mr. Hullah, to the amount of 756/. While the official connexion lasted, the gains of the singing-classes were in great part swallowed up by the losses of the others. In 1842 began the great choral meetings at Exeter Hall, in which origi- nated the "upper singing-classes." The immense expense of rent drove the classes and their teacher from the Hall to the Apolloni- con Rooms ; which are so cramped and inconvenient that pupils are turned away for want of space to learn and practise in, and the great concerts have still to be held at Exeter Hall. Mean- while, Mr. Hullah was earning a good name and very distinguished approbation for his success, but little more; and his pupils, wit- nessing a zeal which was in the inverse ratio to the remuneration, devised a plan for giving their sense of it a substantial expres- sion : they resolved to aid their teacher in building this music- hall, the want of which had been severely felt. The first stone was laid in 1847, and the building has attained its full height. Not its full length or finish. For the length, ground is required, of which the present occupant will not yield immediate possession; for the finish, funds. The pupils, though not confined to the working classes, were not among the wealthiest ; even the instalment of 500/. presented to the teacher when the first stone was laid was a striking effort for such a body. A meeting was held at the Bishop of Winchester's house ; a subscription was opened, and headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury with a host of names ; many of the best in the land have joined ; but some 1,000/. is still needed to put the edifice in working order. Although literally given to John Hullah, as an honorarium for the services which have not been stinted according to their re- ward, the building will be a real gift to the Metropolis. It will be plain and simple, but excellently adapted to the main object— the tuition, practice, and display of choral music. The great hall is already some 80 feet long—in its extended form it will be 120 feet long ; it is 60 feet in breadth, and 40 in height : already it is perceived that the structure is excellently calculated for hearing. The same may be said of a fine lecture-room: there are also class- rooms and other conveniences. It will be a great and worthy hall for music.

We have before described Mr. Hullah's work in making large numbers practically acquainted with classical music ; the effect of that testhetical cultivation carried by his pupils into classes of society in all varieties of condition ; and the manifest signs of a spontaneous moral discipline. One fact which we have but recently learned corroborates our assertion that art exercises a direct and powerful influence in cultivating the feelings— more direct and powerful than any kind of precept, in so far as it bends the very sensations, motives, and wishes of those subjected to it. The attendants of these singing classes are for so many hours a week exercised in undergoing and sharing high and re- fined feelings : it is a striking fact, that throughout the many years in which they have assembled in such numbers, not a single act of an immoral or discreditable kind can be alleged ; and if occasionally, at rare intervals, a slight disposition has been shown by individuals to a perversely selfish or conceited indulgence of personal wishes, it has yielded to the influence of the teacher and- the general feeling without a struggle—has melted in the genial atmosphere of art. We believe that a practical observation of the moral discipline thus instituted has not only drawn around the chief mover of the system the imposing array of authorities that take a lead in the general subscription, but has imparted even to the wisest an unexpected lesson on the moral influence of art.

In its new abode, this influence will have scope for much broader development. Candidates for admission will no longer be excluded for want of space. Additional branches of in• struction will probably be cultivated. The example of these ad- mirably-officered working amateurs, which has already affected the discipline of cognate societies in a very wholesome manner, will he more forcibly displayed. A musical population, representing all

classes, has already been formed it will be vastly increased ; and the modest pride which brings together such numbers in the un- obtrusive performances of great works for the sake of the art, will have still further opportunities of strengthening and extend- ing the influence of the art and the willingness to take part in its ministrations. The sociologist will be interested in the fusion of classes which is thus brought about by no process of "dragging down," but by a process which is helping to render every pupil an accomplished gentleman or a refined gentlewoman, of culti- vated utterance, disciplined mind and mien, exalted taste, and trained sympathy with the high and the beautiful. We lately cited the authority of the Bishop of London on the influence of art ministering to religion : in aiding the fund for the present edifice Dr. Blomfield is joined by a large portion of the Epis- copal Bench in recognizing the same influence ; a fact which singularly attests the immense progress, not only of art in the body of society, but of sound opinion in high and not easily ac- cessible quarters.