MUSIC.
Songs of the Days of Chivalry. The Poetry written by T. H. BAYLY ; the Music by T. H. SEVERN.
These collections of songs multiply, and therefore we suppose they are in demand. Generally speaking, they are the mere speculations of publishers—the rhymes and notes being contracted for at so much per page or stanza. When a composer has agreed to write a certain number of songs, to words which he may either). like or dislike, which may be either poetry or doggrel, either fitted or unfitted for music, the chances are that in some he will succeed and in others totally fail, and that some be would willingly suppress, if the publisher did not hold him to his bond. Hence, there are few Of these collections which would not be the better for being weeded—and this among the rest.
The first air of the set, " My Father's Sword," is one of the hest. The music is arranged with a commendable attention to the meaning (such as it is) of the words, and might be rendered an effective orches- tral song. The second—" A light from her casement beams," is feeble, and a mere copy of fifty other songs of the same class : but what can a composer effect with words like these ? "To that lamp I ass meant to steer, 'Tis a lure that love bath taught her; And now she is leaning forth to hear
My oars dip in the Water."
The duet, " Look, do you see no Horsemen," is of the same vapid character both as to words and music. " The Knight with the azure bloom " is better. " The dark-eyed maid of Palestine " better still.
Previous page
