The l'arish Choir, or Church Music Book. Published by the
Society for Promoting Church Music. Vol. III.
This volume terminates the first series of a publication which deserves attention and encouragement. It was established about five years lion "by a few friends, clerical and lay, as a means of improving the general character of the music and singing employed in public worship." Their object was, "to find out, publish, popularize, explain and recommend the adoption of that system of music which should be most suited to the genius of the English Prayer-book, and most in accordance with the entire system of the Reformed English Church." This object they have done much to promote. An attentive perusal of their work has convinced us that it is distinguished by sound views, musical learn- ing, and practical knowledge of its subject. It consists partly of literary matter and partly of selected music. There are original papers on a great variety of general topics connected with English ecclesiastical music ; notices of its present state throughout the kingdom ; exposures of errors and improprieties in its practice with suggestions and plans of im- provement; and reviews of new works. They are all candid and dis- passionate in tone' without intolerance or controversial asperity ; and many of them will afford the general student both information and plea- sure. Among the music there are many anthems selected from the works of the great English masters ; metrical psalm-tunes, hymns, and other things which belong to the service of the Church.
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