Fifty Years Reminiscences of a Free Church Musician. By E.
Minshall. (James Clarke and Co. 2s. 6d. net.)—Mr. Minnhnll began his musical experiences at an early age, for he is now but half-way through the sixties. Indeed, he became organist at a Congregational church at fifteen, and started a choir at his school. His most important engagement was at the City Temple, where his tenure of office lasted for seventeen years. The Temple, and its well-known minister, Joseph Parker, occupy a very prominent place in the reminiscences. The impression left by what Mr. Minshall has to tell us is not altogether agreeable. Perhaps the case is well summed up by our author : "Truly there were several Dr. Parkers." There are, as one might expect, some curious things in the book. Among them is the story of how Mr. Minshall judged at an Eisteddfod. Three choirs competed, and his decision did not give satisfaction. One composed of coal-miners was the popular favourite, and all the more so because a strike was going on, and the money would have been useful. The judge had to be escorted to his lodgings by the police. " I have now," he says, " some sympathy for a football referee." Mr. Minshall " magnifies his office," and it is quite right that he should. But there are two sides to the question of music as a part of worship. There is a minority, small, it may be, but still existent, to whom it makes no appeal. Music is apt, too, to dominate. An enthusiastic musician will do much to produce some desired effect, and there is an unceasing disaccord between sound and sense. It may be a good thing to chant the Psalms, for instance, but chanting often puts emphasis where it is not meant to be.
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