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PREFACE. |
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These adaptations are in no sense meant to show disrespect toward the productions of others, nor as a plea for the ruthless cutting or mutilating of songs, but for the encouragement of an intelligent selection and use of songs. A spontaneous creation is always to be desired, but every one is not gifted in this form of expression.
The additional fact, that alterations are made wherever thoughtful work is done, shows the need of a much larger collection of good, simple songs, that all may have a wider range to choose from—a range of varied views oi one subject which will tend to foster discrimination and creativeness.
One or two of the modifications given in this book, consist in the simplifying of words, even to the extent of sacrificing something of artistic finish, in order to arouse a clear, poetic conception in the child's mind—as, the words of Alice's Supper changed to those of the Bread Story. This is not to say that finish should always be sacrificed, nor that every word in a child's song should come strictly from his limited vocabulary. But let it be remembered these songs are written for children from three to six years of age, and the words must be very simple; while those which are beyond the child's comprehension must be so skillfully placed as that their meaning shall be evident from the context.
The word " glory " in the spring song given elsewhere simply stands for an unknown happy state, and because of its indefiniteness all the better conveys the mystery of the other life. Many of the original songs have been written to be used with those from other books for the elaboration of a subject, such as—Sunshine Message to be used in conjunction with the Rain Song (Songs for Little Children); Song of the Mill Stream, with Give, Said the Little Stream (Merry Songs and Games); Washing and Ironing, with Earth and Clouds (Songs, Games and Rhymes).
All that has been said concerning the choice and modification of words applies equally to the music. That which is adapted has been taken from folk-songs of all nations, some having stood the test of a century of use. The selections have been made not only with reference to their adaptability to the idea, but also for the reason that the intervals are easy and the music childlike. In no instance has the choice been the result of the music happening to "fit" the words. On the contrary, frequently when music was found which embodied the sentiment of a desired song, the words were written for or changed to suit the music—and sometimes a change made in both. Liberties have been taken with the music only when thereby a better expression could be secured.
Altogether these songs are the result of an earnest endeavor to produce harmonious conditions for growth in the child garden. In Froebel's own way to confirm the sense of the ideal in the hearts of children, by revealing its presence through every day living, so preparing the way finally for the deepest knowledge of the unity of life. |
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ANNA E. BRYAN. |
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Louisville, Ky., June, 1893. |
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