| Share page | Visit Us On FB |
|
The National Music of America. 247
these lines remembers having heard it when a child as a novelty at these performances. It was one of the war-songs that came into its martial usage by accident.
Musicians may shrug their shoulders as much as they please, great orchestral leaders may state that " Dixie" is " poor music," yet the fact remains that " Dixie" was a great influence on the battle-field, and remains a favourite in days of peace. Abraham Lincoln loved the tune, and many of the Northern soldiers enjoyed its measures even when it represented the enemy to them. It was one of the most characteristic melodies that sprang from the epoch of the war, although written as a picture of peace and happiness. It is thoroughly representative of the "land o' cotton, 'sim-mon seed, an' sandy bottom," which is more important in such a matter than a severe adherence to the laws of classical form or rigid harmony. |
||