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234 CURIOSITIES OF MUSIC. |
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upon a most important musical idea (to be sure, in a crude state, but still the germ of the Harmonic theory) probably long before its acceptÂance among civilized nations.
Another strange savage song is that which was sung by the aborigines of Canada, at the time of Carder's taking possession in the name of the King of France (a. d. 1537). The curious fact here, was not in the music, but in the words, in as-much as the word " Alleluia " occured in it. This strange coincidence made some early writers conclude that the inhabitants were Hebrews,* probably the lost tribes; it is needless to say, that the surmise, was not borne out by any furthei researches.
In describing the music of barbarian races, we find that its sister art, dancing, is closely connectÂed with it, and that it is impossible to separate the two. In the lowest tribes, the dance is the most prominent part of the musical efforts of the people. The Australians, who are considered, from the conformation of their skulls, and legs, to be nearest to the brute creation, have many interesting dances. The most important of these is the " CobbongoCorrobboree," or great mystery dance. It is performed by the inhabitants of the far interior of the island. We subjoin the account of a witness of this event.
The time selected for this great event is every twelfth moon, and during her declination. For several days previous, a number of tribes, whoso
* See Fetis Hist.gen. de la Mus. r. I, p. 16. |
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