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274 CURIOSITIES OF MUSIC. |
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and children's voices with the larger and deeper tones of the bass, was like the whistling of a gale in a ship's shrouds, blending with the deeper roar of a tempest.
"We cannot give a better idea of the hold which music has upon the average native Negro, than by narrating an incident which befell Sir Samuel Baker, in the Shooli country.
He held a review of his troops March 8.1872, and after a sham fight, firing of rockets, etc., the troops marched up and down a hill, with the band playing. The natives assembled in considerable numbers and viewed the manoeuvres with much delight; but the brass band music was the crowning point of their enjoyment. "We sub-join his description of its effect upon these children of nature.
" The music of our band being produced simply by a considerable number of bugles, drums, and cymbals, aided by a large military bass-drum, might not have been thought first-rate in Europe, but in Africa it was irresistible."
"The natives are passionately fond of music; and I believe the safest way to travel in these wild countries, would be to play the cornet, if possible, without ceasing, which would ensure a safe passage. A London organ-grinder would march through Central Africa, followed by an admiring and enthusiastic crowd, who, if his tunes were lively, would form a dancing escort of the most untiring material."
" As my troops returned to their quarters, with |
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