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174 National Music of the World.
the words have a dash of romance in them, but they are slight; shall I say, somewhat sickly as compared with the airs of sterner districts.
If the above affords anything like an outline of the state of society throughout Germany, it may be divined why the distinctive art-music of the land should be cultivated among the masses, and those representing our middle class, rather than be genially encouraged by the grandees; and why among native poets its highest manifestations should rather be found among the wordless inspirations of instrumental combination, than among vocal compositions.
Truth to say, the German secular part-songs for men—whether they be trade songs or student songs —are generally poor and inexpressive as compositions; owing their effect to the excellent discipline of the singers, and the heartiness with which they are sung—the joviality of the words here and there veined by some deeper meaning. They are irresistible, when first heard, by reason of their novelty : if heard at home, made all the more irresistible by the boundless hospitality of the singers. Those who surrender themselves to the humours of the countries through which they pass, without criticising |
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