Essentials Of Music - Volume I

PROLOGUE -- Ten volumes of the American History and Encyclopedia of Music have met with instantaneora recognition and most gratifying success. This standard work has been universally adopted by public libraries, musical clubs, conservatories of music and the leading instructors of the country. Its broad scope, careful editoriaI labor and brilliant contents have made this rare tone of musical lore the indispensable cornpanion and ready reference of every art-loving amateur and earliest professional musician, and the general cultured public has been quick to avail itself of the rare contents of this magnificent publication, so unique in its comprehensiveness. But there is need for supplementary volumes, to be devoted to the special needs of the young student about to embark upon the seas of professional life, and for these additional volumes the most distinguished specialists have combined to give the knowledge which it has taken the devoted study of a lifetime to attain. Graded courses of instruction are here offered in every branch of musical art, conbined with special lessons on important topics all available and necessary knowledge is here found in condensed and practical form, and it is confidently claimed that these volmnes will meet the needs and requirements of every music teacher, vocal, theoretical and instrumental, in every particular. To those instructors who live at a distance from the large musical centers the contents of these books are invaluable, for they elucidate every problem and relieve each uncertainty that arises in pedagogic work. The wants of students and teachers are best known by those who arc closely identified and in daily contact with them. From this point of view and with rare sagacity, ceterprise and liberality, the most eminent educators have been secured as contributors. They have given their most mature efforts to their task, and the musical public is now offcrcd the best, most useful and artistic Graded Teachers Course in the world, the most complete summary of musical knowledge. These contributors present a galaxy of names that stand for the highest achievements in the firmament of Alneriqn music. The chapter of Vocal Music is covered in the most practical manner by Frederic W. Root, whose positive Americanism is happily united with the results of observation abroad, and whose writings are ever lucid and to the point. Associated with him is Oscar Sxnger, the wizard of vocal teachers, whose students are to-day the favorites at the great opera houses here and in Europe. Nothing more valuable than this masters treatment of his subject can be imagined.