Portraits,=

AND AN APPENDIX CONTAINING COPIES OF MUSIC COMPOSED BY COLORED MEN.

BY

JAMES M. TROTTER.

[Illustration]

"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and
see a fine picture, every day of his life, in order that
worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful
which God has implanted in the human soul."--GOETHE.

"'Tis thine to merit, mine to record."--HOMER.

FIFTH THOUSAND.

BOSTON:
LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS.
NEW YORK:
CHARLES T. DILLINGHAM.
1881.

COPYRIGHT, 1878,
BY JAMES M. TROTTER.

[Illustration: J.S. CONANT. BOSTON.

[signature] Jas. M. Trotter]

PREFACE.

The purposes of this volume will be so very apparent to even the most
casual observer, as to render an extended explanation here
unnecessary. The author will therefore only say, that he has
endeavored faithfully to perform what he was convinced was a
much-needed service, not so much, perhaps, to the cause of music
itself, as to some of its noblest devotees and the race to which the
latter belong.

The inseparable relationship existing between music and its worthy
exponents gives, it is believed, full showing of propriety to the
course hereinafter pursued,--that of mingling the praises of both.
But, in truth, there was little need to speak in praise of music. Its
tones of melody and harmony require only to be heard in order to
awaken in the breast emotions the most delightful. And yet who can
speak at all of an agency so charming in other than words of warmest
praise? Again: if music be a thing of such consummate beauty, what
else can be done but to tender an offering of praise, and even of
gratitude, to those, who, by the invention of most pleasing
combinations of tones, melodies, and harmonies, or by great skill in
vocal or instrumental performance, so signally help us to the fullest
understanding and enjoyment of it?

As will be seen by a reference to the introductory chapters, in which
the subject of music is separately considered, an attempt has been
made not only to form by them a proper setting for the personal
sketches that follow, but also to render the book entertaining to
lovers of the art in general.

While grouping, as has here been done, the musical celebrities of a
single race; while gathering from near and far these many fragments of
musical history, and recording them in one book,--the writer yet
earnestly disavows all motives of a dis