is a tenor
solo and chorus ("God of all"), written in the church style, followed by
a soprano and baritone duet ("Blessed, ever blessed"), which is very
elaborate in its construction, and highly colored. The next number is the
chorus, "Wherefore are the Nations raging," which is intensely dramatic
in its effect, especially for the manner in which the voice-parts are set
off against the agitated accompaniment. The contrasts also are very
striking, particularly that between the tumultuous opening of the chorus
and its tranquil close in full harmony on the words, "As it was in the
Beginning." The next number is a lovely trio for tenor, soprano, and
baritone ("Thou art from first to last"), with harp accompaniment
throughout, which gives to it an extremely graceful and elegant effect.
It is followed by a quartet ("Alleluia"), in which the theme is
introduced by the alto. The Alleluia is then taken up by all four parts
(soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, and baritone), in full, rich harmony, the
alto closing the number alone in a very effective adagio passage. The
next number is a quintet and chorus, the prelude to which is a repetition
of parts of the opening pastoral. It is also utilized in the voice parts.
The number is very elaborate in its construction and development, and is
followed by a short final chorus ("Raise now your Song on high") in
simple church style. Short as the work is, it is very beautiful, and full
not only of genuine service music, but also of graceful conceits and
delicate fancies, both in the voice parts and the accompaniments.

SCHUMANN.

Robert Schumann, one of the greatest of musicians, and one who, had his
life been spared, would probably have stood at the head of all composers
since Beethoven and Schubert, was the son of a bookseller, and was born
at Zwickau, in Saxony, June 8, 1810. In his earliest youth he was
recognized as a child of genius. His first teacher in music was
Baccalaureus Kuntzsch, who gave him piano instructions. It was while
taking these lessons that he attended a concert given by Moscheles. The
playing of the great teacher aroused his musical ambition, and first
inspired him to become a musician. His father recognized his talent very
early, but his mother was opposed to his ambition. In deference to her
wishes, he began the study of law,--with the full determination, however,
to make music his vocation; and in this he ultimately succeeded, t