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An Introductory paper on the Investigation of Singhalese 

 Music. By Louis Nell, E&q. 



The Ceylon Branch of the Asiatic Society, formed to in- 

 stitute and promote enquiries into the Arts of Ceylon, 

 together with the social condition of the present and former 

 inhabitants of this Island, would embrace within the scope of 

 those enquiries, the investigation of Singhalese music, — 

 since, it is peculiar to the Singhalese, and because it is calcu- 

 lated to throw some light upon the social condition of the 

 people. Their Music is as peculiar to the Singhalese, as the 

 music of any other people, to them. The Oriental enjoys 

 his rude melodies, as heartily as the European, the music of 

 the West. But the difference is so great between the 

 barbarous and the civilized art, that the former becomes a 

 subject of curiosity to the votary of the other. Though, Sin- 

 ghalese music, therefore, may be of no great intrinsic value, 

 it is deserving of investigation as a national art, and as an 

 illustration of the social condition of the Singhalese people. 

 It is hardly necessary to illustrate this position, by alluding 

 to the marked characteristics of Scottish and Irish music ; or 

 by contrasting their national character with that of the music 

 of Italy. Nor, will it be necessary, to make more than a 

 passing allusion, to the effects of musical culture in Germany, 

 in the Tyrol, and in Switzerland. It will not be denied, that 

 the influence of music is calculated to take hold of the 

 affections : nor will its moral influence be denied, when the 

 value which has been placed on it by Religion, is but for a 

 moment considered. The investigation of Singhalese music, 

 therefore, is worthy of the attention of this Society, 



