122 



obscurity, and of being preserved among the musical records of the 

 world. 



In his Essay, and to illustrate the manner of notation of the ancient 

 Hindu system, Sir "William Jones has quoted a very simple air of Soma's, 

 who was one of the most ancient Hindu writers on music, and com- 

 posers. This, with a few airs contributed by Colonel Tod, in his work 

 on the Rajpoots, form nearly all the Hindu music now on record; and 

 these, with some common tunes picked up from ordinary singing men 

 and women at nautches, are the only specimens of Indian music now 

 available for reference or comparison. There is much to be regretted, 

 I think, in this, not only because national music is always valuable in an 

 ethnological point of view, but because it would afford most interesting- 

 comparisons with the ancient national music of Europe, which it so 

 much resembles. I venture to offer a very simple contribution, — a plain- 

 tive Hindu air of the most ancient class, to which I have adapted 

 English words in partial paraphrase of the original Hindee, and to 

 which one of my daughters has added enough accompaniment to admit 

 of its being sung by a soprano voice to the pianoforte. 



I cannot close this paper without adverting to the value and impor • 

 tance of this collection of musical instruments, which I consider to be 

 unique. I have never seen so large a one in the possession of any native 

 connoisseur, and my impression is that there is nothing so complete in 

 any European museum. A few, and very few, instruments are wanting 

 to make it perfect, and these might be easily supplied. On these 

 grounds, therefore, I consider that this Academy is under peculiar 

 obligations to Colonel French for his valuable donation, — valuable alike 

 from its original cost and expense of transport, and as an illustration of 

 the musical tastes and aquirements of India ; and I have no doubt that 

 suitable acknowledgment will be made to him. 



INDIAN A IK. 



Kurna na paee hat. 



Words by M. T., from Hindu Ballad. Accompaniment by A. M. T. 



