| Citation |
BC.770.031
15-19 Mar 1770:893,901 (180)
[In long article from the London Magazine for September
1769, entitled "The State of the Jesuites in Paragua," the
following musical references begin in the third column:]
Nay, their pastors have, as yet, in a manner, hindered them
from speaking Spanish, barely teaching the children, in
general, to read and write in that language, and those alone
are taught to read and write the Latin, who are destined to
sing in the churches; . . . [52 lines]
They [the Indians] succeed, as it were by instinct, in
all the arts, to which they are applied; but then, they have
been applied to such only, as were thought requisite to
exempt them from the necessity of having recourse to foreign
assistance. As yet, they have not discovered any talent for
invention; but they were soon observed to possess that of
immitation in a sovereign degree. It is enough for example,
to shew them a crucifix, a candlestick, a censer; and give
them materials for making others. They copy them so well
that it is no easy matter to distinguish their work from the
pattern. They have been known to make, on bare inspection,
the most intricate organs; as also astronomical spheres,
Turkey carpets, and other most curious manufactures. They
engrave upon brass, after giving it a due polish, all the
figures placed before them. They have naturally a just air,
and an uncommon taste for musick; and touch, as well as
make, to admiration, all sort of musical instruments.
Father Cattaneo, whom I have already cited, assures us, that
he has seen a child, not more than twelve, perform on the
harp, with a sure and easy hand, the most difficult anthems
of Bologna. They have, besides, a sweet and sonorous pipe,
which, according to what I have already said, is attributed
to the waters of their rivers. These uncommon talents for
music engage the missionaries to establish choirs in all
their churches; experience having shewn, that nothing
contributes more to inspire them with devotion; give them a
strong liking to divine service; and make them more readily
comprehend the instructions proper for them, which, for this
purpose, have been all set to music.
This natural taste for music was, likewise, of great
service in helping to people the first reductions. For the
Jesuits, having observed in their journeys by water, that,
as soon as, to recreate themselves in an innocent and holy
manner, they began to sing any spiritual canticle, crowds of
Indians flocked to the banks, and seemed to take a
particular liking to their musick; they improved the
opportunity to explain to them the subject of their songs;
when, as if the melody had changed their hearts, and
rendered them susceptible of the sentiments, with which the
fathers longed to inspire them, they easily prevailed on the
poor creatures to follow them; and gradually insinuated into
their hearts the most elevated sentiments of religion: thus
realizing, in these savage countries, what fable relates of
Amphion and Orpheus.
Every reduction has two schools. In one the children
learn to read and write; in the other, to dance, sing, and
play upon all the instruments permitted to be used in divine
service, which they do, like the birds, as it were by
instinct. . . [12 lines]
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