3.—WHY WE SHOULD SING.
It is generally admitted that there is a beneficial physiological side to the matter of singing as well as that of entertainment and musical pleasure. Long and learned articles on this subject come from erudite pens; but we venture that it would be hard to find anything more unique in this line than the "Reasons briefely set downe by th' auctor, to perswade euery one to learne to sing," given in William Byrd's "Psalmes, Sonets, and songs of Sadnes and Pietie," published in England in 1588.
These reasons that are "briefely set downe" are as follows:—
First, It is a knowledge easily taught, and quickly learned, when there is a good Master and an apt Scoller.
2. The exercise of singing is delightfull to nature, and good to preserue the health of Man.
3. It doth strengthen all parts of the brest, and doth open the pipes.
4. It is a singuler good remedie for a stutting and stamering in the speech.
5. It is the best means to procure a perfect pronunciation, and to make a good Orator.
6. It is the only way to know when Nature hath bestowed the benefit of a good Voyce which guift is so rare, as there is not one among a thousand, that hath it; and in many, that excellent guift is lost, because they want Art to expresse Nature.
7. There is not any Musicke of Instruments whatsoeuer, comparable to that which is made of the Voyces of Men, where the voyces are good, and the same well sorted and ordered.
8. The better the voyce is, the meeter it is to honor and serue God therewith; and the voyce of man is chiefly to be employed to that ende.
Since singing is so good a thing
I wish all men would learne to singe.