VI
INTRODUCTION.
ing, of self-dependence and mental development, has
not only begun, but made considerable progress among
the colored people of the South, which will probably
work as great a transformation in their musical tastes
as in other matters. We can not, therefore, expect
that hereafter they will originate songs and music of
the kind found in this volume. It is to be hoped that
in the future no painful experiences, no deprivations
and sorrows equaling those in the past will awaken
such echoes in their responsive hearts. And not only
has the period for the origination of such material
passed, but with the changes now going on, it may be
doubted Avhether, if these songs and melodies had not
been collected and put into imperishable type, it would
have been possible, a few years hence, to recover
them in their present form.
For these reasons we regard the work of Dr. Tay¬
lor as both timely and valuable. The idea of collect¬
ing these song-fabrics came to him at a fortunate
hour—Avhen he had before him ample time to carry
out his design, and Avhile his material Avas obtainable
in matured form, but as yet unspoiled by the people
who gave it birth and growth, or by the hands of
ruthless innovators of the white race who would soon
"adapt" it into conformity with their "high-art"
tastes. Such " adaptation " would rob it of its most
charming characteristics, as well as of its historic
value as an exponent of the mind and heart, of the
religious knowledge, experiences, and aspirations of the
best portion of the colored people while in enslave¬
ment.
F. S. HOYT.
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