It is deemed necessary to offer a few words of explanation touching the music printed on the following pages.

The collection is given in order to complete the author's purpose, which is not only to show the proficiency of the subjects of the foregoing sketches as interpreters of the music of others, but, further, to illustrate the ability of quite a number of them (and, relatively, that of their race) to originate and scientifically arrange good music.

For want of space, only a few selections have been made from the many compositions in the writer's possession; and, for the same reason, only parts of several works, somewhat elaborate in character, have been given; the latter curtailment having been made in the cases of the following: "The Pilgrim" (a grand overture, originally occupying about twenty pages, sheet-music size), only one-third of which appears in this collection; of an elegant arrangement of the air of "Au Clair de la Lune" (containing Introduction, Theme, First, Second, and Third Variations, and Finale), only the "Theme" and Third Variation are given; of the Parisian Waltzes (a set of five), only the introduction, coda, and Waltz No. 3 are given; of "Les Clochettes,"—fantaisie mazurka,—only a part appears; and so of "La Capricieuse;" while, of the "Mass," only two movements appear, the "Gloria" and "Agnus Dei." The attention of all who shall examine the music is particularly called to the above statements, in order that there may be no surprises, and no injustice done the composers.

In two instances only have very long compositions been reprinted in full. The first (the "Anthem for Christmas") is so given as a mark of respect to the memory of a pioneer musician, now deceased; and the second ("Scenes of Youth"), because a different treatment would seriously interrupt a continuous description which has been so vividly given by a young and talented composer.

The author of "Welcome to the Era March" is less than eighteen years old. The author of "Rays of Hope" has just attained to his majority.

But none of the foregoing statements are made as excuses; nor, on the other hand, is there any intention on the writer's part to present them in a boasting way. The collection of music is submitted to the candid consideration of all music-loving people, with the hope that it may add to their enjoyment, and help to serve the purposes for which this book was prepared.