Article on downtown public park concerts

“The public have reason to be grateful to the new Commissioners of Public Parks for the opportunity afforded to enjoy delicious music in the various parks down town which are accessible to multitudes of people who cannot frequent Central Park, nor come within the precincts of Theodore Thomas’ magnificent classic temple of art. The Commissioners announce that a fine band will play in Tompkins Square on Tuesday evening, from five o’clock till seven. They also furnish the programme of music, that shows admirable taste in the selection, which embraces the works of such composers as Mozart, Offenbach, Verdi, Abt, Herold, Wagner and Strauss. We can imagine what a treat this will be to the denizens of that crowded region of the city. We can fancy the toilers of the day, and those gentler ones—women and children—who lean upon the toilers for support, indulging in such refined enjoyment almost at their doors—such pleasure as was never furnished them before. And when they turn their footsteps towards home, after the last strain of melody has died away, will they not bless the Commissioners of Public Parks for their consideration for the comforts of the people?

“Mr. Sweeny and his colleagues evidently comprehend their duties in a democratic point of view. They do not confine themselves to the aristocratic Central Park in lavishing their favors, but they give a fair share of attention to the little green spots where the sons and daughters of toil look for their recreation in the afternoon. On Wednesday evening Washington Square will be resonant with the genius of the best composers. On Thursday Madison Square will be equally favored. This is just what is wanted. It is impossible to exaggerate the beneficial effects of occasional music in the parks. Trifling as the circumstance may seem it will effect a moral revolution in many districts that no police system could enforce. It will do more to empty the grogshops, corner groceries and other pernicious haunts than people imagine. The attraction of delicious music in a neighboring park will steal many a wild and wayward soul away from gross temptations. For this, as well as for the pleasure afforded to all classes, we have reason to be grateful to the Commissioners for the music in our public parks.”