Central Park Band Concert

       “'What a release.' 'What a change.' 'Out of all the noise and racket.' These and many similar remarks were made on the afternoon of the Fourth by the visitors to the Park. Not a report of a gun to be heard except its noise had become decreased and moderated by distance. Everything was peaceful and quiet, the sounds reaching the ear being principally those of the birds or the strains of the Park band.  Dodworth, the presiding genius of the temple of Apollo, was there in his glory, each stroke of his baton calling forth rich harmonies from his attendant genius.  Thirty thousand persons were in the park, some enjoying seats, others reclining on the grass, and still others roaming about amid the flowers, strolling along the walks, or enjoying a row upon the lake. A pleasant knoll to the northeast of the temple was well patronized, the grass on the hillside being hidden by the forms of the recumbent visitors.

The selection of pieces performed were in accordance with the day. In the first part was 'Viva l'Amerique;' in the second 'The Flag of the Free,' and the 'Volunteers Welcome Home  March.' This last composition is certainly a very fine piece of music.  In the third part was performed for the first time a new National Anthem in the peculiar metre of three lines of 6s and one of 4s repeated.  The piece would, however, never be a popular one among the American people, as it has too much of the European Continental solemnity, and too little of the martial character in its composition.  Dodworth’s ‘Bunch of Melodies’ was deservedly well received.  In it are several curious effects.  The change from the lively waltz to ‘Old Hundred’ was particularly striking, and the echo parts were finely executed.  It will deserve a repetition before the season is over.

Those who spent the afternoon in the Park doubtless did not regret it.”