[Dixielandjazz] Playing in Churches and Savage Beasts

[David Richoux]

Not to be pedantic, Tom

but it was William Congreve (1670-1729) who wrote, "Music has charms to 
sooth the savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak." in  
the play "The Mourning Bride"

and that quote has been so thoroughly misquoted (and often 
miss-attributed) ever since!

here is the full use: (from 
http://www.4literature.net/William_Congreve/Mourning_Bride/2.html )

> Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast,
>
>  To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.
>
>  I've read, that things inanimate have mov'd,
>
>  And, as with living Souls, have been inform'd,
>
>  By Magick Numbers and persuasive Sound.
>
>  What then am I? Am I more senseless grown
>
>  Than Trees, or Flint? O force of constant Woe!
>
>  'Tis not in Harmony to calm my Griefs.
>
>  Anselmo sleeps, and is at Peace; last Night
>
>  The silent Tomb receiv'd the good Old King;
>
>  He and his Sorrows now are safely lodg'd
>
>  Within its cold, but hospitable Bosom.
>
>  Why am not I at Peace?

(and did you know there was a band called "The Savage Breasts" - they 
did Ramones covers...)

Dave Richoux
On Jan 9, 2005, at 7:19 PM, TCASHWIGG at aol.com wrote:

> Musical content "I Believe In Music" which soothes the Savage Beast, 
> Heals
> the Broken Hearts, Inspires us to do Great things and often commit 
> random acts
> of Kindness, but also allows us to make a joyful noise and make people 
> Dance in
> the Streets.