MILITARY MUSIC IN SOUTH-AFRICA: A CRITICAL STUDY OF ITS USE IN TIME OF PEACE AND ITS POTENTIAL IN TIME OF WAR, TOGETHER WITH CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS FOR INCREASING EFFICIENCY

Abstract

Congreve,assures us - 'Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.' A sentiment echoed softly by Cowper: 'With melting airs, or martial, brink, or grave, Some chord in unison with what we hear Is touched within us, and the heart replies.' Longfellow's cry is more prosaic: 'Music is the universal language of mankind.' And no doubt he would have nodded wisely at Kamahal's way of putting it ... 'Music has a fantastic way of getting a meaning across.'

Keywords

• the power of music
• singing soldiers
• military bands
• bagpipes colouring the morale of troops
• trumpets, bugles and drum