THE GUITAR LESSON.
Reading edition
O, strike the guitar lightly, lightly; Its tones I ne'er forget; O, strike the guitar lightly; 'Tis sweet as when we met.
One Female and One Male Figure.
This simple, but pretty tableau represents a young lady at the music room of her teacher, taking a lesson on the guitar. The scene represented is a room furnished with table, chairs, carpet, vases, pictures, &c. A small sofa, or a pair of ottomans, are placed in the centre of the apartment, on which is seated a young and beautiful lady, and by her side the teacher. The lady holds in her hands a guitar, on which she is playing. Her teacher holds a sheet of music in the left hand, while with the right he points towards the guitar. The maiden's costume consists of a white dress, velvet waist, white flowing sleeves, waist encircled with a crimson sash; hair done up in a neat manner, and decorated with large feldspar beads. Her position is, facing the audience, head slightly turned to her teacher, eyes directed to the music, face beaming with smiles. The teacher's costume consists of black pants, white hose, reaching to the knee, with a band of colored ribbon, and wide lace attached by a large paste pin at the top, low shoes with buckles, single-breasted vest left unbuttoned, showing a white shirt underneath. A lady's pink or red sack will on an emergency answer for a coat. A lady's velvet cape should be thrown carelessly over the shoulder. The wristbands of the shirt bound with wide lace, and a wide lace collar worn around the neck. The head covered with a low-crowned Kossuth hat, ornamented with a gilt band, and white plume, which is fastened to the hat with a large and brilliant paste pin. Both of these costumes can be arranged at short notice, and the tableau would be suitable for home entertainment. A guitar, played behind the scenes, will answer for the music. The light must be of medium brightness, and come from either side of the stage.
