or forms of the compact and loose entences, accompanied by suitable motions of the hands, wrists, and arms, pupils may be declared ready for the introductory pieces. These should be carefully chosen, that pupils may be assisted in the art of modulation, the more complete management of the voice, and the pronunciation of syllables, in all their varieties, whether slow or quick, soft, loud, high or low. over annexed References to Books of History, Voyages, Travels, &c. By Thomas Bourn, Teacher of Writing and Geography, Hackney. The Second Edition. 8vo. pp. 990. the as THE opinion we gave of the former Edition, in vol. LXXVII. p. 1046, has been confirmed by the favourable reception which has been given to it by the publick at large, evinced by that sure criterion, a rapid sale; and Pursuing this mode:-selecting ap- the new edition bears testimony to propriate specimens, and presenting them in one point of view, boys are Author's persevering industry. taught to speak rather than declaim "The defects," he observes, "which to feel an easy importance when requirwere discoverable in the first Edition ed, rather than to maintain an of this Work, I have in the present bearing confidence, which, on many ocendeavoured to avoid; and I have casions, must end in disappointment. availed myself of such remarks have been communicated by public criticism, or suggested by private friendship. Some articles have, at the re quest of friends, received considerable additions; and many more quotations might have been added from the authors cited; but it is. more desirable that the pupils select and abridge for themselves; as it is probable, that knowledge acquired by a little labour, will be longer retained than that which is procured with great facility. Besides, by seeking the information required, other knowledge is elicited. To Mr. Stephen Jones's Biographical Dictionary, and Mr. Butler's Chronological and Biographical Exercises, I thought it unnecessary to refer at every opportunity, as they are now almost universally used in schools. To the former friend I feel much obliged for many assistances during the progress of this Work; and to the latter I have paid an humble but very sincere tribute of gratitude, by inscribing to him these first fruits of my literary labours.”—“I cannot urge it too strongly on those concerned in the teaching of Geography, to make their pupils trace the situation of every particular city, of the moun tains and the lakes, and the sources and directions of the principal rivers, on the map of the country they are studying. To those pupils who are capable of it, the constructing of maps will be found pleasing and useful; and by laying down the principal cities, mountains, rivers, &c. upon them, they will become bet ter acquainted with their situations, than by the most particular description that could be given. The great number of excellent atlases and single maps which have lately appeared, was con sidered as superseding the necessity of any being published with the present work; which must have greatly increased the price, and to those already in possession of them would have been superfluous," "Perfected in the distinctness of articulation, the pronunciation of sentences, the management of the voice, and the proper use of gesture and action, pupils are adequately prepared for oratorical speeches. At this period of instruction, as boys are capable of re ceiving considerable help from well-arranged oral discourse, the lecturer may occasionally revert to the philosophy of mind, and take enlarged views of the art of persuasion. The pupil should be reminded that he must never cease to avail himself of information; that he must observe, read, converse, and meditate: that the Speaker must not only acquire the justest conception of the things which he presumes to utter, but he must know how to communicate them in their proper order; they must be clothed in the most agreeable, as well as the most forcible language. He must avoid redundancy of expression; he must be neither too close nor too diffuse; and, above all, he must perfect himself in that branch of Oratory, which has been pronounced to form the first, second, and third parts of the science Elocution. This will enable him at all times to command attention;-its operation will be electric; it will strike from heart to heart; and he must be a dolt indeed, a mere declaimer, who does not feel himself inspirited by the fos tering meed of such approbation,-mute attention;-and return his sentiments with a sympathetic feeling, energy, and. pathos." The various Exercises for Articulation, Modulation, &c. &c. are judiciously selected, and form an entertaining volume. 13. A Gazetteer of the most remarkable Places in the World; with brief Notices of the principal Historical Events, and of the most celebrated Persons connected with them. To which are GENT. MAG. July, 1815. REVIEW REVIEW OF NEW MUSICAL PUBLICATIONS. "La Science de la Musique demande plus de méditation qu'on ne s'imagine; il ne suffit pas d'être géomètre et physicien pour pouvoir l'approfondir, il faut, de plus, avoir des oreilles très-consommées dans l'art, de sorte qu'on ne puisse y porter aucun jugement, sans que la raison et le sentiment ne s'y trouvent absolument d'accord; sinon le physicien donne souvent aux choses une interpretation toute opposée à celle qu'exige le sentiment, et le simple musicien qui n'est pas sensible qu'aux effets, sans en connoftre la cause, risque à tout moment de leser à des principes qui leur sont étrangers." 1. A new Edition, being the Second, of an Introduction to Harmony. By William Shield, Musician in Ordinary, to his Majesty. pp. 125. 4to. Robinson. Mr. William Shield is a musician of considerable genius, who bas long rendered himself conspicuous as a composer of pleasing songs. He may be called the Grétry of England, although much inferior to Grétry in literary talent, and entirely destitute of his vanity. Mr. Shield's Introduction to Composition was first published about fifteen years ago. The present edition is printed from the same plates, with a few alterations, and the following additions: 1. the method of accompanying psal mody in 1600, contrasted with the present; 2. Romance attribuée à Henri IV. (charmante Gabrielle); 3. semichorus in strict fugue, for four voices; 5. table of intervals and their inversions, to prove distances; 6. common-chord in six positions, derivatives dispersed, &c.; 7. the rule of the octave (a common suite of chords on the scale as a bass) for different instruments; 8. a quartetto, the diatonic scale being alternately a bass, tenor, or one of the trebles: 9. variety of modulations, discords with preparations and resolutions, RAMEAU. sufficiently methodical for a system to be used alone in studying harmony and composition. Here we find particular cases and examples, instead of general rules and principles which may be easily stored up in the student's memory. His expressions are often amusingly quaint and odd, and his sentences generally want that unity which produces force and clearness. A great many technical terms are employed, long before they are explained, to the great embarrassment of the ignorant beginner. The first sentence in the book exhibits some of these defects: "Musical harmony is produced by uniting sounds to melody, in a manner agreeable to the ear, and conformable to the rules of art; which we shall attempt to give, in a plain manner, in this Introduction, and begin with that scale which proceeds by tones and semitones, it being the most simple, as well as the most natural, and is written by the moderns thus-C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C,” &c. p. 1. The note at the foot of this page is worse than useless: seven sounds do not "produce all that charming variety of harmony which the world admires." Our grand pianofortes will render more than 70 different sounds, none of which, we presume, are entations of fugues by different coun- tirely useless with regard to musical terpoints all constrained to harmonize variety. (See p. 110.) Mr. S. names with four bars (measures) of melody; the two inversions of a triad, its "deand 10. treatment of the 2nd, in two rivatives:" they have about as much parts, chiefly for the violin. To this right to be considered derivatives volume the author has now published from it as the words eat and ate from an Appendix, in a separate form, for tea (p. 4.) Note A. on page 3 is the convenience of those who pos- rious, but partly erroneous; ; for a sess the first edition of his Introduc" simple sound" may be produced tion of this new work we shall give easily, on the harp, or on bow-instrusome account hereafter. The cha- ments, by touching or damping the racter of the first volume met be string at the nodes, so as to make it now so well known to the publick, give the harmonic, the sons flûtés that it is unnecessary for us to say discovered by Sauveur. It is thought much on its merits and defects. In that the flute-sounds of a violin, or general, it may be remarked that his violoncello, are sweeter rathan the explanations are not sufficiently clear other tones of those instruments, in and accurate, nor his arrangement consequence of their being pure, or wunmixed imi at page 66, where we are directed not to change a chord upon a passing bass-note, but continue it (the chord already played) until a change is denoted by a new figure. Having suf ficiently shewn the Author's laxity of toree language, we must do him the justice unmixed with other sounds. Mr. S. says: "There is a remarkable circumstance related, in Natural History, of the Triton Avis, a name by which Nieremberg has described a West Indian bird, famous for its musical qualities: it is said to have distinct notes, and to be able to give breath to sounds of all the three kinds at the same time. Do they form a concord or discord? Dibdin tells us, in his Harmonick Preceptor, p. 132, that an animal in America, called the Sloth, performs the scales or hexachords of Guido, so that Burney is wrong in asserting that there is no natural musick, but that all is the work of art. In treating of the succession and positions of chords, Mr. S. says, "the order of Nature should govern, which, in all progression, is to go from the place one is then in, to that which lies next to it." What a rule to be adhered to strictly and generally in composition! The series of sixths in three parts, p. 10, we are told, may be carried to the major or the minor key, by additional chords: the pupil will hence naturally conclude that the series itself is in neither key. The example on the next page is a pretty illustration of the order of Nature recommended before. In note B. p. 18, "the third bar consists of such a succession of major thirds as never disfigure a good composition,' should be, 66 are never found in a good composition." On page 24, a rule is given, that, in playing thorough bass, every bass note without a signature is to have a common chord; but this rule, so evidently faulty, is not corrected till we arrive to remark, that his examples are very interesting, and that his work con taius a great deal of valuable matter,* suited to almost every kind of per former. It had been much more valuable and satisfactory, had he given the names of the authors from whose works his extracts are taken, instead of concealing them, and thus making himself the only authority for what is correct and tasteful. We did expect that, in a second edition, he would have availed himself more of the observations made on the first by preceding cri tics. The tables of chords, prefixed to his Repertory of Chords and Cadences, should be learned by heart by every one who is desirous of being able to perform thorough bass without embarrassment. This work has proved serviceable by enticing grown-up ladyperformers to acquire some knowledge of musical theory, which they were disinclined, or too impatient, to study in a more methodical and effectual manner. 2. Douze Préludes progressifs pour la Harpe, calculés pour apprendre à moduler dans tous les Tons; composés et dediés aux Amateurs, par N. C. Bochsa, fils. pp. 17. 5s. Preston. VERY useful and pleasing to students of this charming instrument. Some few passages have the fingering marked. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. July 22. The young gentlemen of Winchester College last week spoke before the Warden of New College, &c. when Medals were awarded as follows:-To Mr. WASH INGTON, a gold medal, for a Latin prose Essay, the theme, "Consilia eventu non ponderanda sunt;"-to Mr. URQUHART, a gold medal, for an English Poem, the theme, "Ulysses announces to Hecuba that the manes of Achilles demands the sacrifice of Polyxena;"-a silver medal to Mr. CRANT, for reciting the Speech of Scipio to his Soldiers; and a silver medal to Mr. DUTHY, for delivering "Marci Catonis ad Senatores Oratio." At the Levee at Carlton-bouse, on Thursday June 8, Lord Grenville; as Chancellor of the University of Oxford, presented a most splendid volume in folio, containing the particulars of the visit of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, the Emperor of Russia, King of Prussia, Duchess of Oldenburgh, &c. The First Volume of a 66 History of the Western Division of the County of SUSSEX," with numerous and excellent Engravings by the best Artists, is printed under the patronage of the Duke of NORFOLK, who has been at the whole expence, except of such Plates as have been presented by the Nobility, &c. and which are marked as presents. The entire impression has been taken off on large quarto paper, and forms the most most splendid work of the kind that has been seen. It is written by the Rev. James DallawaY, Rector of Slynfold, in Sussex, one of An authentic Account of the late Mr. WHITBREAD, consisting of Facts and Anecdotes relating to his latter Days Chichester Cathed the Minor Canons of and Death, developing the Causes which و Vicar of Leatherhead, in Surrey, and Official Secretary to his Grace, as Earl Marshal of England. Mr. Dallaway's knowledge and taste in Architecture, and skill in Heraldry, have been long known to the Publick. The arrangement of the materials in this Work is luminous, the composition is perspicuous, and it forms a pattern worthy the attention of all future County Historians. The Second Volume of the new edi-· tion of Wood's Athenæ Oxonienses, in quarto, edited by Mr. BLISS, of St. John's College, Oxford, is finished. It continues the Athenæ, and includes the Bishops and the Fasti, to the year 1640, containing the whole of the first volume of the folio edition, with very great additions both in text and notes. The remainder of the Work is in very cousiderable forwardness, and will be com*mitted to the press without delay. Mr. PINKERTON has completed his very useful and laborious "General Collection of the best and most interesting Voyages and Travels in all Parts of the World; many of which are now first translated into English. Digested on a new Plan." Nearly ready for Publication: Fragments of several Orations of Cicero, with a Commentary of Asconius Vedianus, from original MSS, lately discovered in the Ambrosian Library at Milan. To be published under the direc tion of Mr. J. G. JACKSON. A volume, under the title of Edinburgh Fugitive Pieces, with Letters containing a Comparative View of the Mode of Living, Arts, Commerce, Literature, Manners, &c. of Edinburgh at different Periods, by the late Mr. WM. CREECH. It will comprehend an Account of his Life. Messiah's Advent; or, Remarks on the Moral Tendency, of the Doctrine of Christ's Manifestation in the Flesh; by SAMUEL CHASE, M.A. Travels in Poland, Austria, Bavaria, Saxony, and the Tyrol, in he years 1807 and 1808. By Baron D'UKLANSKI. The Life and Campaigns of Field Marshal Prince BLUCHER; with authentic Anecdotes, &c. of all the leading Characters of both the Confederate and French Armies. Translated from the German of General GNEISENAU, Quartermaster-general to Prince Blucher's Army; with considerable Additions, by J. E. MARSTON, esq. of the Hamburgh-Burger-Guard. led to that, deplorable Event. By FRAN CIS PHIPPEN. Tributes of the Public Press to the Memory of the late Mr. WHITBREAD. The Golden Glove; or, The Farmer's Son: a Comedy, in five Acts. With some Poetical Sketches, on Occasional Subjects. By JOHN LAKE, author of "The House of Morville," a Play." The Duel, a Satirical. Poem, in four Cantos, with other Poems. ByL.O.SHAW. The Lay of the Poor Fiddler, a Parody on "The Lay of the Last Minstrel," with Notes and Illustrations. By an Admirer of Walter Scott. Preparing for Publication: The Ninth and last Volume of Mr. NICHOLS'S "Literary Anecdotes of the Eighteenth Century" is finished at the Press, and the publication waits only for a General Index to the Eighth and Ninth Volumes. The Repertorium Bibliographicum is in a considerable state of progress; and will embrace accounts of the most celebrated Foreign Libraries; also of British Public and Private Libraries; and a Dialogue in the Shades between Caxton and the Author. The Work will be embellished with Portraits of several eminent Book-collectors. Mr. E. V. UTTERSON is preparing for publication, Select Pieces of Early Popular Poetry, in which no piece will be given that has been printed subsequent to the close of the sixteenth century; nor any that did not, either in its subject-matter or style, possess claims to popularity. The work is not intended to exceed two volumés, of the same size as Ritson's "Antient Popular Poetry;" and the impression will not exceed 250 copies. Dr. MILLAR, Editor of the fourth edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, has announced for publication at Edin burgh, a new Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Miscellaneous Literature, under the title of " Encyclopædia Edinensis," to be completed in six volumes, quarto. A Topographical History of Staffordshire; to be comprised in one large 8vo volume. By Mr. WILLIAM PITT, late of Pendeford. A Treatise on Theology, written by Mrs. LUCY HUTCHINSON, author of "The Memoirs of the Life of Colonel Hutchinson" To which will be added, a Letter written by Mrs. Hutchinson to her Daughter, on the Principles of the Christian Religion; also the Life of Mrs. Hutchinson, Hutchinson, written by herself, a frag Speculations on various Subjects, consisting of a Series of Literary, Moral, and Religious Essays. By Mr. MAC The Ides of March, and the Nones of September, inscribed to the Potentates of Europe. By Captain FAIRMAN, author of several political and popular tracts. The Labyrinth demolished; or, the Pioneer of Rational Philology. By the Rev. JAMES GILCHRIST, author of "Reason the True Arbiter of Language." A new Map of the World; exhibiting at one view the extent, religion, population, and degrees of civilization; with illustrative notes. By JAMES WYLD. A new Musical Work, called "The Pianoforte Pocket Companion," intended to present a popular view of the science and practice of Musick, on a principle hitherto unapplied, in melody simplified and harmony illustrated, with respect to keyed and other instruments. A Whole-length Portrait of Miss O'Neill, in the Character of Juliet, from a picture painted by George Dawe, Esq. R. A. To be engraved in mezzotinto by Mr. G. MALE. Proposals have been issued for publishing Plans, Elevations, and Sections of Buildings, public and private, executed in various parts of England, &c. including the plans and details of the New Custom-House, London, with descriptions. By DAVID LAING, Architect and Surveyor to the Board of Customs. Mr. WOOENOTH, on account of the time requisite to finish his Plates of Canterbury Cathedral in the manner in which he is desirous they should meet the eye of the Publick, has resolved to postpone publishing until the commencement of the ensuing year. This delay, from our knowledge of Mr. Woolnoth, we may safely pronounce to be generally beneficial to the work. The second livraison of the splendid French work on Egypt has made its appearance, and is principally devoted to the remains of antient Thebes. Many of the plates measure six feet: Among other remarkable objects, the celebrated colossal figure of Memnon, which was said to emit an harmonious sound at the rising of the sun, still exists in the plain of Thebes. It is remarkable that the French Artists attest that they heard similar sounds at sun-rise in another place covered with blocks of granite. Is it possible that the rapid change in the temperature of the air can, by its action upon the stone, produce this effect? In the palace and tomb of Osymandyas is still standing one of the largest and most beautiful colossal figures of rosecoloured granite, which must weigh upwards of two millions of pounds, and have been brought thither from a quarry 200 miles distant. The palace of the Propylæa, as it is termed, contains a hall supported by columns, the dimensions of which may afford some idea of the prodigious magnitude of these remains. It is 50 fathoms in length, and 25 in breadth; 134 pillars, each 65 feet high, support the roof, which is composed of immense blocks of stone. The whole church of Notre Dame, at Paris, would stand in it. "We can scarcely express," say the wri-" ters, "the disagreeable impression made upon us by the first works of Grecian architecture that we saw, after a residence of eight months among these antiquities. The elegant Corinthian columns, appeared slender, and without solidity; and their rich capitals an unmeaning decoration. It required some time before we could recover our former taste. Grecian architecture possesses the utmost elegance and beauty of proportion; the antient Egyptian, a noble simplicity, not destitute of elegance, and a grandeur that elevates the mind." This work opens a new world, a boundless field for inquiries concerning antient history, commerce, literature, and science. Much that modern writers bave hitherto only conjectured relative to the antient intercourse of nations, and the higher degree of their culture, is bere reduced to certainty. The nephew of the celebrated WIELAND has signified his intention of publishing this year a collection of his uncle's Letters to some of the most distinguished characters and literati of bis time, as well as his epistolary correspondence, of a confidential nature and late date, with a German Princess, on the subject of the most important events and most celebrated personages of modern times. This collection will take in nearly the whole space of Wieland's literary career, beginning with the year 1763, and ending in 1812. It will inelude few letters which have been before in print. M. BOTTA, bookseller and printer at Tubingen, in Suabia, has purchased all the manu-cripts of the late Prince de Ligne, for 10,000 francs. Dr. ESTLIN'S Unitarian Christian's Statement and Defence of his Principles, in reference chiefly to the Charges of the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of St. David's; a discourse delivered at the Annual Meeting of the Unitarian Society in South Wales, held at Llangyndeirn, in Carmarthenshire, July 6, 1815, and pub lished at their request. SELECT |