13. A few Reflections on Passing Events. 8vo. pp. 22. Hatchard. Is. THESE "Reflections" well deserve a serious and attentive perusal. "The awful page which is now turning over in the history of mankind, is so strongly marked by an Almighty Hand, that even those little accustomed to look up to the Great Disposer, cannot forbear attributing to His influence, and not to thecouncils of men,' events beyond all -human calculation.-An attempt to trace a few of the leading features of the times up to their Supreme Source, is an effort which needs no apology, though the feebleness of its execution demands indulgence." REVIEW OF NEW MUSICAL PUBLICATIONS. "La musique est aussi ancienne que le monde; elles semble née avec l'homme pour l'accompagner dans sa pénible carrière, adoucir ses travaux, et charmer ses peines: ce fut là son premier usage. Elle fut ensuite consacrée au culte divin; elle en fit une partie principale, et devint encore nécessaire au peuple pour aider à la poësie à conserver les traditions de leurs ancêtres. C'étoit la première science que l'on enseignoit aux enfans; la musique et la poësie embrassoient toutes leurs études; on fut jusq'à déifier les premiers hommes qui s'y distinguèrent." DUTENS 1.4 Collection of Madrigals for three, four, five, and six Voices, selected from the Works of the most eminent Composers of the fifteenth and sixteenth Centuries, carefully extracted from the original Books as preserved in the Madrigal Society, and dedicated to the Members, by the Rev. Richard Webb, A. M. Minor Canon of St. Paul's Cathedral, and Priest in ordinary of his Majesty's Chapels Royal. Fol. pp. 109. 31s. 6d. THE laboured and learned compositions called Madrigals were much in vogue in Italy in the sixteenth century. In 1703, Brossard defined a madrigal to be "une petite Poësie de peu de vers libres et ordinairement inégaux, qui n'a pas la gesne d'un Sonnet, ny la subtilité d'une Epigramme, mais seulement une pensée tendre et agréable: c'est sur de ces sortes de poësies que quantite d'illustres compositeurs ont fait des pieces toutes charmantes qu'on nomme dela madrigali. Il y en a, à 2, à 3, à 4, à 5, à 6, 7, et 8 voix, et cela prodant un stile particulier dans la musique que les Italiens apellent de-la stilo madrigalesco." Some are of opinion that madrigals were invented and first performed on the organ. The present valuable collection contains nineteen; two for 3 voices, six for 4, eight for 5, and three for 6 voices. The dates of the pieces are between 1552 and 1613; and the composers are, C. Tye, L. Marenzio, Prænestini, Feretti, Pizzoni, Croce, Morley, Dowland, Bennet, Bateson, Weelkes, Ward, Gibbons, and Wilbye. For the ciraracter of these authors see Burney's History. We strongly recommend this work to those musical societies for whose use and pleasure it is adapted, and hope the very musical editor will be induced to publish a second collection." A second collection, never before printed in score, will be engraven, as soon as an adequate number of subscribers' names are received." 2. The New Musical Magazine, Review, and Register of valuable Musical Publications, ancient and modern. (published monthly). Vol. I. 4to. 1809. Cook, London. THE plan of this Work is good; but the execution is indifferent. Each monthly number contains half a sheet of letter-press, and about eight pages of musick very neatly engraven. The letter-press consists of a Review of Vocal and Instrumental publications; and letters from Loeschmann, Hawkes, Jacobs, Russell, &c. chiefly concerning recent attempts to improve the scale of sounds in the organ and pianoforte: it also contains an imperfect biography of Arne, Handel, Mich. Haydn, Jackson, Mozart, H. Purcell, and J. J. Rousseau. The musick consists of selections from. Purcell, Giardini, Mozart, Guglielmi, Hoffineister, Cramer, Ferrari, &c. &c. and extracts from Works reviewed. This part of the volume contains several vocal pieces by Dr. Joseph Kemp of Cambridge; who is said to be the author and compiler of the work. The following extract will furnish some idea of the literary department. It is part of a Review of the Jubilee, an Entertainment, written and composed by the Doctor Kemp we have just mentioned. For his credit, we hope he was not the writer of the the Review as well as of the entertainment. There need be no greater punishment for the offender, than to be proved guilty of such doubledealing. "Doctor Kemp has introduced himself to the publick as the author and composer of a piece, which, to do him justice, we must observe, cutitles him to considerable attention. We have long regretted the practice of monopoly, which evidently has prevailed, and still exists: theatrical pieces have almost uniformly been given to insignificant composers, to the expulsion (exclusion?) of talents; to composers, who, to their shame be it mentioned, either from a want of ability, or some other cause, steal passages, and even pages, passing them off, or endeavouring to do so, as current coin of their own.-English Mariners: this glee is preceded by a recitative, which introduces all that are to take a part in it the glee is so arranged that it may be sung by 2 trebles and a bass, or by an alto, tenore, and bass (why not basso 2); the last two lines of each stanza is repeated as a chorus. The musick by Doctor Kemp, is both characteristic and beautiful; the able manner" (in which) "he has constructed this piece, and the other harmonized pieces, particularly the finalé, a chorus which has not been equailed by any thing theatrical for years, is sufficient to evince the composer to be of eminence." p. 169. His" eminence" will forgive our omitting to transcribe a sample of his skill at poetry, or any more of the numerous examples of his deficiency in common grammatical knowledge. We have seen but the first volume of this Musical Magazine, and two or three numbers, in a larger size, of the second. Whether it is continued or not, we have no anxiety to learn. The individual who took in, or was taken in, by this volume could never procure a title-page for it from the publisher, notwithstanding the enticing promises of the Editor. sessing such irresistible claims to commendation as the present divertimento. The first two pages are occupied with a very sweet introduction, andante, in common time §, following which is Rousseau's Dream, an aria moderato, and 10 beautiful variations. The piece is in F major, and is not very difficult. With pleasure we advise every player, who can span octaves, to procure a copy of it, being persuaded he will not blame us for so doing, nor the young performer regret the trouble it may cost him in learning to play it with accuracy. 4. Advice to a young Composer, or a short Essay on Vocal Harmony; wherein the Rudiments of Musical Composition are intended to be explained in a familiar Manner; with Specimens from Dr. Greene, Brassetti, and Haydn. By James Peck, pp. 46. 2s. 6d. London, 1810. THE letter-press of this book, only 16 small pages, treats on Melody; Harmony, consonant and dissonant; fundamental base; thorough base; chords by supposition; and intervals. This is attempting too much in such limits. "But as this short Essay professes no more than to open the outer door of the Temple of Music, to those who have neither time nor opportunity to introduce theniselves to the inner courts, he takes leave to say, that should any person, on perusal of this trifle, wish to enter more fully into the reasons of the rules here laid down, they may read and endeavour to understand the works of Antoniotti, D'Lambert (Dalembert)-translation in Encyclop. Britannica, article Music,-Rameau, Rousseau, Morley, and other old writers; and Barthelemon, Callcott, Furtado, Gun (on the violoncello), King, Kollmann, Miller, and (though last, not least) Shield, among the moderns." Pref. This selection of au thors is more singular than judicious. To the learner these works will be so many cross-ways in a strange coun 3. Rousseau's Dream, an Air, with Va- try. Mr. Peck seems to be possessed riations for the Pianoforte, composed of some musical knowledge, and to and dedicated to the Right Honourable require much more to manage what the Countess of Delaware. By J. B. he has already. His work will tend mer, London. Chappell and Co. only to inspire vain hymn-singers with the folly of setting up composers, without the necessary qualifi cations.. 9. 3s. VERY seldom indeed have we met with a light composition pos SELECT SELECT POETRY. Recited in the Theatre, OXFORD, June 15. INSPIRING Muse of History, Who throw'st thy broad and comprehensive span O'er all the annals of the brave and free, O'er all th' eventful tale of man, Attune the trump of Fame no more To them, the chiefs of older time, The hardy sons of Sparta's shore, The patriots of Athenian clime; But hail to those who struck th' auspicious blow, [pression low. The brother-band of Kings, who laid Op Turn from fierce Macedonia's Lord, Who fired the royal Persian's captive fane, [Art implored That phrenzied youth, whom suppliant To spare her honours, but implored in vain. [arm But, Art, declare whose conquering Preserved each trophy of thy favour'd clime, Gave back, secure from scath and barm, The classic spoils of Time? 'Twas He, the Hero of the North : In him a nobler ALEXANDER view, Who chased the Tyrant in his anger forth, Yet o'er the prostrate foe his sheltering buckler threw. In generous AUSTRIA See display'd The awful justice of the Roman name; By nature, by ambition's force unsway'd, And deaf to all but Virtue's sacred claim. To FREDERIC's heir, thrice worthy of his throne, [Alute; And Him of SWEDEN, breathe the Spartan For well might old Tyrtæus' measure suit [Europe's moan, Their praise, who, rouzed at injured Like Sparta's marshal kings their bosoms bared, [danger shared. And with their lion bands each toil and No more in wild romantic strain Dwell on the record of their fabled worth, Who quell'd each giant brood, each monster train, The champion lords of grateful earth. Thy oaken wreath to grace the veteran Of living valour, patriot Muse, de[daunted breast, To those who sought with firm unAnd pierced the serpent-den of Tyranny. To BLUCHER and the HETMAN yield the crown; [Oppressor down. First in the van of those who smote th' Enough through Anarchy's wild night Hath gleam'd that meteor of portentous birth, led, Pour'd rout and slaughter on her foe. Him, who to cheer the exile's hopeless eye, Uprear'd the friendly beacon-light That laugh'd to scorn the tempest's Europe, remember him, who ever gave A home to suffering man, a welcome to the brave. Though He, on dark Affliction's couch laid low, [name, Hears not, alas! thy blessings on his Yet, Europe, what thou canst, bestow; Give to his Son the well-earn'd meed of fame: That Son, more nobly proved his own, When erst, in Bourbon's darkest hour, He cheer'd the Exile of a rival throne With all the courtesies of wealth and power, [pride, Than when of late, in Bourbon's day of He held high festival, triumphant by his side. He comes, by Europe's wishes blest, As glory's prize in concert won, Those hallow'd ties which bind the patriot THREE, [of Liberty. The champions of the world, the friends JOHN HUGHES, B. A. Of Oriel College. VERSES Recited in the Theatre, OXFORD, June 15. varied song, aid, MUSE, who didst chaunt thy joy in [princely throng When these glad walls received the Of great Eliza's court; withheld whose [coarsely paid; Poor were our thanks, our homage Prompt my rude tongue to shape its duteous task [may ask, In such fond speech as his approach Who rose from couch of filial woe to bear For us, the Ensign of a Father's care: Teach me to shun each thought of meaner praise, [race! But hail him worthy of that Father's Nor yet desert my call, for I would dare Salute, by thee inspir'd, yon high-born pair: Oh let me bid them, ere thy lesson cease, Welcome, thrice welcome, to the Sons of Peace! What tho' the gownsman's sable vest[theme, ments seem To speak him stranger to the soldier's Self-doom'd to view the triumph from afar, Nor boast the glorious blazonry of war; Think him not, mighty Chiefs, too cold to love. [strove, Tales of the battle-field, where armies Too dull to reverence, too slow to greet The Hero's presence in his calm retreat. When, Phoenix-like, the vengeful spirit broke Ill might diminish'd train of vassals wait, We, could a faithful band such charge resign? [shrine. Kept our lone vigils by the matron's Ye, who are school'd in camps, perchance had smil'd [beguil'd To mark what anxious search our watch With eager eye we scaun'd th' historie page, [presage From deeds of high renown drew bold It fancy rov'd, where curious foot had trac'd [waste; The soldier's track, deep-printed in the But chief we paus'd, where whelm'd in Issus' tide Slept the huge relics of barbaric pride, Pride unabash'd, save when the fleet winds bore [man's shore; Her vanquish'd millions from the seaOr when she 'scap'd, dismay'd, in fragile raft, [ful shaft; The Scythian's baggard steed and deathAll else submissive to her thunders hurl'd O'er the wide East, her tributary world. Elate we view'd Fate's tardy vengeance sped: [we read, E'en then the omen pleas'd; but when That he who bravely fought, could nobly spare, Mild to the fall'n, and gentle to the fair; We grasp'd th' unerring sign with loud acclaim, And fondly dwelt on ALEXANDER's name. Nor less, 'midst triumphs of a later age, Were gallant FREDERIC'S priz'd, who dar'd to wage bend Unequal combat long, yet scorn'd to [land's friend! Before his myriad foes, for he was EngShort space to moody shame and malice giv'n, [Heav'n, By rebel passions urg'd, and angry Gall'd by defeat, not tam'd, untaught to yield, Straight thro' the narrow cell and echoing hall, Stern rule and sober task forgotten all, In mingled fits of ecstasy and pain, We hail'd the battle won, and mourn'd o'er heroes slain! Tumultuous hours were those, but now employ [chasten'd joy. Our tranquil breasts pure hope and No more, in wakeful truce, the jealous hand, [brand, Clasps, unrelax'd, the loosely sheathed But, bare of steel and gauntlet rough, repays, [embrace. With pressure fond, the scholar's keen Methinks, while yet the pageant treads Approving Science lifts her head, and To grace the splendid feats of chivalry, Sighs o'er the splinter'd lance and clo- VERSES Recited in the Theatre, OXFORD, June 15. YE guardian Spirits, who, ordain'd of old, In solemn charge the doom of empires hoid, To you, through all her shores, may En[praise, rope raise, Haply the sons of some far distant age Shall muse, mistrustful, o'en the wondrous page, Where the proud records of your deeds are held, [that quell'd. The wrongs that menac'd, and the might Though oft too harsh the din of war in The Opening of one of GREGORY NAZIANZEN's Poems, entitled, An Address to his Soul; translated from the Greek by H. S. BOYD. Realm after realm, the pealing hymn of And 'mid the glowing peans that ascend To hail the King, the Warrior, and the Friend, Let Oxford cull, to swell the solemn quire,. The choicest treasure of th' historic lyre For HIM, who first his battling myriads core From wintry Baltic and the Caspian shore; Who chid that recreant foe, whom but to [shane; Would dull our glories with a word of Staked his rich heritage of martial zeal, And arm'd a BLUCHER for his Country's weal. Ye, leagued in fame, through after years shall beam [theme! The Patriot's watchword, and the Poet's me? Tell me, my Soul; I ask of thee. Say, |